China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi meets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Vientiane on the sidelines of ASEAN+3 emphasizing need for maintaining communication.
On July 27, 2024, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Vientiane at Blinken’s request. They discussed the current state of China-U.S. relations and agreed to maintain communication at all levels, further implementing the important common understandings reached by their Presidents at the San Francisco meeting.
Wang Yi noted that over the past three months, the diplomatic, financial, law enforcement, and climate teams of both governments, as well as their militaries, have maintained communication, and people-to-people exchanges have increased. However, he pointed out that the U.S. has not ceased its containment and suppression of China, but rather intensified it. The risks facing China-U.S. relations are still growing, and challenges are rising. The relationship is at a critical point for deescalation and stabilization. He emphasized the need to recalibrate the direction, manage risks, properly address differences, remove interference, and advance cooperation.
Wang Yi stated that China’s policy towards the U.S. remains consistent, adhering to principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. He urged the U.S. to earnestly implement the commitments made by President Biden and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy. Both sides need to work together for a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-U.S. relationship.
Wang Yi pointed out that the U.S. holds a misguided perception of China, viewing it through a hegemonic lens. He emphasized that China is not the United States, nor does it aspire to be. China does not seek hegemony or engage in power politics and has the best record on peace and security among major countries.
The third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee adopted a major resolution to further deepen comprehensive reform to advance Chinese modernization. China remains committed to its founding aspiration, focusing on seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. It will continue on the path of peaceful development and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Wang Yi expressed hope that the U.S. would gain a better understanding of the CPC, as well as China’s present and future, through this resolution.
Wang Yi stated that Taiwan is part of China and will never be a separate country. He asserted that “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace are fundamentally incompatible. Any provocations by “Taiwan independence” forces will be met with countermeasures from China, as it aims to reduce the space for “Taiwan independence” and work towards complete reunification.
He also addressed the Ren’ai Jiao (Reef) issue, emphasizing that China has agreed on a provisional arrangement with the Philippines for managing the situation. The Philippines should honor this commitment and stop shipping construction materials. Wang Yi urged the U.S. not to take actions that would fan the flames, stir up trouble, or undermine maritime stability.
Regarding the Ukraine issue, Wang Yi reiterated China’s fair and transparent stance and its commitment to encouraging and promoting peace talks. He criticized the U.S. for abusing unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, stating that China rejects false accusations and will not succumb to pressure or blackmail. China will take strong measures to protect its major interests and legitimate rights.
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