China-US tensions: Embassy in Mexico accuses ambassador of defamation

In an episode that rekindles tensions between powers, the Chinese embassy in Mexico issued a forceful statement against comments by U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson , who accused the Chinese government of seeking greater financial control and economic dependence in Latin America.

The U.S. representative's remarks, delivered during a gala dinner of the American Society co-sponsored by Mexican businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego , sparked an immediate response from Beijing's diplomatic mission in Mexico City .

According to Ambassador Johnson, China is reportedly using its economic power to establish a dominant position in the Western Hemisphere, hinting at a strategy of financial intimidation and control over supply chains.

This narrative, widely used by the Republican administration of Donald Trump , has been presented as an effort to "protect" the economic sovereignty of Latin American countries. However, the Chinese embassy called these statements false and dangerous .

In its public statement, the Chinese embassy accused Johnson of lying , stating that his statements were nothing more than “lies filled with ideological prejudice and Cold War thinking.”

They also denounced the diplomat as promoting an outdated worldview in which economic exchange is presented as a threat rather than an opportunity for cooperation.

China also countered, pointing out that the United States is acting hypocritically by imposing arbitrary tariffs , mistreating immigrants , trafficking illegal weapons , and sanctioning foreign institutions under fabricated pretexts.

"The real regional destabilizer is the United States," the embassy declared, accusing Washington of sabotaging development in Latin America and acting as a power that "kills, imposes, labels, and divides."

The embassy's use of terms is not accidental. By referring to Cold War thinking , Beijing is pointing to a pattern in Washington's strategy: creating ideological enemies to justify its presence and influence in the region .

This rhetoric is reminiscent of the rhetoric used for decades to curb Soviet influence. Today, China claims the US is using the same rhetoric to contain its economic growth , regardless of the diplomatic impact this may cause.

In a tone that blends firmness with irony, the Chinese delegation recommended that Ambassador Johnson dedicate his energy to strengthening friendship with Mexico , rather than fabricating "lies out of thin air" that erode its credibility.

The message is clear: China is not willing to tolerate smear campaigns and, at the same time, leaves the door open for a diplomatic relationship based on respect and cooperation.

Ronald Johnson's statements and the Chinese embassy's response reveal a deeper conflict that transcends the diplomatic : the struggle for economic and geostrategic influence in Latin America.

As the United States continues to warn of a Chinese threat , Xi Jinping's government responds forcefully, denying any intention of domination and accusing Washington of projecting its own ambitions.

Amid this battle of narratives, Mexico becomes a key stage for the global dispute between powers . What is said and done in its territory resonates on the international stage .

The future of international relations in the region will depend not only on the strength of the arguments, but also on the diplomatic maturity of the actors involved .