US democracy summit to create division: China

By Aamir Latif

ANKARA (AA) - China said Tuesday that the US-led "so-called" Summit for Democracy "blatantly" draws an ideological line between countries and creates division.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said it “violates the spirit of democracy and further reveals the US’ pursuit of primacy behind the facade of democracy."

"What our world needs today is not to stoke decision in the name of democracy and pursue de facto supremacy-oriented unilateralism, but to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and uphold true multilateralism on the basis of purposes and principles of the UN charter, " said Mao. "What the world needs today is not to interfere in other countries' internal affairs under the guise of democracy but to advocate genuine democracy, reject pseudo-democracy and jointly promote greater democracy in international relations."

She said the world does not need a Summit for Democracy that "hypes up confrontation but a conference of solidarity that focuses on taking real actions to solve prominent global challenges."

Beijing advised Washington to stop "pointing fingers" at other countries and to stop "interfering" in their internal affairs in the name of promoting democracy.

Washington has not invited China and Türkiye to the summit and Pakistan declined an invitation.

The US invited Taiwan, which Beijing considers an inalienable part of its territory. ​​​​​​​

The virtual two-day summit begins Wednesday in Washington.​​​​​​​