Key Takeaways:
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has secured third-term in office
- Xi has called for Beijing to have a greater say in international politics
- The Chinese president has slammed US ahead of his official visit to Moscow
YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — China’s long-term leader Xi Jinping is taking the fight to the US. Days after he consolidated his power in the country by winning an unprecedented third term, he has now focused his attention on Washington. After blaming the United States for its weakening economy, he announced that Beijing will play a bigger role in global affairs. To irk the Biden Administration further, Xi is expected to visit Moscow next week.
“Western countries led by the United States have contained and suppressed us in an all-round way, which has brought unprecedented severe challenges to our development,”
Xi said in front of government advisers representing private businesses.
Although bilateral relations between the two arch-rivals have weakened, Xi Jinping has refrained from directly mentioning the US in his criticisms. But it seems he has adopted a more aggressive tone of late.
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Xi Jinping hardens stance against the United States
Xi has not only succeeded in securing a third term in office but has also managed to convince the Chinese deputies to elect his loyalists to the top administrative posts. His close ally Qin Gang, who became the new Prime Minister of China, also echoed Xi’s warnings.
“If the United States does not hit the brakes, but continues to speed down the wrong path, no amount of guardrails can prevent derailing, and there will surely be conflict and confrontation,”
Qin said on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress.
In a move that comes as another slap on the face of President Joe Biden and Co, China appointed General Li Shangfu as its new defense minister. Shangfu is a veteran of the People’s Liberation Army. The Trump administration sanctioned him in 2018 for buying Russian weapons. By appointing him, Xi is sending a clear message to Washington.
Xi wants China to have a greater role globally
Earlier this month, China shocked the United States and its allies by brokering a truce between long-time enemies Iran and Saudi Arabia. In what has become a serious cause of concern for the Biden Administration. Beijing hosted a series of high-profile talks between the representatives of the two countries before the truce agreement was announced. As a result, both nations will soon reopen embassies in each other’s capitals.
Encouraged by this success, Xi has now vowed to increase his country’s role and influence on international affairs.
“China should actively participate in the reform and construction of the global governance system and promote global security initiatives. That will add positive energy to world peace and development,”
Xi told his lawmakers, according to media reports.
The country’s authoritarian leader also promised to build China’s military into a “Great Wall of steel” to protect its sovereignty and developmental interests.”
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Chinese leader to visit Russia next week
Amid the strained Sino-Russian relations, Xi Jinping is planning to travel to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin next week. According to circulating reports that quote people familiar with the matter, Xi will also look to offer to broker peace in Ukraine.
The United States, which is already irked by Beijing’s growing influence, has slammed Xi. According to Washington, China has provided diplomatic and political support to Russia. As a result, Xi and his Government cannot be impartial brokers of peace in the conflict.
The visit, if it takes place next week, will come earlier than Washington expected. Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Xi would visit Moscow in April or early May.
Meanwhile, the Biden Administration has announced that the US President is ready to hold discussions with Xi.
“President Biden has indicated his willingness to have a telephone conversation with President Xi once they’re back and in stride coming off the National People’s Congress,”
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.
However, Sullivan also indicated that “there’s no date set” for the proposed telephonic conversation.
As Xi Jinping consolidates power in his country, the global shift in international politics will see a more assertive and aggressive Beijing in the months to come.
