China Rejects Claims
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected claims of a ‘China squeeze’ on developing economies during a press conference in Beijing on Friday.
“I believe Global South countries would not agree with this claim. As a member of the Global South family, China has always shared its experience without reservation to help Global South countries develop,” she said.
Mao stressed that Chinese infrastructure, investment, technology and trade links were helping Global South countries build their own industrial capacity.
The term ‘China squeeze’ has recently been used by economists to describe concerns that the scale of Chinese manufacturing is leaving poorer economies with less room to develop labour-intensive industries.
South China Sea
The spokesperson also rejected renewed pressure over the South China Sea arbitration award ahead of the ruling’s tenth anniversary.
“China has repeatedly stated that the so-called ‘ruling’ is illegal and that it neither accepts nor recognises it. […] China is committed to accelerating consultations with ASEAN countries to reach a code of conduct as soon as possible and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Mao stated.
“The Philippines should not use the so-called ‘ruling’ to create obstacles to reaching an agreement on the guidelines,” she added.
The Philippines brought the case in 2013. China refused to take part, arguing that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction, but the proceedings continued and the award was issued on 12 July 2016.
Arctic Tensions
Mao also responded to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte after he warned that Russia and China could gain greater access to the Arctic.
“The Arctic concerns the overall interests of the international community. China’s activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in the region and are conducted in accordance with international law,” she stressed.
“China firmly opposes the renewed promotion of the ‘China threat’ narrative and the creation of tension and confrontation in the Arctic,” Mao continued.
At NATO’s summit in Ankara, allies announced new procurement and production measures to strengthen the alliance’s deterrence and defence capabilities.
Article by Viory
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