Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian on April 29, 2024
Presided over the regular press conference
CCTV: China has just announced that President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to France, Serbia and Hungary. Can you elaborate on the specific arrangements and expectations for the visit?
Lin Jian: This is the first visit to Europe by a Chinese head of state in the past five years, which is of great significance for promoting the overall development of China's relations with France, Serbia, Hungary and China-EU, and will also inject new impetus into world peace and development. France is the first major Western country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China at the ambassadorial level, and Sino-French relations have long been at the forefront of Sino-Western relations. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron, China-France relations have maintained a good momentum of development, with fruitful strategic communication, fruitful practical cooperation, deepened people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and maintained good communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Macron and have an in-depth exchange of views on China-France, China-EU relations, and international and regional hotspot issues of common concern. The two heads of state will also go abroad to hold activities. President Xi Jinping's visit to France is the second state visit to France by a Chinese head of state in five years, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. China looks forward to working with the French side to take this visit as an opportunity to uphold the fine tradition and actively face the future, further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, push the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, inject new impetus into the sound and steady development of China-EU relations, and make new contributions to promoting world peace, stability, development and progress. Serbia is China's first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe, and the two countries have a deep iron-clad friendship. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vučić, China-Cyprus relations have maintained a high level of operation, the two sides firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, the two countries have strong political mutual trust, and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has achieved fruitful results, and has been closely coordinated in the multilateral field. The in-depth development of China-Cyprus relations is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries and peoples, and is conducive to upholding international fairness and justice and promoting regional and world peace and stability. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Vučić to have an in-depth exchange of views on China-Cyprus relations and international and regional issues of common concern, discuss ways to enhance the positioning of China-Cyprus relations, and chart the course for the future development of bilateral relations. This visit is President Xi Jinping's second visit to Serbia after eight years, and it is an important milestone in the upgrading of China-Serbia relations. China looks forward to working with the Cypriot side to take this visit as an opportunity to further consolidate the iron-clad friendship between the two countries, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, open a new chapter in the history of China-Cyprus relations, and make new and greater contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Hungary is an important country in the Central and Eastern European region and an important partner of China in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and China-CEEC cooperation. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Hungary relations have maintained a high level of development, with close high-level exchanges between the two countries, continuous deepening of political mutual trust, and solid progress and fruitful results in cooperation in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. China and Hungary are comprehensive strategic partners of each other, and both are firmly advancing development undertakings in line with their respective national conditions, and deepening traditional friendship and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation are in the common interests of both sides and are conducive to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world at large. President Shuyuk and Prime Minister Orban jointly invited President Xi Jinping to visit Hungary, which fully reflects the great importance and ardent expectation of the Hungarian side for this visit. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will meet with President Shuyuk and Prime Minister Viktor Orban respectively for an in-depth exchange of views on China-Hungary relations and issues of common concern. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary, and this landmark visit will push bilateral relations to a new level, open a new chapter in China-Hungary friendship and cooperation, inject new impetus into the development of China-EU relations, and inject more stability and positive energy into the turbulent world. China Daily: On April 24 local time, US President Joe Biden signed into law a package of foreign military aid, which contains negative provisions related to China. Lin Jian: The US side insists on passing and signing a package of foreign military aid bills that contain negative content related to China. China firmly opposes this and has lodged solemn representations with the US side. This bill seriously violates China's sovereignty, clamours to provide a large amount of military aid to Taiwan, seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and sends a seriously wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces; undermines the principles of market economy and fair competition, and unreasonably suppresses enterprises of other countries in the name of so-called "national security," thus once again exposing the consistent bullying and hegemonic nature of the United States. The bill also ignores China's extensive efforts to help the United States deal with the fentanyl crisis, calls for sanctions against China, and imposes unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction" on normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Iran under the framework of international law, creating serious obstacles to China-US cooperation in relevant fields. We urge the US side to respect China's core interests and major concerns, and refrain from implementing the negative China-related provisions of the above-mentioned bill. If the US insists on going its own way, China will take resolute and forceful measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests. China Global Program Center: On April 26, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was interviewed by NPR and CNN. Blinken said that the US side has seen evidence of China's attempt to influence and interfere in the US election, and will seriously study any Chinese interference in the US election, and hopes that China will abandon such attempts as soon as possible. Lin Jian: Non-interference in China's internal affairs is one of the basic principles of China's diplomacy. The U.S. election is an internal affair of the United States, and China has never been interested in and will not interfere in any way. At the same time, we resolutely oppose anyone making a point about China and harming China's interests for election purposes. The US side should stop pouring dirty water on China, divert contradictions, shift blame, and do more things that are conducive to the stability of China-US relations and the interests of the two peoples.
