Cold War Mentality? China Rejects U.S. Deputy Secretary’s ‘Serious Challenge’ Comments

China has sharply responded to U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell’s claim that “There is a recognition that this is the most significant challenge in our history,” demanding an end to what it labels the exaggeration of the “China threat.”

During a regular briefing on Thursday, Lin Jian, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, criticized U.S. officials for exaggerating China’s threats and promoting confrontation between the two countries. He stated, “China strongly protests the prevalence of Cold War-era zero-sum thinking and ideological biases.”

In his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding “Great Power Competition in the Indo-Pacific,” Campbell characterized China’s challenge as one of the most serious in history. He emphasized that the complexities of today’s challenges with China—including military, technological, and global influence aspects—render the Cold War comparatively less significant.

In response, Lin argued that the U.S. is viewing international affairs through the lens of strategic competition, treating China as its biggest challenge. He said this reflects a hegemonic mindset when looking at other countries and a severe misjudgment regarding China and U.S.-China relations. Lin emphasized that this perspective does not align with the fundamental interests of both nations’ peoples nor with the general expectations of the broader international community.

Lin said that China is committed to maintaining friendly cooperation with countries worldwide and that its efforts are not aimed at any third party. He criticized the U.S. for strengthening military alliances to create a “small fence” aimed at pressuring other nations, which China opposes.

Furthermore, Lin emphasized that China adheres to a defensive national defense policy and develops limited military capabilities solely for national security, not to target any specific country. He posed the question, “Who displays military might and frequently resorts to military means to solve problems?”

He urged the U.S. to stop distorting China’s strategic intentions and translate President Joe Biden’s “four noes and one no intention.” This includes not seeking a new Cold War, not trying to change China’s political system, not strengthening alliances to counter China, and not intending to confront China over Taiwan’s independence. Lin called for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and cooperative win-win relations to lead U.S.-China relations toward stable, healthy, and sustainable development.

Since early 2018, the U.S. and China have engaged in a trade war, and tensions remain high. Significant improvement in their relationship seems unlikely, and if tensions between China and Taiwan worsen, the U.S. could actively intervene, potentially leading to localized conflict. However, despite the ongoing exchange of the current rhetoric, the situation between the two nations seems somewhat restrained.