China.com. 17 March -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian presided over a regular press conference on March 17 to answer reporters' questions on China's position on the Ukraine issue and other hot spots. The following is the transcript of the Q&A at the press conference:
At the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Algerian Foreign Minister Ramallah, Tanzanian Foreign Minister Muramura, and Zambia Foreign Minister Kakubo will visit China from March 18 to 21.
Hubei Radio and Television Station: According to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said at a press conference held on June 16 that the international community must maintain unity. Japan will also demand that China take responsible action. In addition, after the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Japanese government has announced a number of sanctions against Russia. Prime Minister Kishida called the South Kuril Islands "japan's inherent territory" and "illegally occupied by Russia." Japan is considering comprehensively strengthening its defense forces by revising the National Security Strategy. What is China's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: On the Ukraine issue, China has been committed to persuading peace and promoting talks, putting forward Chinese initiatives to resolve the current crisis, and making positive efforts to promote the cooling of the situation. China's position is objective, fair and constructive and beyond reproach.
Because modern Japanese militarism has a history of foreign aggression, Japan's military and security trends have always attracted the attention of its Asian neighbors. We have noted that recently some political forces in Japan have taken advantage of the Problem of Ukraine to play a role in deliberately playing up external threats and attempting to strengthen the armed forces and expand their armed forces by fishing in muddy waters. We would like to warn the Japanese side that the victorious achievements of the world anti-fascist war should be truly respected and observed. The Japanese side should profoundly reflect on history, draw lessons from history, respect the security concerns of its Asian neighbors, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and do more things conducive to promoting regional peace and stability, rather than the other way around.
Agence France-Presse (AFP): Again, the question about the crisis in Ukraine. There is growing evidence that Russia has carried out several attacks on civilian targets. It is reported that yesterday the Russian army attacked a theater in Mariupol, where hundreds of civilians were hiding, and the ground in front of the door clearly wrote "children" in Russian, but the Russian army attacked the theater anyway. The number of civilian casualties caused is unclear. China has so far explicitly opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Can we believe that China can accept such indiscriminate killings of civilians? U.S. President Joe Biden has called President Putin a war criminal. Does China also believe that Russia may have committed war crimes in Ukraine?
Zhao Lijian: On the Ukraine issue, China has been calling on the international community to focus on the two things of persuasion and promotion and preventing large-scale humanitarian crises, and has made great efforts to this end. China has put forward a six-point initiative on alleviating the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and has taken practical actions. In the future, China will continue to provide new humanitarian assistance as needed.
I would like to stress that China's position on the peace talks is consistent. You can check China's previous statements on hot issues related to Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Palestine and Israel.
With regard to civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation, I would like to ask whether you were equally concerned about the casualties of the Palestinian people in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and the Palestinian people. Do they civilians mean nothing to you? I also forgot to mention Serbia in 1999, that is, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Don't you care about their civilian casualties? If so, I'm afraid you have no right to accuse China.
China's position is clear, objective and fair, while the position of the United States and NATO, including the position of some Western media, is obviously hypocritical. In particular, in light of the racist tendencies revealed in some Western media reports, we suggest that some media outlets should still focus their energies and priorities on things that are truly conducive to the promotion of peace. You should advise the United States and NATO not to transport ammunition, not to add fuel to the fire, but to sit down and negotiate with Europe, with Russia, with Ukraine, to negotiate peace.
Phoenix TV: China has always stressed the need to remain neutral in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, but some commentators believe that as the situation develops, China's position is becoming more and more "uncomfortable" and embarrassing. What is your response to this?
Zhao Lijian: We have stated China's position on the Ukraine issue on many occasions. China's position is indeed different from that of a few countries. China's position is clear, fair and objective, and beyond reproach.
Speaking of "uncomfortable," the countries that really feel uncomfortable are those countries that think they have won the Cold War and can dominate the world, those countries that ignore the concerns of other countries and continue to push NATO's eastward expansion for five rounds, and those countries that go around waging wars against foreign countries but accusing other countries of being belligerent. I've heard that even Russian cats, Russian dogs, Russian trees are subject to sanctions. I also heard that Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake was also banned. Tchaikovsky was a famous composer who had been dead for more than a hundred years. "Swan Lake" is a masterpiece of dance art in the world, what is its crime?
