Q: EU and US senior diplomatic officials just held consultations in Brussels and issued a joint press release, raising concerns about China on the Ukraine situation and mentioning Taiwan, Xinjiang, human rights, “economic coercion” and other China-related issues. What is your comment?

A: Holding consultations between the US and the EU is their own business. However, we firmly oppose them making an issue out of China, and using consultations as an excuse to threaten and pressure China. The joint press release grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs and made groundless smears and attacks on China. We expressed our strong disapproval of and firm opposition to it.

What the press release reveals is that there are indeed some countries and organizations in the world that are undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries in the exact name of upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are seeking their own absolute security under the pretext of maintaining peace and security. Such actions of double standard are nothing but blatant examples of bloc politics and ideological bullying. We advise the parties concerned not to underestimate China’s firm resolve to defend its sovereignty and the strong will of the Chinese people to safeguard their national dignity. We urge them to follow the prevailing trend of the world, abandon their Cold War mentality and refrain from pulling small circles that pit against one another. We hope that they can do more things to promote world peace, stability and development, instead of fanning flames and provoking confrontation.