Wang Yi: “China Will Never Become Another America”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a press conference on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress in Beijing, said that China is “trying to play a bigger role in existing international order and system,” but that it will never seek hegemony ­­ “China will never become another America. China has no intention to supersede or lead others,” reported Xinhua.

He specifically warned that the United States is interfering in the South China Sea in a dangerous and provocative way.

“Freedom of navigation does not imply doing whatever you want….Thanks to joint efforts made by China and other countries in the region, the South China Sea remains among the world’s safest and freest sail lanes. Any attempts to disturb the South China Sea and destabilize Asia would not be allowed by China and most other countries in the region,” he said. He warned the US against “muddying the waters” that could “plunge Asia into chaos,” adding that “Philippines stubbornness on the South China Sea dispute is the result of behind­ the ­scene instigation, political maneuvering.”

He reported that China has offered to set up two hotlines to deal with maritime emergencies and joint rescues.

Wang also stated that Beijing will not be an onlooker in the Middle East, but will play a more active role without interfering in internal affairs of nations in the region. He emphasized China’s “mature and stable” ties with Russia.