[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Amid worsening US-China tensions over issues such as trade, advanced technology companies, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister in charge of diplomacy, made blunt remarks targeting the United States in a public appearance.
At a press conference of the National People's Congress (NPC) held in Beijing on the 24th (local time), Wang directly mentioned the term "new Cold War" in response to reporters' questions about US-China relations, revealing China's tough stance that it will not back down from US attacks.
Wang stated, "Besides the COVID-19 virus, another political virus is spreading in the United States," adding, "This is an attempt to attack and smear China by taking advantage of every opportunity. Some (American) politicians have fabricated too many lies about China, ignoring even the most basic facts, and are engaging in malicious acts targeting China. The more lies there are, the lower the moral standards of those spreading rumors become, leaving many stains in history."
He said, "If the US and China cooperate, it is beneficial; if they fight, both sides get hurt. Although there are differences between the two countries, it does not mean there is no room for cooperation," leaving the door open for dialogue. However, he emphasized, "We must safeguard China's sovereignty and territory and protect our legitimate right to development. We must defend the status and dignity that the Chinese people have earned through difficult trials," clearly signaling that China will not back down. He also criticized, "Some political forces in the US are dangerously pushing bilateral relations toward a new Cold War, which is a step backward in history."
Regarding the push to enact the Hong Kong National Security Law, which confronts the US, China also made it clear that it will not retreat. Wang said, "The Hong Kong issue is China's internal affair, and no external interference can be tolerated," emphasizing, "Illegal and deep interference by external forces in the Hong Kong issue has seriously harmed national security. Establishing the legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard the national security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region cannot be delayed even for a moment. Non-interference in internal affairs is a fundamental principle of international relations that all countries must observe. Protecting national security is the right of the Chinese central government."
Regarding the US claim that China is the origin of COVID-19, he described it as "false." He said, "The disagreement between China and some US politicians over the virus origin issue is a contrast between truth and falsehood, science and prejudice," adding, "History must be based on facts and should not be misled or distorted by lies."
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