Weekday US Ambassador: "China Overreacted to Pelosi's Taiwan Visit... Dialogue Needed"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Nicholas Burns, the U.S. Ambassador to China, criticized China for overreacting to Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives', visit to Taiwan and urged the resumption of U.S.-China dialogue.

On the 19th (local time), Ambassador Burns appeared on CNN in his first interview since taking office and criticized China for conducting high-intensity military exercises surrounding Taiwan following Speaker Pelosi's visit earlier this month. He said, "I understand that China has become an unstable actor in the Taiwan Strait, causing great concern worldwide," and added, "The Chinese government has an obligation to convince the world that it will act peacefully going forward."

Ambassador Burns also explained for the first time the situation when Xie Feng, Vice Foreign Minister of China, summoned him on the night of the 2nd, the day Pelosi arrived. He said, "There was a very heated and quite contentious discussion, and I defended Speaker Pelosi and her right to visit Taiwan," adding that he urged Vice Minister Xie to ensure that the Chinese government acts in a way that promotes peace and stability.

He then emphasized to the Chinese side the importance of dialogue with the United States. Ambassador Burns stated, "I believe that Speaker Pelosi's peaceful visit to Taiwan should not lead to a crisis in U.S.-China relations," and pointed out, "This was a crisis created by the Chinese government and an overreaction."

Earlier, China notified the U.S. that it would suspend cooperation in eight areas, including some military communication channels and climate change response, as retaliatory measures. Regarding this, Ambassador Burns expressed concern that there could be global repercussions, especially noting that the suspension of climate cooperation would affect the Third World, which is most vulnerable to climate change.

He continued, "I strongly urge China to return to the negotiating table with the U.S. on climate issues," emphasizing, "There must be regular high-level dialogues on issues that divide the U.S. and China." Ambassador Burns urged, "China needs to meet with the U.S. to discuss differences and areas for cooperation," and added, "China must appear at the negotiating table in a cooperative spirit."

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