Xinhua News Agency: Can you tell us about the relevant arrangements for the visits of the foreign ministers of Algeria, Tanzania and Zambia to China and China's expectations? How does China view its relations with these three countries?
Zhao Lijian: I just released the news that the foreign ministers of Algeria, Tanzania and Zambia will visit China.
China and Algeria have a deep friendship. Algeria is the first Arab country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Arab relations have developed in an all-round and in-depth manner, the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, actively jointly built the "Belt and Road", achieved fruitful results in pragmatic cooperation in various fields, stood by each other in the fight against the new crown pneumonia epidemic, and maintained close communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the development of China-Arab relations and is willing to work with the Afghan side to push the China-Arab countries comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.
Tanzanian Foreign Minister Muramura is his first visit to China since taking office. China and Tanzania are traditional friendly countries and comprehensive strategic partners. The traditional friendship between the two countries was created by the leaders of the older generation of the two sides and has been passed down to this day. Under the leadership of the heads of state of China and Tanzania, bilateral relations have developed rapidly, political mutual trust has been continuously improved, pragmatic cooperation in various fields has flourished, they have firmly supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, and maintained close communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. China has always viewed and developed China-Tanzania relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with Tanzania in jointly building the "Belt and Road", docking the implementation of the "Nine Projects" of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and promoting bilateral cooperation to achieve more new results.
Zambian Foreign Minister Kakubo also visited China for the first time since taking office. Zambia was the first country in southern Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China, and the two countries are traditionally friendly. In recent years, Cooperation between China and Zambia in various fields has been fruitful, and traditional friendship has continued to deepen. The Chinese side is willing to make joint efforts with the Zambian side to further consolidate political mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, and benefit the two countries and peoples.
Bloomberg: When Meeting with the leaders of the Lviv region, Chinese Ambassador fan Xianrong said that we see how united the Ukrainian people are, and unity is strength. He also said that China is a friend of Ukraine, respects the Ukrainian political system, and is willing to help Ukraine develop its economy. Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs support the Chinese position expressed by Ambassador Fan?
Zhao Lijian: Of course, we support the remarks made by the Chinese ambassador to Ukraine. China supports all efforts that will help to ease the situation and political settlement in Ukraine and opposes all actions that are not conducive to promoting a diplomatic settlement or even escalating the situation. We will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the détente of the situation in Ukraine and are ready to make our own efforts to overcome the humanitarian crisis.
Associated Press: The U.S. Department of Justice has accused five people of harassing dissidents of Chinese American descent under Chinese government directives. Do you have any comment on this? Has the Chinese government instigated these people to engage in harassment activities? What is the response to the allegations?
Zhao Lijian: I don't know the specific situation you mentioned.
As a matter of principle, I would like to emphasize that China firmly opposes the US side's use of the topic to slander and smear the Chinese side without any basis. China has always required Chinese citizens to abide by the laws and regulations of the host country, and has never and will not require Chinese citizens to engage in activities that violate local laws and regulations. The so-called "transnational repression plan" is completely out of thin air. The US attempt to exaggerate the "China threat" and smear China's image will not succeed.
What the US side should do is to abandon the Cold War mentality and ideological bias, stop making groundless accusations and smears against China, and do more to promote Sino-US relations.
Agence France-Presse (AFP): US regulators yesterday revoked Pacific Network's telecommunications operating license, saying the company is owned by the Chinese government, posing a major national security and law enforcement risk. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: I have noted relevant reports. Specifically, please ask the competent Chinese authorities.
