U.S. State Department Internal Guidance Document Distinguishes Between the CCP and the Chinese People

Mar 06, 2025

An internal document from the U.S. State Department reveals that the U.S. is drawing a clear distinction between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese people, emphasizing that the Beijing government, rather than the general public, is the strategic competitor. This policy aligns with the stance taken in the later years of the Trump administration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed U.S. embassies to avoid using “Chinese” as an adjective in official statements to prevent misleading the public into blaming the actions of the CCP on the Chinese people. Additionally, the document mandates the use of “CCP” to refer to the government and requires referring to Xi Jinping as “General Secretary” rather than “President,” underscoring the fact that the Party is superior to the government.

The State Department’s website has removed the term “People’s Republic of China,” referring only to “China.” The new policy also avoids terminology used during the Biden administration, such as “invest, align, and compete” or “responsibly manage” U.S.-China relations, instead emphasizing the principles of “reciprocity and fairness.”

Beijing has strongly opposed this move, accusing Washington of “hyping up U.S.-China strategic competition.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the U.S. and criticized Washington’s “Cold War mentality.” Analysts in Washington believe that such adjustments in policy language are not uncommon and are routine actions following a change in administration.

(Source: VOA)