Chinese State Media Warns of ‘Disastrous’ Conflict if U.S. Doesn’t Cooperate
In a recent editorial published by China Daily, the largest English-language publication in China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) warned that the United States must improve its cooperation with China to avoid a potentially “disastrous” conflict. The editorial highlighted the growing concern around the world regarding the possibility of conflict between the two nations and emphasized the need for better relations.
One of the major sources of tension between the U.S. and China is the issue of Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its territory, while Taiwan operates as a sovereign nation with its own government. The U.S. considers Taiwan a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region and has pledged to defend it if China were to invade.
China Daily pointed out that the Taiwan question remains an “elephant in the room” that hinders efforts to build better relations between the two countries. The editorial criticized any attempts to exploit the Taiwan issue, stating that it calls into question the U.S.’s sincerity and commitment to improving relations with China.
Throughout the editorial, China Daily placed blame on the U.S. for the strained relationship between the two nations. It highlighted Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s remarks, stating that China always strives to maintain continuity in its policy toward the U.S., emphasizing mutual respect and win-win cooperation. However, it criticized Washington for failing to fulfill its commitments to Beijing and for saying one thing while doing another.
Newsweek reached out to both the U.S. Department of State and the Chinese Foreign Ministry for comment on this matter. The China Daily editorial acknowledged that improving bilateral relations requires efforts from both sides. It mentioned President Joe Biden’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November as a potential step towards rebuilding trust and mutual respect.
Following the meeting, the White House released a statement emphasizing the importance of managing competition responsibly to prevent conflict or a new Cold War. The statement highlighted the need for open communication, cooperation on shared interests, and treating each other with respect. However, China Daily urged the U.S. to align its actions with the vision set forth in the San Francisco meeting and find common ground to rebuild trust.
The U.S. Department of State has stated that it will approach its relationship with China from a position of strength. It aims to advance its economic interests, counter China’s aggressive actions, maintain military advantages and security partnerships, engage robustly in the UN system, and stand up to Beijing when human rights and fundamental freedoms are violated.
In conclusion, the editorial by China Daily serves as a warning to the United States about the potential consequences of failing to cooperate with China. It emphasizes the need for mutual respect, trust-building, and finding common ground to prevent a disastrous conflict. The Taiwan issue remains a significant point of contention between the two nations, and both sides must work towards resolving their differences in order to improve bilateral relations.
