Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, Premier Li Qiang of China cautioned against a revival of the ‘Cold War mindset’. His speech emphasized the importance of multilateral collaborations and free trade, in an underlying critique of American policies, without explicitly calling out the U.S. leadership.
While Premier Li did not refer to U.S. President Donald Trump directly, his speech was laden with implications of China’s defense against the changing global landscape. A landscape that until recently had the United States as its main stakeholder. He described the current global situation as ‘a period of turbulence and transformation’.
The Premier questioned the resurgence of Cold War tendencies and unilateralism, indicating that they pose a severe challenge to the international rules and order built over the last eight decades. He expressed concern over the recurrent disruptions to what was a once effective world system, leading humanity to a critical junction, ‘a crossroads.’
Li Qiang expressed opposition towards the utilization of tariffs, with his criticism veiled towards the American leader who has employed tariffs as a mechanism to exert pressure on nations. Regardless of the ceasefire agreement in its trade war with the United States, China is not backing down from its stance.
The Premier attributed the global economic stagnation majorly to the emergence of unilateral and protectionist practices such as tariff hikes and the setting up of barriers. He countered these sentiments by asserting, ‘China has consistently opened its door wider to the world.’
The Chinese Premier reiterated that China wishes to collaborate with the global community in upholding the principles of the UN. He put forward China as a prominent player in the global arena, ready to work hand-in-hand with other nations in safeguarding the objectives of the global body.
The U.S. and its Pacific allies have repeatedly enjoined China to maintain the status quo and ensure freedom of navigation in the strategically critical South China Sea, a region riddled with various disputes involving Beijing. While the Trump administration has been vocally critical of China, it has slowly drifted away from upholding international conventions. Instead, it is now opting for a raw demonstration of American power.
In a concurrent development, Beijing seeks to fortify its relationship with Pyongyang to stand united against any form of supremacy. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in an interaction with his North Korean counterpart, although subtle, hinted at their joint resistance against the United States.
In a recent diplomatic engagement in Beijing, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Wang Yi emphasized the advancement of bilateral ties between the nations. This engagement happened shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s unusual visit aimed at strengthening their mutual relationship.
Wang Yi reiterated China’s unwavering strategic policy of maintaining, consolidating, and fostering Sino-North Korean relations, using the acronym DPRK for North Korea. He highlighted China’s readiness to enhance coordination, work collaboratively with the DPRK on international and regional matters, resist any forms of authority, and protect the mutual and international interests of fairness and justice.
These statements were seen as a veiled critique of the U.S., which has emerged as a significant rival of China in diverse economic and geopolitical spheres. An agreement was reached on several discussion points during the bilateral meet, as noticed by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, backed up by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Despite the occasional disagreements over North Korea’s nuclear program, the bond between China and North Korea has remained intact. This enduring companionship was visibly affirmed when Kim Jong Un stood side by side with China’s leader Xi Jinping in the recent military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
China’s support to North Korea—politically, economically, and diplomatically—is indispensable for the nuclear-armed yet isolated state. Their shared contempt for the United States further fortifies this relationship.
Kim Jong Un reportedly expressed his willingness to resume dialogues with Washington, provided it ceases to insist on nuclear disarmament by Pyongyang. The nuclear programme, as justified by Pyongyang, is an essential security measure considering the threats it allegedly receives from the U.S. and its allies, including Seoul.
This unfolding international scenario reflects the intricate power dynamics played out on the global stage. It demonstrates China’s active role in protecting its interests and influencing the direction of world affairs, even in the face of shifting U.S. policies.
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