China Urges U.S. to Stop Unjust Attacks Amid Concerns Over Marco Rubio's Remarks

On Thursday, a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry called on the United States to reevaluate its views of China and to end what they termed as illegitimate attacks and criticisms. This statement was in direct response to aggressive comments made by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who is President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state. During a confirmation hearing a day prior, Rubio characterized China as an extremely serious adversary and promised to bolster Taiwan's defenses.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to Rubio’s remarks by emphasizing that China's progress is driven by its unique historical context and internal strengths. He affirmed that China's ultimate aim is to enhance the quality of life for its citizens and make meaningful contributions globally. Guo reiterated that China aims to manage its relations with the U.S. based on principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and cooperative benefit, all while steadfastly protecting its sovereignty and developmental interests.

In discussing the situation regarding Taiwan, Guo insisted that Taiwan is an integral part of China and that the issue should not be subjected to foreign interference. He stated that the most significant threat to peace across the Taiwan Strait comes from separatist activities advocating for Taiwan independence and external disruptions. Guo underscored the need for the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and respect previously established agreements, urging it to refrain from aiding Taiwan independence movements and meddling in China's internal affairs concerning its territorial integrity.

Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, commented on Rubio's statements, suggesting that some political figures in Washington are too entrenched in anti-China sentiments. Despite Rubio’s hawkish reputation, experts agree that the U.S. must engage with China to address various global issues effectively. This suggests there might be a need for compromise between the more extreme rhetoric from Rubio and the necessity for practical interactions with China. Li noted that the Chinese Foreign Ministry's response reflects a forward-thinking and strategic approach to diplomacy. He suggested that such remarks are crucial not only for U.S.-China relations but also for the broader international context, highlighting China’s desire to foster cooperation and positively influence global interactions.