The Chinese ambassador to Austria, Qi Mei, sees her country playing a mediating role between Israel and Palestine. Beijing will not exert pressure on Russia in the Ukraine war. China is one of the biggest victims of fake news.
The Press: At X you publish a mix of economic, political and personal statements. Some of his colleagues have been accused of “wolf warrior diplomacy” on social media. How do you feel about it?
Qi Mei: This is not a correct narrative. It’s a Western narrative. I started my career in 1993 and encountered many concepts created by Western media and politicians. As a diplomat, a fundamental task is to guarantee the country’s interests.
Are aggressive statements the main task of diplomats?
It is not aggressive. When false information about China spreads, there are of course reactions. We try to play the role of a bridge in communication and cooperation in bilateral relations.
About Is this intended to erase the conflict with the Muslim minority from the public?
This is absolutely fake news. I don’t agree with the term “conflict”. 56 ethnic groups and about 1.4 billion people live together in China. There is complete freedom of movement and religion. This is not about human rights or ethnicity. It’s about the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism.
“We will not remain idle in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.”
Qi Mei
Chinese Ambassador to Austria
You talk about terrorism. Why didn’t China officially condemn the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel?