China has lodged a formal protest against remarks made by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio during his recent visit to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.
Senator Rubio, during his visits to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic from February 1 to 6, made several comments concerning China’s cooperation with LAC countries. He claimed to “counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party” in the Western Hemisphere.
The Chinese spokesperson described Rubio’s statements as “unfounded accusations” steeped in Cold War mentality and ideological bias. “These comments aim to sow discord between China and the LAC countries, interfere in China’s internal affairs, and undermine China’s legitimate and lawful rights and interests,” the spokesperson said.
Emphasizing China’s commitment to mutual respect and cooperation, the spokesperson noted, “There is no zero-sum game or winner-takes-all geopolitical calculations between China and LAC countries. Our relationship is built on sincere mutual support and cooperation for shared progress.”
The spokesperson also highlighted that China’s cooperation with LAC nations is based on mutual benefit and meets the needs of these countries without targeting any third party or attaching any strings. “This collaboration has delivered tangible results and improved the lives of local people,” the spokesperson added.
Addressing cybersecurity concerns, the spokesperson stated that China remains committed to safeguarding cybersecurity and engaging in relevant cooperation based on win-win principles. “Chinese companies are widely recognized for their advanced 5G technologies and secure, efficient services,” they said. “Attempts to smear Chinese companies and suppress Chinese technologies will neither hold back China’s development nor stop its cooperation with other countries.”
On the topic of Taiwan, the spokesperson reaffirmed China’s position, stating, “There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.”
The spokesperson concluded by asserting that U.S. efforts to disrupt normal exchanges and cooperation between China and LAC countries are “doomed to fail” and will not gain support.
