China Criticizes US at First In-Person Quad Summit, Saying "Third-Party Interests Must Not Be Harmed"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] China has expressed its stance that third-party interests should not be harmed regarding the United States' plan to hold the first in-person Quad summit at the White House.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded this way when asked about China's position on holding the Quad summit during a regular briefing on the 14th.

Spokesperson Zhao said, "Any regional cooperation body should conform to the trend of the times of peace and development and help promote trust and cooperation among countries," adding, "It should not harm the interests of third parties or be closed and exclusive. If it goes against the trend of the times or the wishes of regional countries, it will not gain popular support."

Zhao also stated, "China is a major engine of economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region and a guardian of regional peace and stability," and argued, "Relevant countries should abandon outdated zero-sum thinking and narrow political concepts, respect regional countries and public sentiment, and do what is favorable to promoting unity and cooperation among regional countries."

U.S. President Joe Biden will hold the first in-person Quad summit at the White House on the 24th (local time). The Quad, consisting of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, advocates a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' but is essentially a consultative body aimed at containing China.

The Quad summit coincides with the visit of heads of state to the U.S. during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, and Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are also expected to attend.

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