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China will not tolerate certain countries' aggression and profit seeking at the same time: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 06, 2021 05:53 PM

China will not tolerate certain countries' criticism and mud-throwing at China, while at the same time continue to cash in on their economic relationship with China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Zhao's comments reflect China's willingness to play hardball after the country continued to face repeated attacks and sanctions from Australia, which not only led to a chill in the two countries' business relations but has aroused some controversies among Australian critics as to whether Australia should blindly side with the US.

"Certain countries have been used by others as to attack China, and their people would only pay the price for the mistaken policies by their government," Zhao said, responding to the fact raised by a reporter at the press briefing that Australia's agricultural products were losing Chinese markets while the US' exports to China was increasing.

A number of Australian products which have found major markets in China suffered last year including wheat and coal, as the two countries' relations continued to deteriorate. In the corresponding period, exports of cotton, beef and coal, traditional mainstays of Australia's export economy, from the US to China had risen in the past months.

Some Australian critics have also called on the Australian government not to blindly follow US policies toward China, considering that the US and Australia are competitors in agricultural exports.

According to Zhao, China is currently accelerating constructing a dual-circulation new development model and is aiming to achieve higher quality development under opening-up policies. Those goals will generate significant opportunities and scopefor cooperation. In the next 15 years, China is expected to import more than $30 trillion worth of products.

"China remains committed to facilitating economic and trade cooperation, and is willing to share development opportunities with overseas countries. However, mutual respect is the foundation and safeguard for countries to carry out pragmatic cooperation," he said.

Bruce Haigh, an Australian political commentator and former diplomat, said recently he believed that Australian leaders were incorrect in assuming that the US will protect Australia's interests, and the Morrison government's policy toward China is "not in Australia's interest from an economic, scientific, educational and cultural perspective."