Jung: "Rejecting Attempts to Drag in Factional Conflicts"... Continuing Criticism of IPEF

The King and the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] China has voiced continuous criticism of the Indo-Pacific strategy.

Wang Yi, China's State Councilor in charge of foreign affairs and Foreign Minister, stated on the 23rd at the 78th Annual Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held virtually in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, that "the Asia-Pacific region stands at a crossroads in history," and clearly rejected "any attempt to bring military blocs and camp confrontations into the Asia-Pacific region."

Wang emphasized, "The peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region are directly linked not only to the fate of this region but also to the future of the world," and raised his voice saying, "We must learn from history to build a community with a shared future in Asia-Pacific and open a new chapter of Asia-Pacific cooperation."

He continued, "We will steadfastly safeguard peace and stability, firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter," and stressed, "We will also join forces for economic development, promote the establishment of an Asia-Pacific free trade area, and build an open Asia-Pacific economy and a global economy."

Although Wang did not directly mention the United States, he has been making remarks criticizing the U.S. Asia-Pacific strategy in line with the launch of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

Earlier, on the 22nd, after the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' meeting held in Guangzhou, Wang stated at a press conference that he "opposes any attempt to create division and confrontation" regarding the IPEF.

Wang also criticized the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, which was re-highlighted during the South Korea-U.S. summit, saying, "Although it claims to uphold the banner of freedom and openness, it is focused on forming cliques and small groups."

He added, "The purpose is to attempt to encircle China and to make Asia-Pacific countries pawns of U.S. hegemony," criticizing the strategy.