March 3, 2025 at the Regular Press Conference by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian
On CCTV U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently blamed China for issues surrounding Taiwan, the economy, trade, COVID-19, and Indo-Pacific affairs in an interview with a U.S. media outlet. What is China’s response to these comments?
Lin Jian said Secretary Rubio’s remarks reflect a Cold War mentality, filled with misinformation, false accusations, and groundless allegations. China strongly condemns and opposes these statements and has formally lodged protests with the U.S. government.
There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the entire Chinese territory, including Taiwan. The U.S. has distorted the one-China principle and has attempted to use Taiwan as a means of containing China. At the same time, the Taiwanese authorities have pursued “independence” with the support and tolerance of the U.S. These actions are the most significant changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan issue is the most critical, sensitive, and explosive topic in China-U.S. relations. To avoid confrontation, the U.S. must cease violating the red lines on Taiwan.
There are no winners in trade wars. The U.S. has attempted to politicise and weaponise trade and economic matters, imposing tariffs on Chinese goods under the pretext of fentanyl concerns and blocking normal trade, investment, and economic cooperation with China. These actions harm the U.S.’s own economic interests and international credibility. China is ready to work with the U.S. to address mutual concerns through dialogue and consultations based on equality and mutual respect. At the same time, China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
The origins of COVID-19 is a scientific issue. It is “extremely unlikely” that the pandemic was caused by a lab leak, a conclusion based on the findings of the WHO-China joint mission, which conducted field visits to the Wuhan lab and engaged in detailed discussions with scientists. This conclusion is scientifically recognised and supported by the international scientific community. Increasing evidence suggests the origins of COVID-19 could be traced to multiple countries and regions, including the U.S. The U.S. must stop blaming China and engaging in baseless scapegoating.
The Asia-Pacific region is a model for cooperation and development, not a battleground for geopolitical rivalry. The U.S. has a history of treating other nations as pawns or cannon fodder in its pursuit of global dominance. China opposes the U.S.’s attempts to impose a hegemonic mindset onto the Asia-Pacific. The efforts to provoke bloc confrontation in the region go against the aspirations of the regional countries and are bound to fail. These actions will not gain support and are doomed to be counterproductive.
A lie repeated a thousand times does not become the truth. The world will not be deceived by unfounded accusations against China. Megaphone diplomacy will not help improve China-U.S. relations. China is committed to fostering bilateral ties with the U.S. based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, as proposed by President Xi Jinping. At the same time, China will resolutely defend its national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
