Chinese President Xi Jinping: "We will resist US suppression to the end... but hope for the same direction"

"If the Two Countries Clash, the Whole World Will Suffer...
China and the United States Must Cooperate on Global Challenges"

"If the United States suppresses China, we have no choice but to stand firm until the end."

Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Chinese Communist Party and concurrently Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a tough message toward the United States. Wang made this statement while attending the Munich Security Conference (MSC) held in Germany, saying, "We will resolutely respond to unilateral intimidation."

Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister attending the Munich Security Conference. Photo by Yonhap News

However, he also said, "China is ready to build a stable and sustainable bilateral relationship with the United States" and "hopes that the United States will move in the same direction as China."

He went on to note the differences in social systems between China and the United States, emphasizing that "it is unrealistic to change or even overthrow the other's system. Mutual respect is a prerequisite for China-US exchanges." He added, "The two countries must not clash, as such a conflict would bring misfortune to the entire world. For global challenges, the two countries must cooperate together."

Regarding negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, he emphasized Europe's role. He said, "We hope all stakeholders participate in the peace negotiation process at the appropriate time," and "we view positively all efforts for peace, including the agreement between the United States and Russia on peace talks." He added, "Since the war is taking place on European soil, it is especially necessary for Europe to play its role in peace and to jointly consider the root causes of the crisis."

He further explained, "Problems cannot be solved through coercion and sanctions," and "China's firm position is that the approach must be clear, objective, rational, and pragmatic."

Regarding criticism that China supports Russia by importing Russian oil and gas, Wang stressed the inevitability of the situation. According to Xinhua News Agency and Bloomberg News, Wang said, "If China does not purchase gas from Russia, which country can supply enough gas to meet the needs of the Chinese people? That is impossible."

Since U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio also attended the 61st Munich Security Conference, held from today until the 16th, attention is focused on whether this will be the first face-to-face meeting between the top diplomats of China and the United States since the launch of Donald Trump's second administration. Wang had his first official communication with Secretary Rubio via a phone call on the 24th of last month.