Chinese ambassador Qin Gang says continued ‘confrontation’ by US will hinder chance at cooperation
- ‘We do not accept condescending lecturing. And we do not accept words or deeds that undermine China’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity’
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China’s new ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, warned on Wednesday that Beijing would not engage in joint efforts to de-escalate bilateral tensions unless Washington prevented competition between the two powers from veering into confrontation.
“Competition on the US side often takes the form of confrontation, especially on major issues concerning China’s core interests,” said Qin, speaking at a virtual event jointly hosted by the George HW Bush China Foundation and the Carter Centre. “If this does not change, it will undermine China’s efforts to promote our mutual trust and cooperation.”
Qin did not elaborate on those “core interests”, but his remarks came after repeated warnings by senior Chinese officials to their US counterparts of “three bottom lines”: to not obstruct China’s development, not undermine its territorial integrity, and not subvert its model of governance.
“We welcome and readily accept various suggestions or criticism as long as they are objective, truthful, well-intentioned and constructive,” said Qin. “However, we do not accept baseless slander and disinformation. We do not accept condescending lecturing. And we do not accept words or deeds that undermine China’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.”
