At the Munich Security Conference on 14/2, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared that China is actively seeking the right path for productive cooperation with the US through dialogue and consultation. He stressed that the realization of this objective ultimately rests with the US. Wang noted China's appreciation for US President Donald Trump's expressions of respect for President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people. "President Trump emphasized that the US and China could achieve many great accomplishments and that the two leaders could make the excellent bilateral relationship even better", Wang stated. "However, I am not sure everyone in the US shares this view."

Wang warned against certain factions in the US attempting to separate Taiwan island from China, stating this would cross China's "red line" and could push the two nations towards conflict. He also cautioned against the US distancing itself from China, disrupting supply chains, and adopting "emotional, impulsive opposition". Instead, Wang urged the US to understand China rationally and objectively, fostering realistic and positive policies. He believes both countries should advance together, expanding common interests to achieve cooperation, which would be the best outcome for both sides and the world.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) at a meeting in Munich, Germany on 12/2. *Photo: AFP*

The Chinese foreign minister also criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statement last year, which suggested Japan could deploy forces to "deal with an emergency situation on Taiwan island". "This completely violates Japan's commitments to China; we cannot accept that", he said. China consistently views Taiwan as a province awaiting reunification and affirms its priority of using peaceful means, but states its readiness to use force if necessary.

Shifting focus to Europe, Wang affirmed that Europe and China "are partners, not rivals", and both sides must remember this to make sound choices when facing challenges. He stated that Europe has the right to participate in negotiations regarding the Russia - Ukraine conflict, and China supports the region actively maintaining exchanges with Moscow. He noted that the door for dialogue has opened between Russia and Ukraine, urging them to seize the opportunity to achieve a comprehensive, sustainable peace agreement and eliminate the root causes of conflict.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Germany on 14/2. *Photo: AFP*

Wang also called for global governance reform, advocating for a "historical turning point". He identified the top priority as restoring vitality to the United Nations. "The establishment of the UN was a significant achievement after the victory in the global struggle against fascism", he stated. According to Wang, while the UN is not perfect in its current form, "it remains the most universal and authoritative international institution in the world", where every nation has a voice and a vote, as well as equal rights and obligations.

Addressing the Middle East, the Chinese foreign minister remarked that maintaining a ceasefire and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip "requires sustained efforts to implement the two-state solution and restore justice for Palestinians, which is the international community's responsibility". He also warned that the situation in Iran directly impacts regional peace and urged all relevant parties to act cautiously, avoiding new conflicts.

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, SCMP, CGTN)