WikiLeaks

Reading unenthusiastically from prepared remarks, MFA DG for North American and Oceanian Affairs Zheng Zeguang formally protested to the A/DCM DOD’s annual report to Congress on China’s military power. Zheng criticized the report as containing “erroneous and unfounded” accusations that have undermined U.S.-China relations. China will continue to pursue “peaceful development” and has legitimate needs to build its military for national security purposes, Zheng claimed. The Taiwan portion of the report triggered a recitation by Zheng of China’s standard talking points, followed by the assertion that China handles disputes through consultation and in accordance with international law. Zheng closed with a complaint that the report had come out when Washington and Beijing have a “stable and good beginning” for relations under the new U.S. administration, arguing that we need to “eradicate the negative impact” of the report to reduce the damage done to the bilateral relationship, particularly mil-mil relations. The A/DCM pointed out that the report is mandated by Congress, and encouraged China’s responsible participation in world affairs and increased military transparency. The A/DCM reiterated the U.S. commitment to our one China policy.