China on Thursday dismissed US efforts to curb its rise, warning that any attempt to contain Beijing is “doomed to fail,” just days after Washington unveiled a new defence strategy prioritising competition with China while pledging respectful relations.
“Facts have proven that any attempt to contain or block China is doomed to fail,” Chinese defence ministry spokesman Jiang Bin told reporters at a regular news briefing.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Jiang said Beijing remained open to cooperation, noting that China was “willing to work with the US side” to promote stable ties. His comments come ahead of an expected April visit by US President Donald Trump to China, where he is set to hold talks with President Xi Jinping.
The remarks follow the release last week of the United States’ 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS), which said Washington would seek to “deter China in the Indo-Pacific through strength, not confrontation.”
The document marked a notable shift in tone from previous Pentagon strategies, softening language toward traditional rivals China and Russia. Under former president Joe Biden, the last NDS described China as Washington’s “most consequential challenge.”
While urging “respectful relations” with Beijing, the new strategy notably made no mention of Taiwan, the self-governed island China claims as its territory. However, it reaffirmed US plans to strengthen a “strong denial defense” along the First Island Chain, a strategic arc that includes Japan and Taiwan.
Jiang criticised Washington for what he described as mixed messaging, urging the US to “stop saying one thing while doing the opposite on issues concerning China’s core interests.” He added that Beijing would “resolutely safeguard” those interests.
Tensions around Taiwan remain a major flashpoint. In December, China conducted live-fire military drills around the island after the United States approved a new round of arms sales to Taipei, its main security partner.
The latest exchange highlights the delicate balance between rivalry and diplomacy as both powers navigate strategic competition while seeking to avoid open confrontation.
