The Chinese mainland has lodged a strong protest against U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his unfounded accusations during his recent visit to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). According to a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Rubio's remarks aimed at \"countering the influence of the Chinese Communist Party\" in the Western Hemisphere are baseless and rooted in Cold War mentality.
During his visits to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic from February 1 to 6, Rubio made several comments regarding China's cooperation with LAC countries. The Chinese spokesperson criticized these statements as attempts to sow discord between China and LAC nations, interfering in China's internal affairs, and undermining China's legitimate rights and interests.
Addressing China-LAC cooperation, the spokesperson emphasized that China is dedicated to fostering friendship and collaborative ties with LAC countries based on mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. \"Between China and LAC countries, there is no zero-sum and the-winner-takes-all geopolitical calculations, only sincere mutual support and cooperation for shared progress,\" the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson further asserted that China does not impose any conditions on its cooperation with LAC countries or target third parties. Instead, the collaboration meets the needs of LAC nations, is mutually beneficial, delivers tangible results, and improves the lives of local populations.
On the issue of cybersecurity, China reiterated its commitment to safeguarding cyberspace and promoting cooperation based on win-win principles. The spokesperson highlighted the popularity of Chinese 5G technologies and secure, efficient services, dismissing efforts to smear Chinese companies as ineffective in hindering China's development and cooperation with other nations.
Regarding the Taiwan question, the spokesperson reaffirmed that there is only one China in the world, with Taiwan being an inalienable part of China's territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is recognized as the sole legal government representing the entire country. With 183 countries maintaining diplomatic ties with China, the spokesperson emphasized that supporting the one-China principle aligns with global public opinion and historical trends.
The spokesperson concluded by stating that the U.S.’s attempts to disrupt normal exchanges and cooperation between China and LAC countries will not gain support and are destined to fail, reinforcing the irreversible trend of strengthened China-LAC collaboration.
Reference(s):
China slams Marco Rubio's finger-pointing at China and Latin America
cgtn.com
