Cooperation or confrontation? China’s top diplomat says Washington faces a choice — and warns against crossing “red lines” on Taiwan.
China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, cautioned Saturday against what he described as “knee-jerk” calls in the United States to sever economic ties with Beijing, urging Washington to adopt a more “positive and pragmatic” approach.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Wang said cooperation remains the best path forward for the world’s two largest economies, even as tensions over trade, technology and security persist.
His remarks came a day after he met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in what a U.S. official described as a constructive exchange. The two sides also discussed a planned April visit to Beijing by President Donald Trump, signaling potential efforts to stabilize relations after a year marked by tariff disputes and policy friction.
Wang said Beijing had been encouraged by recent White House statements expressing respect for Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people. Still, he warned that certain voices in Washington were undermining the bilateral relationship.
He outlined what he described as two possible futures: one in which the United States views China “reasonably and objectively” and pursues cooperation, and another driven by emotional reactions aimed at decoupling supply chains and opposing China “on everything.”
Western governments have increasingly voiced concern about reliance on China for critical raw materials and key manufacturing components, prompting calls to diversify supply chains. Wang argued that attempts to fully sever economic ties would be counterproductive and destabilizing.
He also warned that moves to support Taiwan independence would cross Beijing’s “red lines” and could push the two countries toward conflict.
“China wants to see the first prospect,” Wang said, referring to cooperation. “But China is well prepared to address all kinds of risks.”
His message underscored Beijing’s effort to portray itself as open to engagement — while making clear that certain issues remain non-negotiable.
