The U.S. State Department has issued guidance distinguishing the CCP from the Chinese people, reinforcing that Beijing’s government is the adversary. It discourages negative connotations associated with the term “Chinese” in diplomatic discourse. This directive has evolved from previous administrations and has drawn criticisms from Chinese officials, revealing the complexities of U.S.-China relations under the new guidance.

The United States has clarified its stance by differentiating between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese populace, characterizing Beijing’s regime as an adversary rather than the general public. This move is documented in an internal directive acquired by VOA and is reminiscent of messaging from President Donald Trump’s administration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently instructed U.S. embassies to employ more precise language regarding China, discouraging the use of “Chinese” as an adjective when it may carry negative implications for the Chinese community. This directive accompanies the recent change on the State Department’s website, which now simply refers to the nation as “China,” omitting the formal title of the “People’s Republic of China.”

In discussions about government actions, U.S. officials are to use “CCP,” acknowledging the party’s overarching control across various sectors in the nation. While addressing China’s negative actions, the memo advises against associating these actions with the Chinese people by refraining from using “Chinese” as a descriptor.

Furthermore, references to Xi Jinping should specifically denote him as “General Secretary” of the Communist Party instead of “President,” emphasizing party dominance. This methodology aligns with the previous strategies adopted by ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The guidance also reiterates U.S. policy principles of “reciprocity and fairness” regarding China. It also discourages terms like “invest-align-compete” that were favored by the Biden administration, underscoring a shift in diplomatic language.

Chinese officials have publicly condemned the amendments to the State Department’s wording, asserting they reflect an outdated Cold War mentality. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian articulated that China has expressed serious grievances to the U.S. regarding Rubio’s remarks, labeling them problematic.

Analysts suggest that such alterations in the State Department’s phrasing are common during the induction of new leadership. Brian Hart, from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, notes that the broader China strategy of the Trump administration remains to be fully revealed, yet emphasizes that updates to official communication occur frequently with administrative changes.

In summary, the U.S. State Department has instructed a clear distinction between the CCP and the Chinese people, aiming to frame its adversarial relationship with the Beijing regime without vilifying the populace. This change in terminology reflects a continued evolution in U.S. foreign policy language and has sparked discontent from Chinese officials, marking a significant moment in U.S.-China relations. As the administration transitions, analysts observe that such adjustments are standard procedure, awaiting deeper insights into the overarching strategy.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

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