Chinese Foreign Ministry: What Is Needed for COVID-19 Is Not F35 Fighter Jets but N95 Masks

China's Contribution to Global Economic Growth at 30%, Excluding China Is an Impossible Task
Excluding China Goes Against History

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Le Yucheng (樂玉成), Vice Foreign Minister of China, strongly criticized the United States, saying that "America's exclusion of China is an act against history." This statement came immediately after the U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on Chinese officials involved in limiting visits to Tibet.

On the 8th, Vice Minister Le made pointed remarks targeting the U.S. during a US-China relations virtual conference jointly hosted by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Asia Society.

He said, "The United States claims to uphold market spirit and fair competition, but in practice, it does not tolerate those who are superior and more competitive than itself." He went on to express dissatisfaction, stating that China contributes over 30% to global economic growth, yet the U.S. not only refuses to acknowledge China as a top performer but is also becoming increasingly strict in cultural exchanges.

He added, "Observing actions such as monitoring Chinese scholars, expelling journalists, and even closing Confucius Institutes, one might suspect a resurgence of McCarthyism," warning that "US-China relations must not be dragged into the hands of extremists."

Vice Minister Le further stated, "Multilateralism and globalization are the prevailing trends, and attempts to exclude China and artificially divide the markets into two are acts against history," adding, "Creating exclusive groups against China and pressuring other countries to take sides will only breed resentment."

He asserted, "China cannot be isolated, and the market of 1.4 billion people cannot be ignored," expressing confidence that "in the digital age, attempts to divide China will not succeed."

He said, "America's real enemy is not China but invisible viruses and security challenges," emphasizing that "it is not geopolitical conflicts but terrorism, financial risks, and various viruses that are causing harm."

Vice Minister Le concluded, "Facing a once-in-a-century pandemic, what is most needed is not F35 fighter jets but N95 masks," urging that "the United States should cooperate with China and other countries to combat the pandemic rather than shifting blame to neighbors or engaging in a war of attrition."