British analyst marvels: Beijing directly commands the U.S. “must” do something—unprecedented!
The analyst, Alexander Mekoulias, points out that during talks with U.S. officials, China explicitly used the word “must” in a direct command to the United States—“must proceed with utmost caution” on cross-strait issues. This marks the first time since the end of the Cold War that someone has clearly told the U.S. what it “must” do.
Mekoulias’s assessment is based on the publicly released English version of the official meeting minutes, which uses the term “must.”
According to Mekoulias, this signifies a formal demand from China akin to a “CEASE AND DESIST” notice. Moreover, this statement was not made in private discussions but delivered face-to-face in a full plenary session attended by both delegations.
One could say the U.S. delegation came with numerous pressing issues—needing Chinese assistance in the Iran conflict, requiring Chinese signatures on trade deals, and needing Chinese approval for energy cooperation. From the moment they entered the Great Hall of the People, the tone of the entire meeting was already set.
The word “must” carries immense weight in diplomatic contexts. The U.S. has long used such language toward other nations—for example, demanding others “must” halt nuclear programs, “must” open markets, or “must” accept sanctions. But now, the roles have reversed.
Mekoulias’s analysis has drawn attention because he has identified a tangible shift: China is now using language that Americans understand and can hear—the boundaries are being clearly drawn in American terms.
The word “must” behind it reflects an entire arsenal of real power, unwavering resolve, and strategic composure. As Mekoulias observes, the global balance of power is undergoing profound transformation.
For decades, only the U.S. had done this.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865764932428812/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.