FM spokesperson: U.S. changes to State Dept. webpage distort facts

The changes made by the U.S. State Department on its "U.S.-China Relations" page and "U.S. Relations with China" fact sheet misrepresent the facts, attack China's foreign policy, and peddle the so-called China-U.S. strategic competition, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday.

"We strongly deplore and firmly oppose it," said Guo Jiakun at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the U.S. changes, which reportedly focus more on economic ties highlighting the U.S.-China trade deficit, China's alleged unfair competition practices and U.S. firms' "concerns" over operating in China.

Guo said China's U.S. policy is consistent and clear.

China is committed to viewing and developing China-U.S. ties in line with the three principles put forth by President Xi Jinping, namely mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, he said. "We are equally determined to defend our sovereignty, security and development interest."

China urges the U.S. to act on the important common understandings reached by the two presidents during their phone call, stop misleading the U.S. people and the international community, and stop smearing and putting pressure on China, he said.

The U.S. should view and handle China-U.S. relations in an objective and rational way, and jointly promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of the China-U.S. relationship, he added.