The China’s Foreign Minister and the U.S. Secretary of State spoke Dec. 23, and while it is unclear exactly the nature of the discussion, what is clear is that Wang Yi had some sharp words of criticism for the U.S. The State Department readout was brief, saying that they discussed “the need to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage the U.S.-P.R.C. relationship,” COVID, the Ukraine war, and “the importance of transparency for the international community.”
The Chinese diplomat, however, was more blunt. He stated that the U.S. is trying to suppress China’s development, and must stop its “old routine of unilateral bullying,” reported Global Times. Wang also warned the U.S. against challenging China’s red lines by way of using “salami slicing” tactics. China’s Ambassador to Washington Qin Gang quoted Wang as saying, “It is necessary to step up consultations on the guiding principles of China-U.S. relations, promote dialogue at all levels, and resolve specific issues between the two countries through joint working groups.” (https://mobile.twitter.com/AmbQinGang/status/1606362759834112000)
He also pointedly remarked that the U.S. should not call for dialogue while at the same time containing China, or talk about cooperation while putting a knife in China. This is not managing disputes but intensifying conflicts, Wang said, reported Global Times.
On Ukraine, Wang Yi said “China has always advocated peace and the fulfillment of the goals of the UN Charter. China stands with the international community to promote peace and negotiations. We will continue to play our constructive role in resolving the Ukrainian crisis,” TASS reported the Chinese Foreign Ministry as quoting Wang.
