Entering ChinaQ: During his visit to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Dominica from February 1 to 6, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made China-related remarks on China-Latin America cooperation, the Panama Canal, the Belt and Road Initiative, 5G and cybersecurity, and the one-China principle, and declared that he would “counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the Western Hemisphere”.
A: The US’s untrue remarks are full of Cold War mentality and ideological bias, make groundless accusations against China, deliberately sow discord between China and Latin American countries, interfere in China’s internal affairs, and undermine China’s legitimate and lawful rights and interests. The Chinese side has lodged solemn representations with the US side.
China has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and has developed friendly and cooperative relations with Latin American countries. China and Latin America and the Caribbean only have the sincere intention of supporting each other and working hand in hand, and there is no zero-sum game and winner-takes-all geopolitical calculations. The practical cooperation between China and Latin America and the Caribbean is not tied to any conditions or aimed at any third party, meets the needs of the Latin American side, embodies mutual benefit and win-win results, and brings a tangible sense of gain and happiness to the countries and peoples concerned. The US side is pointing fingers at the normal cooperation between Latin American countries and third countries, and lacks basic respect for Latin American countries. The general trend of China and Latin America and the Caribbean moving in the same direction and strengthening cooperation is irreversible.
China supports Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and is committed to maintaining the canal’s status as a permanently neutral international waterway. China has never been involved in the management and operation of the canal, and has never interfered in the affairs of the canal, and the so-called Chinese control of the canal is a lie. Whoever is maintaining the neutrality and prosperity of the canal, and who is constantly threatening to “take back” the canal, justice is at ease.
Since its inception in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative has become the world’s most popular international public good and the largest platform for international cooperation. The Belt and Road cooperation has benefited the people of more than 150 countries and effectively promoted the common development of developing countries. The US attack and interference with relevant cooperation has once again exposed its hegemonic face, and China firmly opposes the US smearing and undermining the Belt and Road cooperation.
China has always been committed to safeguarding cyber security and has carried out cooperation with all parties in relevant fields based on the principle of mutual benefit and win-win results. Chinese companies are widely favored for their advanced 5G technology, safe and efficient services. Smearing Chinese companies and suppressing China’s technology will not hinder China’s development and progress, nor can it stop the pace of China’s cooperation with other countries, but will only make you miss opportunities.
There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. The fact that 183 countries in the world have established diplomatic relations with China fully proves that upholding the one-China principle is a matter of international interest, the will of the people, and the trend of the times. The Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair and brooks no external interference.
The US interference with normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Latin America is unpopular and will ultimately be in vain. China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.
