U.S. Secretary of State Blinken: “We will not tolerate even witnessing China’s election interference.”

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken (left), who is visiting China, meets with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and shakes hands at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing. yunhap newsU.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken said, “Today, we have seen evidence and attempts by China to influence and interfere with the U.S. presidential election in November,” and “we will block them as quickly as possible.”

After completing his visit to China, Secretary Blinken said in an interview with CNN on the 26th (local time), “China’s interference in the US presidential election is an issue that we are watching very carefully, and it is absolutely unacceptable.”

Previously, at the U.S.-China summit in San Francisco in November last year, U.S. President Joe Biden repeatedly delivered the message to Chinese President Xi Jinping to “not interfere in the U.S. presidential election,” and President Xi reportedly agreed to this.

In response to the anchor’s question, “Has the promise between the leaders of the two countries been kept since then?” Secretary Blinken said, “We have seen China’s attempts to exert influence and interference, and there are concerns about encouraging division in American society.”

China has repeatedly stated that it does not interfere in the elections of any country, including the United States, in accordance with the principle of ‘non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries’.

However, in some countries, such as Canada, there were cases where actors believed to be linked to China attempted to interfere with the election, drawing criticism.

Secretary Blinken did not hide his discomfort with China’s support for Russia.

The United States believes that thanks to China’s massive support, Russia can increase production of tanks, munitions, and armored vehicles, and use this as a stepping stone to continue its attacks on Ukraine.

During his visit to China, Secretary Blinken said he “raised concerns about China’s support for the Russian defense industrial base,” and added, “If this support continues, additional measures could be taken in addition to existing sanctions against more than 100 Chinese companies and individuals.” “I emphasized it,” he said.

In response, China is said to have drawn a line, saying, “It is only normal trade and economic exchange with Russia,” and “China has nothing to do with Russia’s success.”

Regarding the ‘pro-Palestinian protests’ that have recently spread in American universities, Secretary Blinken said, “There were cases where some protesters shouted ‘anti-Semitic’ slogans, but I do not think the protests themselves were anti-Semitic.”

However, when asked whether the U.S. government would stop sending weapons to Israel as demanded by the protesters, he responded, “No. We are focusing on what can best reflect the interests and values ​​of the United States.”

Meanwhile, regarding the significance of his visit to China, U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken said, “The two countries are currently focused on areas where they can cooperate, but at times they have also been very candid about their differences. This is important to prevent competition from turning into conflict.” “he said.

Secretary Blinken’s visit to China took place about 10 months after he first visited Beijing in June of last year.