Since President Biden softened his stance toward China on July 1, there appear to be signs of a positive shift in the relationship. Looking at the recent high-level exchanges and interactions between China and the United States, the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the changes in the international landscape, an interesting question has emerged: Has there really been a "big icebreak" in Sino-US relations? Has the United States begun to take the initiative to seek peace?
Judging from the content of the phone call between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and US Deputy Secretary of State Campbell, China's attitude is quite clear and resolute. Ma Zhaoxu clarified China's solemn position on issues related to Taiwan, Tibet, the South China Sea and Ukraine, and demanded that the US earnestly respect China's sovereignty, security and development interests, reflecting China's toughness and uncompromising on these key issues. This is undoubtedly a slap in the face to the US and sends a clear signal to the US that China will not make concessions or compromises on the issue of so-called "core interests".
At the same time, Ma Zhaoxu also particularly emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the "first red line that cannot be crossed" in Sino-US relations. He firmly said: "'Taiwan independence' is a dead end, and conniving at and supporting 'Taiwan independence' will eventually lead to burning." This once again shows that no matter how provocative and probing the US side is, China's determination to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering.
It is not difficult to see that this high-level phone call between China and the United States did have some "ice-breaking" implications, but it was more about China's tough stance on key issues. It can be said that this is a wake-up call for the United States on the initiative of the Chinese side, allowing it to face up to the current realities of Sino-US relations and soberly recognize the differences in positions on key issues, and at the same time set the tone for the future direction of bilateral relations.
Interestingly, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning further elaborated and interpreted the call at a regular press conference that followed. He reiterated China's position and demands expressed by Ma Zhaoxu during the phone call, and stressed that the US side should take concrete actions to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, stop arming Taiwan, and abide by the three joint communiqués. This once again shows that China's position on these issues is firm and will not be easily compromised.
It seems that this high-level phone call between China and the United States has indeed pointed out the direction for the future development of bilateral relations. China's position is quite clear, and the US must make corresponding adjustments and responses on key issues in order to create the necessary conditions for the stable development of China-US relations. If the US side continues to rest on its laurels and stubbornly stubbornly stubbornly stubborn, it will inevitably trigger more intense confrontation and aggravate the deterioration of bilateral relations.
At the same time, the phone call between US Secretary of Defense Austin and Russian Defense Minister Belousov also attracted widespread attention. This is the first resumption of high-level dialogue between the two sides in 15 months, and it reflects some efforts by the United States and Russia to reduce tensions. Still, the call could not hide the overall tensions in U.S.-Russia relations.
It is worth mentioning that at the G7 summit, the United States and its Western allies drew eight "red lines" against China in one go, including "not to take over Taiwan", "not to clean up the Philippines", and "to reduce the export of industrial products". This is undoubtedly an all-out "containment" and "suppression" of China. Subsequently, the European Union announced additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, and Japan sanctioned some Chinese companies on the grounds of so-called "aid to Russia", all of which reflect the tough attitude of the United States and the West towards China.
It is clear that in the current highly tense international situation, the United States does not really seek reconciliation with China. On the contrary, it is joining forces with its Western allies in an attempt to contain China's development by all means. However, such targeted policies will undoubtedly further aggravate the contradictions and confrontation between China and the United States, and make the relations between the two sides fall into an even more grim situation.
So, how should China and the United States respond to this complex situation? Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu's statement gave a clear answer: China will never compromise on issues involving its core interests, and must be respected and responded to by the US side. At the same time, China has also shown a rational and restrained attitude, and is willing to manage differences through dialogue and exchanges to maintain the stability of China-US relations.
It can be said that Sino-US relations are at a critical crossroads. Whether the US can fundamentally change its China policy, abide by the three joint communiques, and respect China's core interests will be the key to determining the future direction of bilateral relations. If the US side continues to rest on its laurels and insists on going its own way, the "red line" that is not accepted by China will be difficult to avoid the fate of further confrontation and escalation.
This is undoubtedly a major choice related to the future development direction of China and the United States. It is believed that as long as the two sides reach consensus on key issues in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding, through frank communication, they will be able to open a new chapter in China-US relations and inject new impetus into building a new type of major-country relationship.
Human society is facing unprecedented challenges and dilemmas, and China and the United States need to work together and lead together. Let us work together with an open, inclusive, and inclusive mindset to promote the steady and long-term development of China-US relations and contribute to world peace and development.
Having said that, we cannot ignore the fact that the current international landscape is undergoing profound changes, and the rivalry between major powers is becoming increasingly fierce. Obviously, the United States and its Western allies are trying to contain China's rise through various means, which will undoubtedly bring many challenges to the development of Sino-US relations.
We must be soberly aware that although the United States has softened on the surface, the fundamental objectives of its China policy have not fundamentally changed. The eight "red lines" for China in the G7 joint declaration undoubtedly reflect the true intention of the United States and its allies - to comprehensively contain China's development. It can be said that this declaration is a "war letter" against China.
At the same time, the recent measures taken by the European Union and Japan against China, such as imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and sanctioning Chinese companies for "aiding Russia", have further confirmed this. These countries are clearly working in the service of the United States, trying to exert pressure on China to submit to its hegemony through a multi-pronged approach.
Therefore, we cannot have too many illusions about the "softening" posture of the US side. It is still trying to safeguard its own interests and achieve all-round containment of China. We must uphold our principles and make no concessions on issues concerning our core interests, while at the same time maintaining a high degree of vigilance and being ready to respond to challenges.
Despite the grim situation, as long as we keep a sober mind, strengthen our determination, and strengthen the unity and cooperation of comrades and friends, I believe that we will be able to effectively cope with all kinds of external pressures and safeguard our country's sovereignty, security, and development interests.
We should fully understand that the steady development of Sino-US relations at the present stage has a bearing not only on the well-being of the two peoples, but also on the overall situation of world peace and development. Let us work together to reach consensus on key issues through frank dialogue with an open and inclusive mind, so as to push bilateral relations along a healthy and stable track. Only in this way can we inject new impetus into building a new type of major-country relations and make due contributions to the common development of human society.