According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at today's regular press conference of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian answered reporters' questions on the volcanic eruption in Tonga and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The following is a transcript of the Q&A:
Hubei Radio and Television Reporter: The volcanic eruption in Tonga has caused serious disasters to the local area. Can China further elaborate on the specific situation of providing disaster relief assistance to Tonga?
Zhao Lijian: China has always been paying close attention to the disaster situation in Tonga and has taken urgent action to do its best to help Tonga provide disaster relief. The Red Cross Society of China has provided $100,000 in emergency humanitarian spot assistance to Tonga.
The Chinese government, through the Embassy in Tonga, raised a batch of emergency supplies such as drinking water and food at the fastest speed and delivered them to Tonga on the 19th. When attending the delivery ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Thai of Tonga expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chinese government for its prompt assistance to Tonga. This was the first batch of emergency relief supplies received by the Government of Tonga after the disaster. This carries the special friendship between Tang and China. Local people thanked the Chinese embassy one after another, emotionally saying that China is a true friend of Tonga.
In accordance with the disaster situation and the needs of the Tang side, the Chinese side will continue to provide cash and material assistance to Tonga, and do its best to overcome the impact of adverse meteorological conditions such as volcanic ash and transport the materials as soon as possible.
Australia-Asia Satellite TV reporter: On the 18th, Edelman, the world's largest public relations consulting company, released the "2022 Edelman Trust Barometer" report, showing that in 2021, the Chinese people's trust in the government was as high as 91%, up 9 percentage points year-on-year, ranking first in the world. In terms of the national comprehensive trust index, China reached 83%, an increase of 11 percentage points year-on-year, ranking first in the world. What is the Spokesperson's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: I have noted the relevant reports, and I have also noticed that the "Edelman Trust Barometer" in 2017 and 2018 shows that the Chinese people's trust in the government is the highest among the countries surveyed. This year, the Chinese people have the highest level of trust in the government in a decade. As we have said many times, the results of the 10 consecutive year of polls conducted in China by the Harvard Kennedy School show that the satisfaction of the Chinese people with the government has remained above 90% year after year. This is consistent with Edelman's trust in the "barometer" poll data.
As a Chinese citizen and public servant, I am not surprised by this. The reason why the Chinese people's trust in the government has been at the top of the list for many years is because this trust stems from the role of the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government. We adhere to the supremacy of the people, insist on doing everything for the people, relying on the people in everything, insisting on ruling for the people and relying on the people, insisting that development is for the people, development depends on the people, and the fruits of development are shared by the people. At the same time, we are also soberly aware that there are still various risks and challenges on China's way forward. We must be prepared for danger.
I also noted that the CEO of Edelman said that China has successfully controlled the epidemic and built confidence in the government for its people. Not only that, But China is also actively helping other countries around the world fight the epidemic. This has also strengthened the confidence of peoples in their Governments. I would like to emphasize that China has not only created a model for epidemic prevention and control with practical actions, but has also been setting a benchmark of solidarity against the epidemic through strengthening international cooperation. China will continue to stand on the high plane of protecting the lives and health of all mankind, contribute China's strength to the world's final victory over the epidemic, and promote the construction of a community of human health.
Fuji TV: The Beijing government released a message saying that the Ami kerong variant strain was detected from international mail from Canada, but the relevant person in charge of Canada denied it. What is China's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: The relevant person in charge of the Beijing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention has already made a detailed explanation of the relevant issues at the press conference on epidemic prevention and control in Beijing on January 17. Her answer is long, and you can check the transcript of the day's press conference. China will continue to carry out relevant epidemic prevention and control work in a serious, scientific and professional manner.
Bloomberg: US President Joe Biden said that he is not ready to remove tariffs on China because China has not fulfilled its commitments. His exact words were: I hope to see China fulfill its commitments. We were able to remove some of the tariffs, but we haven't gotten to that point yet. Do you agree with his statement? Is China fulfilling its commitments under the U.S.-China economic and trade agreement?
Zhao Lijian: On the issue of Sino-US economic and trade relations, please ask the relevant competent departments to inquire.
Russian News Agency: The foreign minister of Kazakhstan said earlier that after the recent turmoil in Kazakhstan, China and other partners are ready to provide military and other assistance. However, with the exception of the CSTO, Kazakhstan has no legal basis for receiving military assistance from foreign or other organizations. Can China clarify what kind of assistance it is willing to provide to Kazakhstan?
Zhao Lijian: China and Kazakhstan are each other's friendly neighbors and permanent comprehensive strategic partners. The Chinese side is maintaining close communication with the Kazakh side and will provide assistance within its capacity according to the wishes of the Kazakh side. As long as it is conducive to the restoration of tranquility, economic development and improvement of people's livelihood by kazakhstan, china will hold a positive attitude.
