China Deplores and Firmly Opposes Negative Statements Amid Diplomatic Tensions

China has expressed strong condemnation and opposition to recent remarks made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, according to a statement issued by the Chinese foreign ministry on Saturday. In its response, China labeled Hegseth’s comments as “filled with provocations” and accused him of deliberately ignoring regional aspirations for peace and stability in favor of promoting a Cold War mentality.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hegseth’s statements, which characterized China as a “threat,” sought to vilify Beijing with accusations deemed defamatory and unwarranted. “These remarks were intended to sow division,” the spokesperson asserted, revealing that China had lodged a formal protest with Washington in response.

In further criticisms, the Chinese spokesperson claimed that the United States itself stands as the world’s preeminent hegemonic power, pointing to Washington’s role in deploying offensive weaponry and fostering regional instability in the Asia-Pacific. The spokesperson warned that ongoing U.S. actions—specifically the promotion of the so-called “Indo-Pacific strategy” and continued military activities in the South China Sea—have heightened tensions, leaving neighboring countries increasingly anxious about the prospect of conflict.

Addressing the sensitive issue of Taiwan, the spokesperson maintained that it is an internal matter for China and insisted that no external actors have the right to interfere. The statement cautioned the United States not to use Taiwan as political leverage against China and urged compliance with longstanding agreements, including the one-China principle and joint communiqués between Beijing and Washington. “The United States must never play with fire on this question,” the spokesperson warned, calling for an immediate cessation of any measures seen as supporting or emboldening “Taiwan independence” movements.

On the subject of the South China Sea, the Chinese spokesperson reiterated that there have been no issues relating to freedom of navigation or overflight in the region, claiming China’s approach has always emphasized dialogue and consultation in resolving differences. The spokesperson accused the United States of being the main disruptor of regional peace and stability, blaming American actions for escalating tensions and creating what was described as a potential “powder keg.”

China concluded with a direct appeal to the United States: respect the efforts of Asia-Pacific nations to preserve peace and stability, refrain from undermining the region’s tranquility, and stop inciting confrontation. The spokesperson called for an end to what was described as deliberate attempts to destabilize the environment cherished by countries across the region.