China accuses the United States and Japan of defaming it “without foundation”

The Chinese government issued a strong complaint to the United States and Japan for “baseless” attacks on China in a virtual meeting between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry. Chinese Foreign.

Kishida and Biden had a “very deep discussion” about China, sharing concerns about its bullying of neighbors and its “predatory” moves in trade and other areas, a US official said of last week’s meeting, adding that Kishida was particularly concerned about the nuclear equipment of China.

“Once again, they have baselessly smeared and attacked China and wantonly interfered in China’s internal affairs,” Zhao said.

“The United States and Japan cling to the Cold War mentality and incite ideological antagonism,” he said.

Kishida y Biden they also resolved to “stand up” to China’s attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China seas, according to a White House statement.

Biden and Kishida’s online meeting was their first substantial conversation since Kishida became Japan’s prime minister in October.

The meeting followed “two plus two” talks earlier this month, in which defense and foreign ministers from both countries expressed grave concern about China’s growing power and pledged to respond, if necessary, to destabilizing activity in the Indo-Pacific.