China urges US to uphold international law after Trump's 'own morality' remarks
Beijing says respect for international law is essential for global order after US President Trump said only his "own morality" limits his actions.
China has urged the US to uphold international law after President Donald Trump said the only thing that can stop him was his “own morality.”
“The international law based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is the corner stone of existing international order and important basis for settling international disputes,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday.
“Upholding international law is key to defending international fairness and justice and preventing a return to the law of the jungle,” Mao responded to a question about Trump’s comment.
“Major countries need to take the lead in respecting international law and fulfilling their obligations under international law,” Mao added.
Asked whether there were any limits on his global powers, Trump told the New York Times in an interview last week on Wednesday: “Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.”
“I don’t need international law,” Trump said, adding: “I’m not looking to hurt people.”
When pressed on whether his administration is required to abide by international law, Trump said, “I do,” but added: “It depends what your definition of international law is.”