Beijing: China expresses strong condemnation and firm opposition to the recent remarks made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to the remarks made by Rubio, who blamed China on issues of Taiwan, economy and trade, COVID-19, and Indo-Pacific affairs.
According to Qatar News Agency, Lin emphasized that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This statement, Lin said, reflects the real status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
Lin remarked that trade and tariff wars have no winner and criticized the US for politicizing and weaponizing trade and economic issues. The US's actions, including tariff hikes on Chinese imports under the pretext of fentanyl, create obstacles to normal trade, investment, and economic cooperation, ultimately harming its own economic interests and international credibility.
Lin also conveyed that China is willing to address mutual concerns with the United States through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect. He assured that China would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
The origins-tracing of COVID-19 is a serious scientific issue, Lin noted, emphasizing that the pandemic's cause being a lab leak is "extremely unlikely." This conclusion was reached by experts from the WHO-China joint mission after field trips to the Wuhan lab and discussions with researchers. Lin urged the United States to cease blaming and scapegoating China.
Lin further commented on the Asia-Pacific region, stating it is a leader in cooperation and development, not a field for geopolitical rivalry. He warned that attempts to provoke bloc confrontation in the Asia-Pacific contradict the prevailing trends and the aspirations of regional countries, predicting such efforts will fail.
China, Lin concluded, remains committed to developing relations with the United States based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, while firmly defending its national sovereignty, security, and development interests.