Munich Security Conference: China slams 'bullying' in international relations

Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Beijing and Europe stand united against unilateral approaches

epa08219169 Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor  Wang Yi addresses an audience during a Statement and Discussion session at the 56th Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, 15 February 2020. More than 500 high-level international decision-makers meet at the 56th Munich Security Conference in Munich during their annual meeting from 14 to 16 February 2020 to discuss global security issues.  EPA/PHILIPP GUELLAND
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China’s most senior diplomat sought on Saturday to capitalise on the differences within the western alliances on Saturday, telling the Munich Security Conference that Beijing stood with Europe in opposing the unilateral approach taken by some countries.

In a clear reference to Washington, Mr Wang described the two sides as a bulwark against “bullying” in international relations, saying the world was “in need of solidarity and co-operation between China and the EU".

“In particular when some major country has given up on international co-operation and adopts unilateralism, it is all the more important that china and Europe work together,” Mr Wang said.

“We both believe in a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations rather than power politics and bullying. These are the common grounds between our two sides when we look at the world,” he said.

But his realist rhetoric was mixed with ideology. The foreign minister said the world was witnessing the rebirth of the Chinese nation and that the country remained committed to the cause of communism that tens of millions of citizens had given their lives to defend.

Addressing the business side of the relationship with Europe, Mr Wang said the two sides stood for free trade and against protectionism and had “more common ground than differences and far more co-operation than competition”.

He said Beijing expected European countries to each make an “independent and wise choice” on whether to purchase 5G technology from Chinese companies despite US pressure to shun them.

Washington increased its efforts last year to stop its European allies from buying Chinese equipment to upgrade their networks to 5G, in particular from Huawei which US officials see as a possible spying conduit and accuse of violating US sanctions on Iran.

“It is granted that every country should uphold its information security but it is important to provide a level playing ground for all companies,” Mr Wang said.

“It is the fair thing to do and that is consistent with market rules,” he said, referring to Europe. “We believe every country will make their independent and wise choice."