Beijing, 16 June 2023 (TDI): On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that US and China need to work on improving their bilateral relations to foster stable growth.
Wang made these remarks at a regular press conference while responding to a briefing by U.S. officials on the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming travel to China.
According to him, both sides should build a positive perception of each other, specifically in terms of foreign policies and strategic intentions, rather than competing in a zero-sum game where one side thrives at the expense of the other.
In order to coexist in peace, both countries should respect each other and explore the right way to get along with each other leading towards win-win cooperation, hopefully. Undoubtedly, it not only serves the interests of common people but also meets the common aspirations of the international community.
Wang said, “The United States views China as its ‘primary rival’ and ‘the most consequential geopolitical challenge.’ This is a major strategic misjudgment,” ultimately pushing both countries to confront and take a divided approach.
Therefore, “This is not ‘responsible competition,’ but irresponsible bullying,” he added.
Considering this, he urged the US to abandon the illusion of dominance and stressed that both countries should strengthen their relationship based on mutual respect and equality instead.
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Moreover, he also acknowledged differences in history, culture, social systems, and development paths between the two countries; thus, both countries must express willingness to accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns.
Since the US frequently stresses the importance of dialogue and communication to maintain stable China-U.S. relations, China’s spokesperson expressed China’s willingness to engage in dialogue and communication.
He then stated that “The communication between the two countries needs to serve an actual purpose and help provide solutions. What is unacceptable is to ask for communication and meanwhile damage the other side’s interests. One can’t say one thing and do another,” emphasizing that China’s door for such exchanges remains open.
Wang also urged the US “to deliver on President Biden’s positive statements, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs and damaging China’s interests, stop containing and suppressing China, and work with China to remove obstacles, create conditions and bring China-U.S. relations gradually to the track of stable growth.”
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Regarding Blinken’s visit, Wang mentioned that the two sides will discuss important global and regional matters, and China will express its stance on the bilateral ties and protect its interests firmly.
