Second US State Department official Wendy Sherman denounced China’s ambition to dominate the world, stressing that “even though Beijing is thousands of miles away… China’s actions affect the future of Europe.” She welcomed the current cooperation with the Europeans in this area, while calling for “harmonization of our approaches.”

During a video conference with European press from Washington, she noted that “Even before Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced their unlimited partnership last February, China was challenging Europe’s security, economy and values.” Speaking of China’s “economic persecution” in Europe, she pointed to China’s “recent ban on Lithuanian exports and its failure to build a highway in Montenegro in addition to persecuting European companies such as Adidas and Nike.”

Sherman pointed out that “the United States of America is not looking for a conflict with China or a separation of its economy from the Chinese economy,” stressing that “we don’t want a new Cold War, but we can’t count on Beijing to change its behavior.” She stressed that the United States is “closely watching” the alliance between Russia and China, threatening Beijing with “consequences” if it decides to send equipment (weapons) to Russia at any time.

Washington accuses Beijing of wanting to change the international order. In a speech delivered by the US Secretary of State on May 25, he said that Washington is in fierce competition with Beijing in order to maintain international order.