Chinese Leaders Warn of Conflict if US Tensions Worsen

During the annual session of parliament under way in Beijing this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping called out the United States, saying it was leading Western countries in an effort to suppress and encircle China.

Key Quotes: President Xi said that "Western countries — led by the U.S. — have implemented all-round containment, encirclement, and suppression against us, bringing unprecedentedly severe challenges to our country’s development." The comments were followed by criticism of Washington from China's new foreign minister and former ambassador to the U.S., Qin Gang, who said, "If the United States does not hit the brakes, but continues to speed down the wrong path, no amount of guardrails can prevent derailing, and there will surely be conflict and confrontation."

For Context: The comments by Xi may foreshadow new policy actions out of China amidst a new level of contention with the U.S. In recent months, the U.S. has sought to revitalize and expand its alliances in Asia, and has increased its crackdown on China's semiconductor industry. Just last month, the U.S. announced expanded access to bases in the Philippines.

How the Media Covered it: Xi's comments were covered by sources across the political spectrum, with all sources noting the rarity and intensity of the warning of inevitable "conflict and confrontation."