China on Thursday criticized what it described as “meddling” by the United States in the border standoff with India, saying Beijing and New Delhi have the ability to resolve their disputes bilaterally.
Chinese embassy spokesman Ji Rong responded to Monday’s remarks by US Undersecretary of State Stephen Biegun, who said Washington will reject Beijing’s aggressive actions, including its “colossal” territorial claims on the border with India. .
Ji said China favors a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution through peaceful and friendly consultations.” The two sides have been in talks at various levels to seek a peaceful settlement of the border issue, he said.
“China and India have the ability to resolve their border disputes bilaterally. We do not accept that countries outside the region point the finger, much less interfere or instigate, which will only endanger regional peace and stability, “he added.
Ji also rejected other comments made by Biegun at the leadership summit organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum that criticized China for its “huge demands to claim sovereign territory in the Galwan Valley on the India-China border. or in the South Pacific “. “And his” affirmation of national sovereignty over the territory and territorial waters of other countries. ”
Nations need to improve mutual understanding and friendly cooperation, and it is regrettable that senior US officials have violated the rules of international ties and “have faced fights on practically all fronts and seized every possible opportunity to smear and smear. to China, “he said.
“The Chinese side is firmly opposed. We urge the American side to respect the facts and the truth, stop smearing and spreading rumors, ”Ji said.
He reiterated China’s assertion that it “has never provoked a war or conflict in the past 70 years” and always insisted on resolving territorial and maritime disputes with neighbors through consultations and negotiations on the basis of respect for historical facts to maintain the regional peace and stability.
Ji described Biegun’s comments about the “predatory practices of the Chinese economy” and “technical theft” as unfounded, and said that China has firmly maintained the multilateral trading system and an open global economy.
The issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang are “China’s internal affairs” and “China does not accept external interference,” Ji said.
Ji also pointed out that 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, and the two sides should adhere to the strategic guidance of the leaders of two countries, strengthen mutual trust and cooperation, and resolve differences through the dialogue and negotiation.
“As large developing countries and emerging economies, both China and India are pursuing independent foreign policies. We believe that China and India have the ability and wisdom to handle bilateral relations properly and jointly maintain regional peace and stability, ”he added.
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