China-US Relations: Minister Warns Against Conflict

China’s foreign minister says China-US relations have “seriously deviated” while warning of potential conflict.

“Containment and suppression will not make America great. It will not stop the rejuvenation of China,” said Qin Gang.

Mr Qin, China’s former ambassador to the US, held his first press conference as foreign minister on Tuesday.

The spy balloon saga has heightened tensions between the superpowers despite recent efforts to improve ties.

“If, the US, regards China as its primary rival and the most consequential geopolitical challenge. This is like the first button in the shirt being put wrong,” Mr Qin said.

The foreign minister was responding to a question on whether a healthy China-US relationship was still possible as differences between the countries grew.

The US called for establishing “guardrails,” but what it really wants is for China to not hit back with words or actions when provoked, Mr Qin added.

He was referring to US President Joe Biden’s comments last month that the US would “compete fully with China but is not looking conflict.”

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq