Chinese Defence Minister Puts Onus Of Improving Ties On US, Says China Seeks Peace & Stability
Wei further added that China firmly rejected "US smearing, accusations and even threats" in Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's speech on Saturday.
Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe on Sunday said that it is up to the US to improve the bilateral relationship between both the countries as ties are at a Critical Juncture. The Minister was speaking at an Asian Security meeting and repeated several times that China only sought peace and stability and was not an aggressor, he called on the United States to "strengthen solidarity and oppose confrontation and division,” news agency Reuters reported.
Wei further added that China firmly rejected "US smearing, accusations and even threats" in Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's speech on Saturday.
"We request the US side to stop smearing and containing China. Stop interfering in China's internal affairs. The bilateral relationship cannot improve unless the US side can do that," Wei, dressed in the uniform of a general in the People's Liberation Army, told the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Wei was referring to Austin's speech from Saturday in which he said that there had been an “alarming” increase in the number of unsafe and unprofessional encounters between Chinese planes and vessels with those of other countries. He added that the US would stand by its allies, including Taiwan.
Wei also talked about the Russi-Ukraine conflict saying that China supported peace talks and opposed "providing weapons, applying maximum pressure,” Reuters reported.
"What is the root cause of this crisis? Who is the mastermind behind this? Who loses the most? And who stands to gain the most? Who is promoting peace and who is adding fuel to the fire? I think we all know the answers to these questions," he said, without addressing them or stating China's position.
Wei also talked about the issue of Taiwan saying that China’s stand remains the same. He said the Chinese government sought "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan but reserved "other options".
"China will definitely realize its reunification," Wei said. "Those who pursue Taiwan independence in an attempt to split China will definitely come to no good end,” reported Reuters.
He noted that China had contributed to global efforts to fight COVID-19, and that the country's efforts to develop the South China Sea were peaceful.
"Countries big and small, weak or powerful, are all equal," he said. "We should respect each other and treat each other as equals."
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