Regional states should understand “the challenges presented by the Chinese Communist Party,” Pompeo told Japanese reporters, adding that the global competition is “not a rivalry between the US and China,” but one “for the soul of the world.”
In a separate statement on Tuesday, Beijing’s embassy in Washington responded by saying that China would not “accept reckless smearing and groundless accusations.” Beijing is committed to resolving differences with other countries through dialogue and consultation, a spokesperson said.
Any multilateral cooperation should not be conducted “by forming exclusive blocs,” the embassy spokesperson told Newsweek. The diplomat called on the Quad states “to bear in mind the common interests” of the region and to contribute to peace and stability, “not to the contrary.”
