The Chinese mainland has formally called on the United States to eliminate negative content related to China from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. In a statement released on Wednesday, Xu Dong, spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), emphasized the need to move away from a Cold War mindset and ideological biases.
Following the passage of the NDAA by both houses of the U.S. Congress and its subsequent signing into law by President Joe Biden, China expressed strong dissatisfaction with provisions it deems as targeting the nation. These include heightened rhetoric around the "China threat," increased military support for Taiwan, and measures perceived to suppress China's scientific, technological, and economic advancements.
Xu criticized the NDAA for restricting China-U.S. exchanges in economic, trade, and people-to-people sectors, interfering in China's internal affairs, and undermining its sovereignty, security, and development interests. He reiterated that China has consistently approached its relationship with the U.S. based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.
The spokesperson highlighted that the sustainable development of China-U.S. relations is crucial not only for both nations but also for the global community. While acknowledging inevitable differences and disagreements between the two major powers, Xu stressed that these should not escalate into conflicts or confrontations that impede each other's core interests.
Specifically, issues such as the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China's governance system, and its right to development are identified as non-negotiable red lines. Xu urged the United States to reconsider its stance and avoid implementing sections of the NDAA that compromise China's sovereignty and core interests, assuring that China will take determined measures to protect its national interests.
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China urges U.S. to drop negative China content in defense policy bill
cgtn.com
