China warns against ‘third party’ interference after reports of US pressure on Mexico
Relations between China and Mexico should not be influenced by outside powers, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday, following reports that the United States was pressuring its neighbour over its ties to Beijing. “China-Mexico relations are not directed at any third party, nor should they be influenced by any third party,” Wang told his Mexican counterpart Roberto Velasco Alvarez. He added…
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautioned on Monday against external forces meddling in China-Mexico relations, following reports of US pressure on Mexico regarding its ties with Beijing. Wang emphasized that the bilateral ties between the two nations should remain independent and unaffected by any third party. He reiterated China's support for Mexico's sovereignty and security, urging both countries to avoid external interference.
During his first official visit to Beijing, Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Alvarez expressed that China and Mexico share a mutual respect for sovereignty and equality. He further stated Mexico's willingness to enhance high-level exchanges, develop bilateral mechanisms, and deepen pragmatic cooperation with China.
Velasco highlighted Mexico's intention to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum in 2028, seeing it as an opportunity to demonstrate Mexico's leadership as a bridge between the Americas and Asia. The two nations discussed various international and regional issues of mutual concern during their meeting.
China and Mexico agreed on their shared positions on several international and regional matters, with Beijing expressing its willingness to deepen strategic coordination on multilateral platforms to protect their respective legitimate interests and promote the unity and strength of the Global South. In the meantime, Mexico also showcased the opening of a new consulate in Chongqing, a southwestern megacity.
The visit by Velasco coincides with Mexico engaging in talks with the US to finalize bilateral agreements before they engage in three-way discussions with Canada. Trade negotiations between Ottawa and Washington recently stalled due to reported US demands to restrict Canada's trade deals with third countries, which many saw as an attempt to target China.
Mexico might be at risk of facing similar pressure, with Bloomberg reporting in July that the US was urging Mexico to adopt its trade barriers on Chinese steel and aluminium. In response, Mexico's administration submitted a proposed reform to the Senate, which would subject foreign acquisitions in sensitive sectors to national security reviews.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
