China’s Xi: ‘Cold War’ mentality possible in Asia-Pacific region

Chinese President Xi Jinping says a “Cold War” mentality is possible in the Asia-Pacific regions.

In recorded remarks to a CEO summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Xi said attempting to draw ideological lines or cliques on geopolitical grounds would eventually fail, The Associated Press reported.

“The Asia-Pacific region cannot and should not relapse into the confrontation and division of the Cold War era,” Xi said, according to the AP.  

Xi’s comments seemed to reference recent U.S. efforts with regional allies to combat China’s growing influence, Reuters noted. 

The U.S., United Kingdom and Australia announced a deal to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines in September, which was meant to combat China’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific.  

At the time, China’s embassy in Washington said the three countries should “shake off their Cold-War mentality and ideological prejudice.”

Most recently, Beijing condemned a U.S. congressional delegation who went to Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Tensions have grown between China and Taiwan as Beijing increases provocative actions there.

Xi is expected to hold a virtual meeting with President Biden by the end of the year, their first formal meeting since Biden was elected and a follow-up to the two leaders’ second phone call in September. The U.S. wanted to have an in-person meeting with Xi, but he has not left the country during the coronavirus pandemic.

APEC’s 21 members include China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S.

This year’s APEC summit, hosted by New Zealand, is being held virtually due to the pandemic. Biden will participate in the APEC Leaders’ meeting on Friday, according to the White House.