Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Maintains Position, Sends Message of Improving Relations to the US

Stop Interference in Internal Affairs, Pursue Joint Core Interests... No Intention to Back Down
Also Rejecting US's Unilateral Demand to Lift Tariffs

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi identified the suspension of bilateral dialogue between China and the U.S. as the cause of the deterioration in their relations, and Chinese media analyzed this as China sending a message to the U.S. for restoring relations. However, Wang reiterated China's existing stance demanding an end to interference in internal affairs and the pursuit of core national interests. He reaffirmed that China has no intention of backing down from its core interests.

According to China's official Xinhua News Agency and Global Times on the 23rd, Wang attended and delivered a speech at the Lanting Forum held the previous day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Lanting (藍廳), jointly hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association, Peking University, and Renmin University of China.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In his speech, Wang stated, "We hope the United States respects China's core interests, national dignity, and right to development," and demanded, "It must stop slandering China's political system." He further emphasized, "China has no intention to challenge or replace the United States, nor has it interfered in U.S. internal affairs," adding, "Attempts to change or overthrow the other side will fail and only cause conflicts and clashes."

Wang also raised his voice demanding the U.S. cancel tariffs imposed on Chinese products. He urged, "We hope unreasonable tariffs on Chinese goods will be removed," and called for "the cancellation of unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and educational institutions and the cessation of unjust suppression of Chinese science and technology." However, he reiterated that the door for dialogue is always open.

Regarding this, Global Times analyzed that Wang's speech contained intentions to restore relations with the U.S. The outlet stated, "Wang sent a clear and specific message urging the U.S. to bring bilateral relations back on a normal track," and emphasized, "He stressed that the U.S. must clearly understand the global trends and formulate China policies without prejudice to ensure the development of bilateral relations."

Global Times particularly highlighted the significance of Wang being the first Chinese official since the Biden administration took office to demand the removal of unfair tariffs by the U.S. The outlet interpreted, "Wang's remarks conveyed a clear willingness to cooperate with the U.S. while also indicating that there are 'obstacles to be resolved' as prerequisites for cooperation."

Fu Ying, Vice Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), pointed out, "China and the U.S. should not engage in strategic competition," adding, "Historically, such hostile great power competitions have occurred multiple times, some of which led to wars."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.