Daily US Times: In his first phone call with new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, China’s top diplomat has again pinned the blame on US for plunging bilateral relations to their lowest point in decades, and rejected international criticism of China’s policies in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
Yang Jiechi, the top foreign policy aide to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, told Mr Blinken during their Friday call that Washington should “correct recent mistakes, and work with China to promote the healthy and stable development of China-US relations by upholding the spirit of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation,” according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Yang emphasized that both countries should respect the other’s core interests, as well as political systems and developmental paths of their own choosing, the statement said.
The Chinese diplomats said: “Each side should focus on taking care of its own domestic affairs. China will firmly continue down the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and no one can stop the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Relations between Beijing and Washington under former US President Donald Trump were oftentimes fractious, with clashes on issues relating to trade, technology, regional security and human rights.
Recent statements from Joe Biden administration suggest there will be little in the way of pullback. In a speech Thursday, Biden described China as the US’ “most serious competitor” and outlined plans to confront Beijing’s “attack on human rights, intellectual property, and global governance.”
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