China rejects U.S. claim of 'predatory practices'

Beijing refuted on Thursday claims that it engages in "predatory practices" by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging Washington to stop distorting facts and smearing China.

At a news conference on Wednesday in Jamaica, Rubio said the U.S. does not oppose development but warned of "predatory practices" regarding Chinese investments in the Caribbean, saying that it attaches loans that can't be repaid, which leaves nations vulnerable to long-term "debt traps".

The U.S. maliciously spreads disinformation to sow discord between China and other countries, which will not succeed, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular news conference.

The so-called debt burden rhetoric was hyped up to distort facts, Guo said, adding that it is crystal clear who is engaging in coercive and predatory practices.

Guo noted that with respect to the will of host countries, China's investment cooperation with those countries boosted their economic development and improved people's livelihood, and delivered tangible benefits to the local people.

"We urge the U.S. to reflect on its own hegemonic, bullying and predatory practices toward developing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean," he said.