China: U.S. should not overestimate its ability to spread rumors

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Europe

The United States should not overestimate its ability to spread rumors, nor should it underestimate the judgment ability of others, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang Friday during the ministry's regular press conference.

China has already hit back at groundless U.S. allegations on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said Geng, adding that such random smear campaigns against China will get nowhere.

Despite the criticism, China keeps exchanging views with the U.S. on the BRI, said Geng without answering whether the U.S. would attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

The second BRF is going to be held at the end of April in Beijing. It is also regarded as the most important diplomatic activity held at home.

The BRI has gained active responses and participation since it was announced. More than 150 countries and international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China.

Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan (L) and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio shake hands after signing trade agreements at Villa Madama in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on jointly building the Belt and Road, and financial cooperation documents.

During President Xi Jinping's state visit to Europe from March 21 to 26, China signed a MoU with Italy on cooperation within the framework of the BRI, making Italy the first G7 nation to officially join the BRI.

Their participation, according to Geng, indicated that more and more countries have been realizing the opportunities and benefits BRI could bring to them.

Apart from cooperation with European countries, Geng also highlighted the BRI cooperation with Kuwait, calling the country as one of the important partners of China regarding jointly building the Belt and Road in the Gulf region.

China is willing to strengthen communication and pragmatic cooperation with Kuwait on the "Silk City and Five Islands" project under the BRI framework, said Geng.

(Cover: The 2,000th China-Europe freight train heading to Krasnodar of Russia leaves the freight logistics center in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 15, 2019. /VCG Photo)