Rubio's remarks slammed as fallacies

China has voiced strong dissatisfaction and resolute objection to recent comments by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accusing him of "spreading fallacies based on the Cold War mentality".

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday Beijing has made solemn representations to Washington in this regard.

In a recent interview with US media, Rubio made accusations against China over topics such as Taiwan, the economy and trade, the COVID-19 pandemic and the "Indo-Pacific" strategy.

"I would like to officially remind the US side that repeating the same lie a thousand times will not make it true; smearing and slandering China will not mislead the world; and engaging in 'microphone diplomacy' will not do any good to China-US relations," Lin said.

What "constitutes the most fundamental change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait" is the fact that the US distorts the one-China principle and persists in using Taiwan to contain China, and the Taiwan authorities rely on the US to seek "independence "with the support and connivance of the US, he said.

Lin reiterated that the Taiwan question is "the most important, sensitive and dynamite issue in China-US relations".

"If the US does not look to spark a conflict, it should stop crossing the line on the Taiwan question," he added.

Dialogue, consultation

Regarding US tariffs on China, Lin said there are no winners in trade and tariff wars.

"China is willing to work with the US to resolve concerns through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and will, at the same time, take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," the spokesman said.

Referring to the Asia-Pacific region, he said it is "a high ground for cooperation and development, not a chess board for geopolitical gaming".

History and reality have proved time and again that the US is used to treating other countries as chess pieces or even cannon fodder, he said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn