China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang has warned that the US must change its “distorted” attitude towards China or face “conflict and confrontation.” Qin, a trusted adviser to President Xi Jinping, accused the US of engaging in suppression and containment of China instead of fair competition.
He claimed that the US’s perception and views of China are seriously distorted, as it regards China as its primary rival and the most consequential geopolitical challenge.
Qin’s comments followed a speech by President Xi on Monday, in which he accused Western countries, led by the United States, of implementing all-round containment, blockade and suppression of China.
Relations between the US and China have been tense for years over issues such as Taiwan’s status as a self-governing democracy, trade, and the war in Ukraine.
However, tensions increased last month after the US shot down a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina. Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a planned visit to Beijing following the incident.
Qin criticized the US for shooting down the balloon and reiterated Beijing’s official position that its appearance over the US was an accident.
Qin defended China’s “wolf warrior diplomacy,” a forceful brand of diplomacy that has been in place since 2020, stating that when jackals and wolves are blocking the way, Chinese diplomats must then dance with the wolves and protect and defend their home and country.
Qin also repeated China’s call for a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, claiming that an “invisible hand” was pushing for the continuation and escalation of the conflict “to serve certain geopolitical agendas.”
Qin accused the US of “disrespecting China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” by offering political support to Taiwan and supplying it with defensive weapons.
Beijing has threatened to use force to bring Taiwan under its control, sounding alarm bells in Washington. The US does not advocate for Taiwan’s formal independence from China, but it is required by law to help the island defend itself if attacked.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is scheduled to meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in California next month rather than in Taipei to avoid further antagonizing China.
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