Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian

Sticking to the outdated Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation is not going to work for Western politicians, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during a press briefing on Monday in response to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's remarks on China's practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in the island of Taiwan. 

Zhao's remarks came after Baerbock's comments on China in an interview with a German media outlet DW where she warned that Germany will work with partners to reduce economic dependency on China and Germany should take China's declaration on "attacking Taiwan" seriously. 

Such remarks reflected some typical biased views on China, Zhao said, stressing that China has never started a war or occupied one inch of foreign land, and China does not pose a threat to any country.

Zhao stated that China has the best peace and security record among the major countries, when it comes to peace and security and China has always stands for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and is committed to the path of peaceful development.  

The Taiwan question is China's internal affair that brooks no external interference, Zhao said, emphasizing that China is committed to the policy of peaceful reunification and "One Country, Two Systems." No one should underestimate the strong resolve, will and ability of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Zhao said. 

Zhao also stressed that the last thing the security and stability in the Asia-Pacific needs is disruption from NATO. The 21st century is characterized by multi-polarity. Gone is the era in which a few Western countries called the shots on everything.

Zhao also pointed out that economic globalization and trade liberalization are the trend of the times. China is the largest trading partner of over 120 countries and regions, which is the result of the combined force of the market and the choices of businesses. Not even so-called "democracy" or "values" can replace the economic principles of the free market. 

Zhao finally reminded some certain Western politicians that sticking to the outdated Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation is not going to work. Anyone doing so will only fall into the trap they dig for themselves.

Only by upholding norms in international relations, drawing lessons from history and reality, and adopting the right perception on China based on facts, can we set the right tone for the bilateral relationship which should be win-win in nature, and together safeguard the peace and security of the world, Zhao said. 

Global Times