Beijing
UJ
—
China’s foremost diplomat refrained from directly mentioning the United States while cautioning against a resurgence of the “law of the jungle” during a press event in Beijing, yet his implications were unmistakable.
“Over 190 nations exist globally,” remarked Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday while responding to a query from UJ’s Steven Jiang regarding President Donald Trump’s “America First” initiative.
“If every nation prioritizes ‘my country first’ and becomes fixated on a position of dominance, the law of the jungle will prevail once more, with the smallest and weakest nations suffering most, and established international norms and order facing severe challenges,” he continued.
Wang, a veteran diplomat and trusted associate of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, delivered these statements during his 11th news briefing alongside the annual “two sessions” meeting of China’s legislative body and top advisory group.
This meticulously organized event often serves as a platform for China to articulate its perspectives on critical global matters. However, this year’s session, occurring during a renewed trade conflict with Washington and amidst shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, provided Wang an opportune stage to position China as a dependable and stable ally.
Responding to Trump’s recent announcement to double tariffs on Chinese imports, Wang adopted a combative stance: “No nation should presume it can suppress China on one hand while fostering good relations with it on the other.”
“This duplicitous strategy is not only detrimental to the stability of bilateral relations but also incapable of fostering mutual trust,” he added.
“A major power must respect its international commitments and fulfill its responsibilities. It should not prioritize selfish interests over principles, nor should it use its influence to intimidate the weak,” Wang asserted, emphasizing that China “firmly opposes power politics and hegemony.”
Since his inauguration in January, Trump has drastically altered the U.S. role on the international stage by withdrawing from numerous international agreements, slashing foreign aid, and threatening to take control of other nations’ territories. His administration has also questioned longstanding alliances, distancing from Europe as it shifts toward Russia, and recently paused military assistance to Ukraine.
Despite ongoing criticism of China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and its intimidation tactics against Taiwan, Chinese diplomats have leveraged the discord provoked by the American president to bolster their portrayal of China — rather than the U.S. — as the force for good on the global stage.
Few global matters have suited this narrative as perfectly as the conflict in Ukraine.
Washington’s shift toward Moscow has not only bewildered its European allies but also presented an opportunity for Beijing to counter longstanding concerns regarding its close relationship with Moscow, which has intensified since Putin’s assault on Ukraine.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday during a meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Lu Shaye, China’s special envoy for European affairs, urged nations to “first blame the U.S.” rather than China over ties with Russia.
“Is there still a need to question if China is supporting Russia? If doubts persist, they should first challenge the U.S. The U.S. is not merely leaning towards Russia — it is actively endorsing it,” Lu, known for his bold demeanor, stated.
“European friends ought to consider how the Trump administration’s policies differ from those of the Chinese government,” he remarked, suggesting that China’s “mutually beneficial” approach will only expand its “circle of friends.”
During his extensive 90-minute press briefing, the Chinese foreign minister also examined the war in Ukraine and the relationship between China and Russia.
He lauded the ties between Moscow and Beijing as a “steady force in a chaotic world,” especially as Trump’s officials have hinted at their hope to create divisions between the two close allies.
When queried about how China might play a role in pursuing peace in Ukraine, which has primarily been led by Washington and Moscow, bypassing European nations and Ukraine, Wang reiterated China’s claim of maintaining an “objective and impartial” position regarding the conflict, asserting it “welcomes and endorses all peace initiatives.”
Nevertheless, he utilized his response to advocate a shared perspective between Moscow and Beijing — historically aligned in their resistance to NATO, which they inaccurately blame for triggering Russia’s invasion.
“All parties should derive lessons from this crisis,” Wang stated, adding, with a subtle reference to the U.S. and its European alliances: “No nation should construct its security at the expense of another’s safety.”
He also indirectly critiqued Washington’s stance on the Gaza conflict when asked about Trump’s controversial proposal last month for the U.S. to take control of the war-scarred region and develop it into a “Middle Eastern Riviera.”
“If major powers genuinely care for the people of Gaza, they should advocate for a comprehensive and enduring ceasefire, enhance humanitarian support, respect the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine, and aid in reconstruction efforts,” he concluded.
