Chinese Foreign Minister (FM) Wang Yi addressed the media on Thursday during the annual meeting of China’s legislature, accusing the US of deploying tactics to suppress China’s rise and criticising the Biden administration for expanding sanctions against Chinese companies.
Despite improvements in relations since the meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in November, Wang claimed that the US has not fulfilled its promises, questioning its credibility and confidence as a major power. “If the US is obsessed with suppressing China, it will eventually harm itself,” Wang stated, emphasising the need for consistent actions aligned with diplomatic commitments.
“We resolutely oppose all acts of hegemony and bullying, and will strongly uphold national sovereignty and security as well as development interests,” he added. “The methods used to suppress China are constantly being renewed, and the list of unilateral sanctions is constantly being extended.”
Taiwan, South China Sea, and US Provocations
Accusing the US of stirring up trouble in Taiwan and the South China Sea, Wang warned against unreasonable provocations and advised “certain countries” outside the region not to become disruptors. Wang reiterated China’s stance on Taiwan, stating, “Taiwan will never be allowed to split from the motherland,” and expressed China’s commitment to peaceful reunification.
Positive Remarks on Russia Amid Ukraine War
Wang praised the growing ties between China and Russia, noting the achievement of a $240 billion trade volume last year, which surpassed the $200 billion target set for the end of 2024.
Despite criticisms from the US and EU over China’s economic support to Russia amid the Ukraine war, Wang highlighted the resilience and broad prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.
“Russian natural gas has entered thousands of households in China, and Chinese cars are driving in the streets of Russia, which fully demonstrates the strong resilience and broad prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation,” Wang said.
Comments on the Two-State Solution
Wang urged members of the UN Security Council to cease blocking Palestine from becoming a UN member and proposed a major international conference to establish a roadmap and timetable for a two-state solution.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has criticized the US and the crisis in Gaza during the National People's Congress.
— DW Asia (@dw_hotspotasia) March 7, 2024
At the same time, he praised Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine. https://t.co/L8A9n0n0XJ
He reiterated China’s support for Palestine’s full UN membership and called on Security Council members not to obstruct this process. The veteran diplomat also stressed the importance of resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict through diplomatic means.