The Chinese Embassy in Israel noticed that during the online conference held by Sino-Israel Global Network and Academic Leadership (SIGNAL) on December 21,US Assistant Secretary of State Mr. David Schenker staged irresponsible and baseless attacks against China and attempted to sow discords between China and Middle East countries. The Embassy resolutely oppose his remarks and would like to make the following responses:
-Mr. Schenker attempted to spread unfounded theories to blame China on COVID-19 pandemic. Nothing could be further from truth. China notified the WHO of the epidemic, shared the genome sequencing of the virus, carried out international cooperation on disease prevention and control, all of which were done at the earliest possible time. It is because the Chinese government put life and people front and center and took the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough prevention and control measures that we became the first to bring the domestic situation under control and achieve resumption of work and production.
-Mr. Schenker portrayed China as a destabilizing factor in the international relations. However, the international community already has a clear verdict on who is withdrawing from international agreements and organizations, and on who is seeking hegemony and unilateralism. It was not China who defied trading rules, abused tariffs and paralyzed the WTO. It was not China who undermined international efforts to cope with the COVID-19 or withdrew funds from WHO. It was also not China who left the Paris Agreement and threatened to turn the tables. As a responsible major country, China has always been upholding international orders, contributing to global governance and providing global public goods.
-Mr. Schenker accused China of the so-called human rights issues on ethnic minorities. He is but forging an excuse to interfere in China's internal affairs. China has 56 ethnic groups who are equal members of one big family of the Chinese nation. The Chinese government equally protects the legitimate rights and interests of people of all ethnic groups. If we look at the US, ethnic minorities have long been suffering from bullying, exclusion and wide, systemic discrimination in economic, cultural, social and other aspects.
-Mr. Schenker tried to sow discords in China's relations with other Middle East countries. In fact, China has been upholding justice in the international relations and honoring its commitments in business cooperation. We never interfere in other countries internal affairs, while actively promoting peace and talks among different parties. As such, China has won wide acclamation among the Middle East countries. Today, China has diplomatic relations with each and every countries in the region and maintains normal and transparent business relations with them. China has never, in any occasion, infringed on the interests of regional countries. China was, is and will always be the most reliable partner for the Middle East.
-Mr. Schenker also repeated the same old mantra on China-Israel business cooperation-"security concerns". Over the past few years, the US has been labeling Chinese products, investments and personnel with the tag of "security risks", without any concrete evidence. It makes people wonder that there are unspeakable ulterior motives behind all these accusations. As plain as it could be seen, China-Israel cooperation is win-win in nature, and the projects are market activities based on supply and demand. They should by no means become the targets of vicious attacks.
We urge some US politicians not to underestimate others' judgment. Lies, though repeated a thousand times, are still lies. Those attempting to smear China or drive a wedge or sow discord between China and other countries will only end up empty-handed.
As President Xi Jinping wrote in his congratulatory message to President-elect Joe Biden, "It is hoped that the two sides will work together in the spirit of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, focus on cooperation, manage differences, move forward China-U.S. relations in a sound and steady manner and, together with other countries and the international community, advance the noble cause of world peace and development." This is how we see our relationship and what we expect of it.
We hope that the U.S. side will join us in rebuilding the strategic framework for the healthy and steady growth of China-U.S. relations on the basis of mutual respect, through dialogue and consultation, and by way of deepening our common interests and enhancing the support by the people.