China Blames U.S. For Tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi

China is blaming the United States for raising tensions in the relationship between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, speaking today on the sidelines of China's Communist-dominated parliament session, said ties between Beijing and Washington had been "seriously disrupted" recently, and the responsibility for this does not rest with China.

The Chinese foreign minister called on the United States to respect China's positions and core interests.

Tensions in U.S.-Chinese ties have recently increased over disputes about U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, trade issues, Chinese censorship of the Internet, and U.S. President Barack Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan leader.