Phoenix TV: According to reports, Taiwan will send Lai Ching-te to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President of Honduras. The report also said that Lai Qingde planned to contact the US side when he transited through the United States, and may attend the event with US Vice President Harris, who went to Honduras to attend the ceremony. What is China's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The one-China principle is a universally recognized norm governing international relations and a universal consensus that the vast majority of countries in the world recognize, accept, and practice. Adhering to the one-China principle is the general international righteousness, the aspiration of the people, and the trend of the times. Any attempt to create "two Chinas" and "one China, one Taiwan" will surely be opposed by all the Chinese people. We hope that the countries concerned will have a clear understanding of the general international trend and make a decision at an early date that conforms to the trend of history.
On the issue of the "transit" of the leader of the Taiwan region in the United States and the "contacts between the United States and Taiwan," the Chinese side has stated its position on many occasions. The Chinese side has always resolutely opposed such "transit" arranged by the United States or other countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, and has always opposed any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan. We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, take China's position and concerns seriously, refrain from any form of official contacts with Taiwan, and refrain from sending any wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces.
Agence France-Presse (AFP): Does China oppose the US side's request for the UN Security Council to convene a meeting on the DPRK issue, and if so, what are the reasons?
Zhao Lijian: I already answered a similar question yesterday, please check it out.
Bloomberg: Bloomberg reported that late last year, US Trade Representative Dai Qi tried to talk to Vice Premier Liu He, but the two sides eventually agreed to communicate at a lower level until more progress was made. Can you confirm that?
Zhao Lijian: I don't know the relevant situation you mentioned. If you are interested, please ask the competent authorities directly.
Indian Broadcasting Corporation: Pakistani media reported that China has demanded compensation for Chinese citizens who were victims of the terrorist attacks on the Dasu hydropower project last year. After the attack, Chinese contractors withdrew from the site and made several demands as a precondition for resuming work. The report said that although there was no legal or contractual obligation, the Pakistani government decided to pay compensation. Can China confirm this? What are China's requirements for the resumption of work on the Dasu hydropower project?
Zhao Lijian: I don't know what you said. As far as I know, the Dasu hydropower project has resumed work.
Japan Broadcasting Association: The DPRK side said it would re-discuss the decision to stop ballistic missile launch tests and nuclear tests, suggesting that nuclear weapons tests be restarted. What is China's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: China has noted relevant reports. Facts have repeatedly proved that blindly resorting to sanctions and pressure will not solve the Korean Peninsula issue, will only further aggravate tensions, and is not in the interests of all parties. China hopes that the US side will show sincerity and come up with practical measures to respond to the reasonable security concerns of the DPRK. We call on all parties concerned to focus on the overall situation of peace and stability on the Peninsula, be cautious in their words and deeds, adhere to the correct direction of dialogue and consultation, and work together to advance the process of political settlement of the Peninsula issue.
Turkey's Anadolu News Agency: Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifdin said that he has noticed that China's legal basis for claims in the South China Sea has been adjusted, from the "South China Sea dotted line" theory to the "four sands" (that is, the Dongsha Islands, Xisha Islands, Zhongsha Islands, and Nansha Islands) theory. Do you have any comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: I haven't seen his relevant statement. China's position on the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear, and there has been no change.
Indian Broadcasting Corporation: According to Pakistani media reports, the Pakistani side applied to the Chinese side for a $2.43 billion railway project loan more than a year ago and is still waiting for the Chinese side's loan commitment. The Minister of Railways mentioned the matter. What is China's comment on this? The report also said that the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has slowed down significantly in the past three and a half years, and the two sides have not approved new projects under the framework of the project. Can you confirm this?
Zhao Lijian: I have described the positive progress made by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor many times. I would like to emphasize that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as an important pilot project of the "Belt and Road", adheres to the principle of consultation, co-construction and sharing. During the epidemic period, the corridor bucked the trend and effectively promoted pakistan's economic development and improvement of people's livelihood, which was highly affirmed by all sectors of Pakistani society. Recently, we have also seen comments from the President, Prime Minister, and relevant officials and media of Pakistan, all of whom have expressed positive affirmation of the progress made in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Regarding the specific project you mentioned, this is a project with a huge investment and is being negotiated by the relevant departments of the two sides.
The relevant media reports you mentioned that the CPEC has not signed any new projects in the past three and a half years is purely false news. What I can tell you is that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has created a new agricultural working group, an information technology working group and a science and technology working group. In the past three and a half years, under the framework of the corridor, a number of people's livelihood social projects have been approved and implemented, and good results have been achieved.