In a speech at a seminar on China's diplomacy in December 2011, Assistant Foreign Minister Le Yucheng addressed concerns about Washington's increased input in the Asia-Pacific region. His views follow:
The United States has never left Asia Pacific, so there is no "return." China does not want to and cannot push the United States out of Asia Pacific. We hope the United States can play a constructive role in this region, and that includes respecting China's major concerns and core interests. The Pacific Ocean is vast enough to accommodate the coexistence and cooperation between these two countries.
In the face of the changing situation we should seek cooperation, not confrontation, to solve issues. We must be confident that as long as China is committed to peaceful development, openness and cooperation and can attend our own affairs well, nobody can encircle us or keep us out.
Source: www.fmprc.gov.cn |