Trump security report slammed
China and Russia object to imperialist character and Cold War-mentality of biting document
CHINA and Russia yesterday decried President Donald Trump’s first National Security Strategy -which pilloried both nations as challengers to US power – as a Cold War-mentality with an imperialist character.
The global powerhouses hit back hours after the Trump administration unveiled its approach to the world with biting language framing Beijing and Moscow as global competitors.
“We urge the United States to stop intentionally distorting China’s strategic intentions and to abandon outdated notions such as the Cold War-mentality and zero-sum game, otherwise it will only harm itself or others,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.
Moscow issued its own denunciation moments later.
“The imperialist character of this document is obvious, as is the refusal to renounce a unipolar world, an insistent refusal,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
The report’s tough tone contrasts sharply with Trump’s friendlier face-to-face encounters with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
“China and Russia challenge American power, influence and interests, attempting to erode American security and prosperity,” it said.
Accusing China of seeking to displace the United States in Asia, the 68-page strategy is a litany of US grievances, from the Chinese stealing data to spreading features of its auTrump’s thoritarian system. “Contrary to our hopes, China expanded its power at the expense of the sovereignty of others,” it said.
Beijing launched a vigorous defence of its peaceful development, saying any report which distorts the facts or maliciously slanders will only do so in vain.
“China will never pursue its own development at the expense of other countries’ interests,” Hua said.
“At the same time, we will never give up our legitimate rights and interests.”
Trump received a lavish welcome on his first state visit to Beijing last month and was full of praise for Xi.
But the two countries have been locked in an increasingly acrimonious battle over trade issues, with Washington taking unprecedented steps to investigate and add tariffs to Chinese-made goods.
There are also lingering US concerns over China’s military activities in the disputed South China Sea, while Washington has angered Beijing with its arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan.
Speaking on Monday after the report’s release, Trump took a softer tone on Russia, lauding the benefits of counter-terror cooperation.
Trump claimed that a recent CIA tip-off about a terror attack on a cathedral in Putin’s home town of Saint Petersburg had prevented deaths “in the thousands”.
presidential campaign is being investigated for possible collusion with Russia in the run-up to his shock election win last year – allegations he has dubbed fake news.
His security strategy says Russian nuclear weapons are the most significant existential threat to the [US].
It describes the Kremlin as a power that seeks to restore its great power status and establish spheres of influence near its borders.
“Russia aims to weaken US influence in the world and divide us from our allies and partners.”
Peskov said Russia could not accept being described as a threat to US security.
But he praised modest positive features, pointing to what he said was Washington’s readiness to cooperate with Russia in areas like security information exchange.
The national security document – 11 months in the making – is required by law.
Previous security strategies have been released without much fanfare and served as guideposts, rather than doctrinal commandments.
But now the document had taken on extra significance.
Foreign officials in Washington often complain that there are effectively two administrations – one that they hear from day-to-day in contacts with the State Department and Pentagon and another coming from Trump, often via Twitter. – AFP