China says the United States cannot impose its will on all the other countries in the world.
China Warns Against US Global Dominance, Urges Respect for Sovereignty
13 April 2025
Beijing has issued a pointed statement asserting that the United States cannot "impose its will" on the rest of the world, in what appears to be a growing diplomatic pushback against Washington's influence in global affairs.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that international relations should be grounded in mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. The remarks come amid rising tensions over geopolitical issues ranging from trade and technology to military alliances and regional conflicts.
“China believes that no country, no matter how powerful, has the right to dictate the direction of the world or interfere in the domestic affairs of other nations,” the spokesperson stated. “Attempts to enforce a single nation's rules or ideological framework on the international community are both unjust and unsustainable.”
Although no specific incident was mentioned, the comments are widely seen as a response to recent actions and statements by the United States regarding China’s policies in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as Washington’s calls for stricter measures against Chinese firms operating overseas.
A Push for Multipolarity
Chinese officials have long advocated for a multipolar world order, where no single superpower dominates global decision-making. The Chinese government maintains that diversity in political systems and development paths should be respected rather than challenged or coerced into conformity.
In recent years, Beijing has strengthened ties with various regional blocs and emerging economies, positioning itself as a counterweight to Western-led institutions. China's Belt and Road Initiative, alongside its involvement in forums such as the BRICS alliance and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, is part of its broader strategy to reshape the global balance of power.
“The world is not a chessboard where one country can move others like pawns,” the ministry spokesperson added. “Every nation, regardless of size or strength, has the right to independently determine its future and contribute to international affairs.”
Rising Tensions
The statement comes at a time of increasing friction between China and the United States over a variety of strategic issues. These include disputes in the South China Sea, human rights concerns, restrictions on technology exports, and differing views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In Washington, officials have defended their policies as necessary to uphold international norms and protect national security interests. However, critics argue that the US approach can often be perceived as unilateral and heavy-handed, undermining multilateral cooperation.
China has frequently accused the United States of maintaining a Cold War mentality and pursuing containment strategies aimed at limiting its rise. Beijing insists that its growth is peaceful and poses no threat to the international community.
A Call for Dialogue
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Chinese authorities have repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means to manage differences and avoid escalation. Analysts suggest that while the tone may be assertive, Beijing is still keen to maintain stable relations with Washington, especially amid global economic uncertainty.
“There is room for cooperation if both sides are willing to approach discussions with sincerity and mutual understanding,” said Professor Li Jian, an expert in international relations at Peking University. “But neither side benefits from a zero-sum mindset.”
🇨🇳🇺🇸 China says the United States cannot impose its will on all the other countries in the world. pic.twitter.com/Nqn0HeFO4a
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) April 13, 2025
In the meantime, China continues to assert its role on the global stage, challenging the idea that a single nation can act as the de facto arbiter of world affairs. Whether the international community embraces this vision of shared leadership remains to be seen.
