Xi calls for military coordination and preparation for conflict at sea

Chinese leader Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the armed forces to coordinate preparations for military conflict at sea, protect the country’s maritime rights and interests and develop the maritime economy.

“It was necessary to build a cyberspace defense system and improve the ability to maintain national network security,” Xi said on state TV as he met a delegation of the People’s Liberation Army and armed police at China’s annual parliament meeting.

The US has a wrong perception of China: Secretary of State

The US clings to a false perception of China and has yet to deliver on its “promises” despite some progress since Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met last November, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of an annual parliament meeting in Beijing, Wang said exchanges between the two countries can only continue if both sides respect and recognize their differences.

“It should be pointed out that the US’s incorrect perception of China continues, and the promises the country has made have not really been fulfilled,” Wang said.

“The methods of suppressing China are constantly being renewed, and the list of unilateral sanctions is constantly being expanded,” he said.

First print: March 7, 2024 | 11:57 PM IST