Parliament briefing sets tone ahead of National People’s Congress
China said it is willing to work with the United States to promote communication at all levels while maintaining its “red lines” and core principles, according to remarks on Wednesday by a spokesperson for China’s parliament. The comments came on the eve of the opening of the National People’s Congress annual session, a political meeting that is expected to draw close attention amid efforts by both countries to stabilize a relationship strained by multiple crises.
The spokesperson, Lou Qinjian, made the comments at a press conference as China prepares to open the parliamentary session on Thursday. The briefing took place as both sides look toward an expected summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of March, a meeting described as highly anticipated amid continued trade tensions.
Lou called on both countries to respect each other and coexist peacefully. He also urged the U.S. Congress to view China “objectively” and to take steps that would benefit bilateral ties, while underscoring that Beijing will protect what it defines as its sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Middle East war adds new strain to already bruised ties
Lou’s comments were delivered against the backdrop of a widening conflict in the Middle East and a further deterioration in relations already pressured by trade disputes. U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran on Saturday after negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme stalled. Since then, the war has spread beyond Iran’s borders, with Iranian attacks hitting Gulf states including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
The conflict has also affected diplomatic security across the region. Iranian attacks struck U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, prompting Washington to close diplomatic missions across the Middle East. The escalation has raised concerns about broader instability and has become a fresh irritant in U.S. China relations, particularly because China counts Iran as a close partner and a major oil supplier.
Lou repeated China’s call for an immediate ceasefire and urged respect for Iran’s sovereignty. He warned against any country acting unilaterally on the global stage, stating that no country has the right to control international affairs, dictate the fate of other nations, or monopolise development advantages.
Beijing links principles to sovereignty, security and development
While presenting China as open to continued engagement, Lou emphasized constraints on how far Beijing is willing to go. He said China has its own principles and “red lines” and will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests. The language suggested an effort to combine a diplomatic signal of openness with a firm message that core disputes will not be negotiated away.
The comments also reflected Beijing’s attempt to frame bilateral ties as a relationship that should be managed through mutual respect rather than pressure. Lou’s call for peaceful coexistence sat alongside warnings that China rejects any external attempt to determine other nations’ futures or to assert dominance in international decision-making.
Relations have been further strained by a separate episode cited in the briefing context: the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a Caracas raid in January. China counts Venezuela as a long-time major oil supplier and close partner, and the event added another flashpoint for an already tense diplomatic environment.
Summit planning advances as trade teams prepare to meet
The remarks come as both countries look to stabilize ties ahead of the expected Trump Xi meeting in Beijing at the end of March. A White House official has said Trump will travel to China from March 31 to April 2, though Beijing has not made an official announcement about the trip.
In parallel, senior trade negotiators are expected to meet in Paris next week to discuss potential business deals linked to the leaders’ meeting, according to a report cited in the provided information. The planned talks would take place as both sides attempt to manage economic friction and identify areas where limited agreements might be possible.
Lou’s message on Wednesday set out a dual approach for the period leading into the parliamentary session and the potential summit. China presented itself as willing to engage through communication at all levels, while stressing that its position on sovereignty, national security, and development policy is not negotiable. The tone suggested Beijing is seeking stability in the relationship while preparing for difficult discussions on issues where it expects fundamental disagreements to persist.