China-US relationship. Illustration: Liu Rui/Global Times

China has always been consistent and serious in talks with the US and welcomes cooperation based on mutual respect while opposing endless pressure and smear, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday, slamming the US for trying to shift blame toward China on the issue of bilateral dialogue. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping held phone talks with US counterpart Joe Biden twice this year, and senior officials from the two sides have arranged face-to-face meetings in Anchorage, US and then in North China's Tianjin, Zhao noted at the press briefing. 

Throughout the year, senior Chinese diplomats have engaged in several rounds of dialogue with the US on various fronts including trade, climate change and bilateral ties. "Whether between themselves or in public, the US has stated that these dialogues have been frank, sincere, and constructive," Zhao said. 

His remarks were in response to media claims from some US officials that the exchanges between the two countries have been ineffective. They also accused China of being tough and insincere in engaging in serious or substantive talks with the US.

China has made a list of US wrongdoings that must stop and has elaborated on China's bottom lines in managing divergences in China-US relations, and all of these pointed to the root causes of the problems, Zhao said, adding that "we have been looking forward to a response from the US, but so far there has been none."

"China maintains a serious attitude toward talks with the US, and we welcome dialogue based on mutual respect and cooperation based on mutual benefits," Zhao stressed. "What we oppose is US 'microphone diplomacy' and smearing actions before and after these talks, with the intention of threatening and pressurizing China to get its so-called 'position of strength.'" 

"China will not accept such tricks," Zhao said. 

"Asking for China's help on issues of concern while interfering in China's internal affairs and harming its interests is never going to work," Zhao added. 

The US has shifted the blame onto China while never reflecting on its own hegemonic behavior, falsely portraying legitimate acts to defend China's sovereignty, security and interests as being "tough and insincere," Zhao said.  

The talks between Xi and Biden reached an important and positive consensus to push bilateral ties back onto a healthy, steady track, Zhao added, saying that China hopes the US will do as it says and will walk together with China in developing bilateral relations. 

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi have talked with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken several times over the phone. 

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He has also held virtual meetings with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Trade Representative Katherine Tai. Meanwhile, US climate envoy John Kerry visited China twice this year and has maintained proper communication with relevant departments. 

Global Times