China slams the United States as Blinken calls for action against Beijing’s influence

Blinken claimed Beijing posed “the most significant long-term danger to the international order” in a long-awaited address billed as US President Joe Biden’s administration’s most comprehensive statement on China to date.

In recent days, the United States and Western allies have issued a chorus of warnings about China’s expanding influence and global ambitions.

In his wide-ranging speech on Thursday, Blinken warned of China’s “intent to reshape the international order” and called on countries to defend the status quo.

He also accused Beijing of raising tensions over Taiwan – a self-ruled island China claims as its territory – and said Beijing has “cut off Taiwan’s relations with countries around the world and (is) blocking it from participating in international organisations”.

On Friday, Beijing slammed the speech, saying it “spreads incorrect information, exaggerates the China threat, interferes in China’s internal affairs, and smears China’s domestic and foreign policy.”

According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, China “firmly rejected” the speech, which demonstrated Washington’s desire to “contain and restrict China’s growth and perpetuate US hegemony and dominance.”

But he said that defending the current global order, including international law and agreements, would “make it possible for all countries – including the United States and China – to coexist and cooperate”.

Biden on Monday made waves by offering the most explicit pledge in decades that the United States would militarily defend Taiwan from any invasion by Beijing.

The pledge angered Beijing, which warned Washington not to “underestimate” China’s resolve and capabilities.

On Thursday, Biden insisted that Washington was not deviating from its longstanding stance on Taiwan and said it was Beijing that had raised tensions, including with near daily military flights close to the island.

“While our strategy has not changed, Beijing’s escalating coercion has,” Blinken explained.