After North Korea, China’s Xi Jinping Calls for Military Preparation for Conflicts at Sea

Chinese leader Xi Jinping promoted the crucial role of the armed forces coordinating preparations for potential military conflicts at sea, safeguarding the nation's maritime rights and interests, and advancing the marine economy.

According to state television, Xi emphasized the importance of developing a cyberspace defense system and enhancing the capability to safeguard national network security. He made this statement following a discussion with a group from the People's Liberation Army and Armed Police Force during China's yearly parliament session.

Xi Jinping Pushes to Make Chinese Military Stronger

BEIJING, CHINA - OCTOBER 23: Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the podium during the meeting between members of the standing committee of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee and Chinese and foreign journalists at The Great Hall of People on October 23, 2022 in Beijing, China.
(Photo : Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

In a news conference during an annual parliamentary meeting in Beijing, China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, expressed dissatisfaction with the United States' handling of its relationship with China. Despite some progress following the meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping last November, Wang asserted that the US continues to harbor erroneous perceptions of China and has failed to fulfill its promises.

Wang brought out the value of mutual regard and recognition of differences for the ongoing provides between the two nations. The speaker identified the US's continued inaccurate perception of China, as well as its ongoing use of unilateral sanctions and developing strategies to control the country.

The foreign minister's remarks aligned with a report from Taiwan's defense ministry, which emphasized China's growing use of grey-zone warfare against Taiwan. The following particular strategy includes using balloons, drones, and civilian boats to cover the areas around the democratic island.

The Taiwanese administration has repeatedly alleged that China has been using such strategies in recent years, aiming to wear down adversaries without engaging in direct confrontations, according to Business Standard.

China-Russia Cooperation

In his discussion on China-Russian cooperation, Wang focused the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, that point out that Chinese places use Russian natural gas while Chinese automobiles travel on Russian highways.

China and Russia formed a "no limits," relationship in February 2022, before Russia invaded Ukraine. China has supported Russia politically and economically despite global tensions, defying the US and its allies.

With a vision toward a world free of American dominance, Wang defined the relationship between China and Russia as a reaction to the trend of multipolarity. He lambasted the US for suppressing China's rise and called the Biden administration's penalties on Chinese corporations "bewildering" and "unfathomable."

The Chinese diplomat acknowledged a thaw in relations since the Xi-Biden meeting but expressed disappointment that the US had not fulfilled its promises. Wang cautioned against supporting Taiwan's bid for independence, warning that those countries meddling in the matter would "get burned for playing with fire."

Taiwan remains a contentious issue, with China claiming sovereignty over the self-governing island and vowing to bring it under its control, even through force if necessary. Without specifically referencing a particular nation, Wang condemned its actions in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The speaker called on specific countries outside the region to avoid causing disruptions and conflicts in the South China Sea, stating that China would retaliate against any unreasonable provocations. Wang raised concerns about the credibility and confidence of the US as a major power, cautioning that focusing too much on suppressing China might end up hurting the United States, Independent reported.