In a landmark speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu warned of the devastating consequences of a conflict or confrontation between China and the United States. Li called such a situation an "unbearable disaster" for the world. However, he also stressed China's willingness to seek dialogue and cooperation with the U.S. despite existing tensions.
The speech by Minister Li included several important points. He reiterated China's well-known views of China, such as the claim to Taiwan, which he said was of national interest for China. Li accused the U.S. and other countries of interfering in China's internal affairs by giving Taiwan defense support and making high-level diplomatic visits. In doing so, he was referring to the visit of Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, to Taiwan last August.
Nevertheless Li stressed that China prefers dialogue to confrontation. He believes the world is big enough for China and the U.S. to grow together and coexist peacefully. He did acknowledge the differences in systems and other aspects between the two countries. This was the first major speech by Li since his appointment in March this year.
Although Li emphasized dialogue and cooperation, he also issued a warning to the US. He quoted a well-known Chinese song that says, "When friends visit us visit, we welcome them with good wine. When jackals or wolves come , we will meet them with shotguns." This statement seems to imply that China is determined to defend itself against any hostile actions by other countries.
To the question about a recent incident in which a Chinese fighter plane flew right in front of the nose of an American plane, Li stressed that countries should not should interfere in the affairs of other countries. He indicated that it is better to concentrate on one's own affairs. This position is in line with the Chinese saying, "Mind your own business."
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