China firmly opposes the United States' malicious attacks and attempts to smear China-Caribbean relations, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Thursday.
At a regular press briefing in Beijing, Lin expressed strong disapproval and firm opposition to recent remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Caribbean nations' selection of infrastructure project partners.
"This statement maliciously attacks China, smears and undermines China's relations with relevant countries, exposes ideological bias and disregard for the basic norms of international relations. China expresses strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to this," said Lin.
He further reiterated that China's relationship with Caribbean countries is in the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides.
"The Caribbean countries have the right to independently choose friendly cooperation partners, and do not need lectures or condescending finger-pointing from any country. Chinese companies' overseas projects have effectively promoted the economic development and improvement of people's livelihood in the countries where the projects are located, and brought tangible benefits to the local people, which has been recognized worldwide. China's relations with the Caribbean are in the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides. China-Caribbean cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the people of both sides. The despicable attempts of the U.S. to attack and smear China-Caribbean relations and cooperation will not succeed," he said.
China slams US for smearing China-Caribbean cooperation
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
