China on Thursday rejected recent attempts by some Western media and scholars to frame its foreign policy using distorted conclusions rooted in traditional Western geopolitical thinking, which misrepresented the reality of its international relations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian slammed the Western narrative about China at a regular press briefing in Beijing, stressing that such rhetoric does not reflect the reality of China's exchanges and cooperation with Asian countries and the wider world.
"The so-called 'tributary system' rhetoric is nothing but a false narrative projected by Western countries using their own hegemonic logic to mirror China's diplomacy. It disregards the historical gene of Chinese civilization, 'harmony in diversity', misinterprets the core principle of equality that underpins contemporary Chinese diplomacy, and deviates from the basic norms of international relations. It does not reflect the reality of China's exchanges and cooperation with Asian countries and the wider world," Lin said.
"China has never subscribed to the belief that a strong country is bound to seek hegemony. What we pursue has never been the hegemony of 'deterring other countries,' but the wisdom of 'standing together through solidarity' and the vision of 'great harmony under heaven.' All countries, big or small, are equal. The right way for countries to interact with each other lies in mutual reinforcement, not one-way subordination," he said.
"China's diplomacy is always anchored in mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation. We practice true multilateralism and are committed to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. We have consistently upheld the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in our neighborhood diplomacy, as well as the vision of forging a shared future with our neighbors," Lin said.
"China is an anchor of stability for regional security and an engine of development and prosperity. China will continue to work with all parties to inject greater certainty into peace, stability, development and prosperity of Asia and the world at large," he added.
China rejects distorted narrative about its diplomacy, reaffirms commitment to equality: FM spokesman
