Former United States ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday (28 July) said that China has become more aggresive and bullish under President Xi Jinping, and asserted that such behaviour is unlikely to last long, reports Economic Times.

In an interview with the Fox News, the Indian-American politician said that during her tenure, the Chinese were quiet and strategic in getting things done at UN.

"Then once President Xi kind of named himself king, they got very aggressive. They got very bullish. They started to kind of point their fingers in countries' faces saying, you'd better vote with us," Haley was quoted as saying.

She added that the Chinese started behaving aggressively at UN in wanting positions and leadership roles.

"And they started talking down to everyone," said Haley who resigned as US envoy to UN in 2018.

Halley said that China with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been trying to partner with smaller nations on infrastructure projects.

"But yet they go in, they wouldn't assimilate with the countries. The countries didn't like their attitude when they were coming in. Now we look at it, it's getting more aggressive in tone," she said.

"But this can't last. You know, any country that is not letting its people be free, there will be a time when the people rebel," Haley said adding that Beijing has been playing "kind of a king of the mountain scenario".

She further said that US should build pressure on China and hold Beijing accountable.

"We need to make sure we continue to let them know we're building up our military so that they know not to mess with us," Haley said.

Ambassador Nikki Haley

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