Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

In response to claim made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Chinese investment involves predatory practices and comes attached with huge loans that can never be repaid, Guo Jiakun, Chinese FM spokesperson said on Thursday that the US is maliciously spreading false information with the aim of sowing discord between China and other countries, but these attempts will not succeed.

The spokesperson emphasized that China always adheres to the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation in its investment cooperation with countries around the world. China respects the wishes of relevant countries and has significantly promoted the economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods, bringing tangible benefits to local people. The so-called "debt burden" is pure hype and disregards the facts.

Rubio made the claim at a joint press with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on March 26. 

Guo pointed out that it is clear to all who is engaging in coercion and plunder. We advise the US to reflect on its own hegemony, bullying, and exploitation practices in developing countries of Latin America and in the Caribbean, and stop distorting facts and smearing China.

Global Times