U.S. Senator John McCain told reporters Saturday from the World Economic Forum in Switzerland that it was time China “step up in the world and assume their responsibilities.” He was commenting on China’s inaction over North Korea’s nuclear tests and Beijing’s apparent indifference to a regional proliferation of nuclear weapons. McCain, a Republican presidential frontrunner, said of China, “So far, some of us…have been very disappointed in their lack of maturity.” Beijing officials, in response to the statements, told McCain “I know you are but what am I?” McCain explained to reporters that Beijing has an unmatched influence over Pyongyang and that the Chinese government has an obligation to the world community to act. McCain said, “If China is going to be a superpower…it has to act like a superpower.” To which China responded, “I’m rubber, you’re glue, whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you.”
•AFP: McCain Calls on China to Grow Up