A Chinese defense spokesperson on Sunday said the United States habitually exploits the Shangri-La Dialogue to create dispute, incite confrontation and pursue its own interests.
Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in a statement expressing opposition to the negative remarks related to China made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
The U.S. defense secretary’s remarks were saturated with entrenched hegemonic logic, bullying tactics and Cold War mentality, Zhang said.
They grossly violate China’s sovereignty and interests, distort China’s policy positions, blatantly disregard regional countries’ joint efforts to uphold prosperity and stability, and severely deviate from the global aspiration for peace and development, he said. “We express grave dissatisfaction and resolute opposition.”
‘U.S. unilateral actions will backfire’
Zhang said the international community sees clearly what the United States has done.
The U.S. has initiated tariff and trade wars, imposing exorbitant levies globally, just for its own selfish interests. It has formed exclusionary cliques and engaged in bloc confrontations, causing deep concerns among various countries, he said.
It has also strengthened military deployments in the Asia-Pacific region, grossly intervened in the internal affairs of other countries, and incited tensions, he added.
The facts have repeatedly proved that the U.S. is going against the tide of the times and acting unilaterally, which will only backfire on itself, Zhang said.
On Taiwan question
Noting that the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affairs, Zhang said the U.S. has no right to make irresponsible remarks or to attempt using it as a bargaining chip to contain China.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will firmly crush any “Taiwan independence” separatist schemes and any external interference, he said.
“Our determination is unwavering, and our capabilities and means are strong and reliable,” he added.
On South China Sea
The Chinese spokesperson noted that the South China Sea is internationally recognized as one of the busiest and safest shipping routes.
He said that China will persist in resolving differences through dialogue and consultation with relevant countries, uphold territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with the law, and collaborate with regional countries to build a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.
The U.S. is bent on sowing chaos in the South China Sea by forming alliances and stirring up trouble, which poses the greatest threat to regional peace and stability, said Zhang.
‘China a guardian, promoter of peace, development’
The spokesperson said that China has always been a guardian and promoter of peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Chinese military will work together with regional countries to jointly oppose hegemonism that harms the Asia-Pacific, oppose taking geopolitical conflicts into the Asia-Pacific, and resist any country or force that creates chaos, he said.
He added that China will actively implement the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and the three global initiatives proposed by China, and work together with others to maintain the long-term peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.