As a matter of principle, I would like to emphasize that the US side, without listing the specific facts of the violation, once again revoked the license of Chinese enterprises to operate in the United States on the grounds of "national security". This is a naked generalization of the concept of national security, the abuse of state power to unreasonably suppress Chinese enterprises, a serious violation of international economic and trade rules, and the damage to the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, including US users. The Chinese government supports relevant enterprises in safeguarding their own interests in accordance with the law, and will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
Bloomberg: Germany's Bild newspaper said that Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov recently tried to fly to Beijing, but the plane returned halfway. Has China ever invited Foreign Minister Lavrov to Beijing? Is the report accurate?
Zhao Lijian: You'd better ask the German newspapers where they got the news.
Reuters: The International Court of Justice in The Hague issued a binding ruling saying That Russia must immediately cease its military operations in Ukraine. What is the Chinese government's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: China has taken note of the interim measures issued by the International Court of Justice in accordance with the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The judges of the court perform their duties independently, and the Chinese side does not make specific comments. In fact, in addition to the Russian and Chinese judges, four other judges also issued statements or separate opinions on the ruling. Some judges have made it clear that support for the court's issuance of interim measures is based on the current situation in Ukraine and the suffering of the Ukrainian people, and does not agree on legal theory.
China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent. We support Russia and Ukraine in continuing to properly resolve relevant issues through negotiations and consultations, and support the international community in playing an active role in the peaceful settlement of disputes. Parties should avoid adding complications.
Bloomberg: The former head of MI6 said that only President Xi Jinping can exert influence on President Putin to stop the war in Ukraine. Did President Xi Jinping talk to President Putin about the war in Ukraine? If anything, what is the conversation about?
Zhao Lijian: I have noted the relevant statements. China has been urging peace and promoting talks and making efforts to peacefully resolve the Ukrainian crisis. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly held telephone calls with the leaders of relevant countries and personally done his work. China will continue to play a constructive role on the Ukraine issue. However, the ringer must also be tied to the ringer. I would like to emphasize that those who started the Ukrainian crisis should reflect on their role in the Ukrainian crisis, earnestly assume their responsibilities, and take practical actions to ease the situation and solve the problem, rather than blaming others.
Reuters: You just mentioned that President Xi Jinping has talked to the leaders of relevant countries many times. How many recent phone calls has he had with President Putin? How many phone calls did he have with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the relevant news of President Xi Jinping's phone call, we have released the press release in a timely manner.
On the Ukraine issue, China will continue to persuade and promote peace and promote talks and play its due role. I would like to stress that on the issue of peace and security, China is a major country with the best record and the best reputation. Any attempt to obliterate China's efforts and distort China's intentions is irresponsible. We hope that the relevant parties can really do something practical to promote the relaxation of the situation in Ukraine, instead of spreading false information, passing on contradictions, provoking confrontation, and taking advantage of opportunities to make profits.
I would also like to ask you a few questions. The United States has pushed nato's eastward expansion five times. The United States claims that the purpose of promoting NATO's eastward expansion is to maintain peace, has the United States done it? The United States claims to prevent war in Europe, has the United States done it? The United States claims to be committed to the peaceful settlement of the crisis, in addition to providing military assistance and increasing military deterrence, what has the United States done to benefit peace?
China has always decided its own position and policy according to the merits of the matter itself. We welcome all diplomatic efforts conducive to the political settlement of the Ukrainian issue and support the Russian-Ukrainian side in seeking a political solution that takes into account the legitimate concerns of both sides and is conducive to long-term peace and stability in Europe through dialogue and negotiation. We will continue to play a constructive role in the search for peace and the achievement of peaceful development.
Follow-up: No press release of the news of President Xi's phone call with President Zelenskiy was released recently. Does this mean that the two didn't talk much?
Zhao Lijian: You're right. I hope you will follow more closely the news released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Minister of China and Uzbekistan called us and we have published the news. But the two heads of state have not yet spoken.
Follow-up: Does China plan to talk to President Zelenskiy?
Zhao Lijian: At present, I have no news to release.
