China Deplores and Firmly Opposes Negative Statements Amid Diplomatic Tensions

China has issued a forceful response following comments made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, condemning what it described as “negative remarks” regarding China’s role in regional security and stability. During a press briefing on Saturday, a spokesperson from China's foreign ministry expressed *deep regret* and *strong opposition* to Hegseth's statements, claiming that the speech disregarded the region’s calls for peace and instead promoted a “Cold War mentality” aimed at provoking confrontation.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hegseth’s comments amounted to "defamatory allegations" and falsely characterized China as a threat. “The remarks were filled with provocations and intended to sow division,” the spokesperson stated, underlining that China has lodged a firm protest with the United States over what it sees as divisive rhetoric. The spokesperson also criticized Hegseth for ignoring the interests of countries in the Asia-Pacific, suggesting the United States is undermining peace and stability through military deployments and provocative policies.

According to the Chinese official, no country but the United States can be described as a hegemonic power in the current international system. The spokesperson accused Washington of deploying offensive weaponry in the South China Sea and amplifying tensions with its so-called “Indo-Pacific strategy.” The statement charged that these actions are *turning the region into a powder keg*, causing growing concern among nations throughout the area.

The issue of Taiwan featured prominently in the response, with the spokesperson reiterating China's longstanding position that Taiwan is an internal matter not open to interference from any foreign power. “The United States should never imagine it could use the Taiwan question as leverage against China. The United States must never play with fire on this question,” the spokesperson warned, urging adherence to the one-China principle and the foundational China-U.S. joint communiques. The remarks called on Washington to cease all forms of support to what Beijing sees as “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

Addressing concerns around the South China Sea, the Chinese spokesperson asserted that, contrary to U.S. claims, there have been no issues regarding freedom of navigation or overflight in the area. Emphasizing China’s commitment to dialogue and consultation, the spokesperson argued that China seeks to resolve disputes peacefully while safeguarding its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. “It is the United States who is the primary factor that is hurting the peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the official added.

*China closed its rebuttal by demanding that the United States respect both the wishes and efforts of Asia-Pacific nations to maintain harmony and stability.* The spokesperson called on Washington to halt activities that disrupt the peaceful environment of the region, urging the U.S. to stop “inciting conflict and confrontation and escalating tensions.” The situation highlights *growing frictions* between the world's two largest economies as they vie for influence across the Asia-Pacific, an area seen as critical to future global security and prosperity.