Reuters: China signed the UN Charter, article 2, paragraph 3 of which states that "Member States shall resolve their international disputes by peaceful means so as not to endanger international peace, security and justice." The fourth principle of Article II is that "Member States shall not use in their international relations any threat or force, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations, against the territorial integrity or political independence of any Member State or State". Does China believe that Russia's actions in Ukraine comply with the above principles?
Zhao Lijian: We have answered your question many times at the press conference.
China's position on the Ukraine issue is straightforward, objective, fair and constructive. Our aim is clear, which is to promote the de-escalation of the situation and the end of the conflict as soon as possible. We believe that China's position will be understood and supported by more and more countries. China's position conforms to the common interests of all parties concerned and all countries in the world, and can also stand the test of history.
Reuters: US Secretary of State Blinken said that China has repeatedly stressed the sanctity and inviolability of the UN Charter and the basic principles of national sovereignty, but has not yet explicitly opposed Russia's acts of aggression, and its words and deeds are completely contrary to each other. What is China's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: We have noticed that Secretary of State Blinken also falsely claimed that China is on the wrong side of history when making such a statement. The relevant remarks of the US side are slanderous and smearing of the Chinese side, which fully exposes the US Cold War mentality and the group confrontation mentality. Such remarks will not help solve the problem, and China firmly opposes them.
On the Ukraine issue, The Chinese side has always acted in an objective and impartial manner, independently and autonomously judging the merits of the matter itself. China has always advocated respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, abided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, attached importance to the security concerns of all countries and supported all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis. As a responsible major country, China will continue to play a constructive role in safeguarding world peace and stability.
Recently, the international media has repeatedly mentioned that former US ambassador to the Soviet Union George Kennan advised the government in the 1990s that NATO's continued expansion of Russia would be the most fatal mistake in US policy. Many well-known international experts on international issues have also given such advice. Unfortunately, the US government has ignored this and continued to promote NATO's eastward expansion, which has been carried out for five rounds. The U.S. government's decision on NATO's eastward expansion is directly linked to today's crisis in Ukraine. Recently I saw a report in which former U.S. Rep. Gabbard said that as long as the United States promises not to admit Ukraine to NATO, it can end the crisis and prevent the outbreak of war, but the U.S. government will not do so.
The key to resolving the Ukraine crisis is in the hands of the United States and NATO. We hope that the United States and NATO, as the initiators of the crisis, will reflect on their role in the Ukrainian crisis, earnestly assume their due responsibilities, take practical actions to ease the situation and solve the problem, and end the conflict in Ukraine at an early date. We also hope that the United States can truly work with most of the developing countries in the world to stand on the side of peace and justice and promote an early détente of the situation in Ukraine.
Reuters: A few weeks ago, your colleague said that the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russia only attacks Ukrainian military targets. However, there are reports that civilians have been targeted in some areas. For example, there are reports of civilians lining up to buy bread in a city near Kiev who have been killed. What is the Chinese government's position on civilians being targeted in war?
Zhao Lijian: You didn't listen when I answered the question just now, did you? I have just made a statement on the issue of Ukrainian civilians and will not repeat it.
Bloomberg: Follow up on yesterday's question. China's ambassador to Ukraine said China would never attack Ukraine. Does this mean that China will not provide Russia with weapons or other assistance that could be used to attack Ukraine?
Zhao Lijian: This is your own explanation. China has made many statements. There is no reason for you to make such a extension.
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After the meeting, a reporter asked: According to reports, on the 16th, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake occurred off the northeast coast of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and triggered a tsunami warning, which has so far caused 4 deaths and 97 injuries. What is China's comment on this? Were there any casualties among Chinese citizens?
Zhao Lijian: Last night, a strong earthquake occurred in the waters of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and we expressed our condolences to the victims and the families of the victims and the injured. The Chinese Embassy in Japan, the Consulate General in Niigata and the Consulate General in Sapporo have activated the emergency mechanism at the first time to urgently confirm and verify the relevant situation, and so far no reports of casualties of Chinese citizens have been received. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Japan will continue to pay close attention to the earthquake disaster and aftershock situation, and provide necessary assistance to Chinese citizens in Japan in a timely manner.