China News Service: According to reports, hundreds of bodies buried deep underground at Nasser Hospital and Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip were recently found. The UN Human Rights Office said there were constant reports of mass graves found in Gaza. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Türk expressed alarm and called for an independent investigation into the death. Does the foreign ministry have any comment?
Lin Jian: China has noted the relevant reports, is deeply shocked by them, and strongly condemns the perpetrators. The land of Gaza is littered with devastation, and millions of people are desperate and struggling on the brink of death. This is happening today in the 21st century, and it is a breakthrough in the bottom line of human moral conscience and a violation of the limits of international justice and justice.
More than 200 days have passed since the conflict in Gaza, resulting in more than 100,000 casualties and the displacement of millions of people, creating a humanitarian catastrophe that should not have happened. It is imperative that a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities be pursued as soon as possible, which is the overriding priority. Instead of turning a deaf ear to the just cries of conscientious people around the world, and instead of shouting for a ceasefire, supplying arms, talking about rescue and erecting obstacles, the countries concerned should immediately implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, immediately achieve an unconditional and lasting ceasefire, and put an end to this greatest humanitarian tragedy of the 21st century with concrete actions.
As Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out in a written interview with Qatar's Al Jazeera News Network a few days ago, the catastrophe in Gaza has once again proved that the Palestinian people's failure to realize their legitimate national rights is the root cause of the Palestinian-Israeli issue and the core of the Middle East issue. China is ready to continue to work with the international community, including all countries in the Middle East, to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, firmly support the promotion of internal reconciliation among all Palestinian factions through dialogue, firmly support Palestine becoming a full member of the United Nations as soon as possible, and firmly support the Palestinian people in achieving independent statehood and "Palestinians governing Palestine". We propose the convening of a larger-scale, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference as soon as possible, formulate a concrete timetable and road map for the implementation of the two-state solution, promote an early, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question, and ultimately realize the peaceful coexistence of the two peoples, Palestine and Israel, and the harmonious coexistence of the Arab and Jewish peoples.
TASS: At a press conference in Beijing last Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken once again accused China of supplying dual-use products to Russia and funding the Russian military-industrial complex. Blinken also said that the United States would take steps if China continued to do so. Do you have any comment?
Lin Jian: China has made clear its solemn position on this issue on many occasions. I would like to reiterate that China is not the creator of the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to the crisis, and has not done anything to add fuel to the fire and take advantage of the opportunity. China's position is frank and open, which is to promote peace talks and political settlement.
It must be pointed out that China's right to conduct normal economic and trade exchanges with all countries in the world, including Russia, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit should not be interfered with or undermined. While the US side continues to provide weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, it also makes groundless accusations against normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Russia.
China's legitimate and lawful rights and interests brook no violation. We urge the US to stop smearing and pressuring and shifting blame, stop indiscriminately imposing unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies, and truly play a constructive role in ending the crisis at an early date.
AFP: You mentioned that President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to France in early May. The French side has just announced that the visit will take place on 6 and 7 May. Can you confirm the above timing and reveal President Xi Jinping's schedule?
Lin Jian: China has released relevant information on President Xi Jinping's foreign visit, which you can refer to. I have no further information to provide.
Anadolu News Agency: According to Arab media reports, the two major Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, recently held talks in Beijing to discuss ending internal divisions. Can you tell us more about the talks, and what role did China play in these engagements?
Lin Jian: China has a traditional friendship with Palestine. We have always supported the Palestinian factions in achieving internal reconciliation and strengthening internal unity through dialogue and consultation, and will continue to make positive efforts to that end.
Beijing Youth Daily: On April 26, the film version of the documentary "Meet the Yangtze River" by Japanese director Ryo Takeuchi was unveiled at the Beijing International Film Festival. A few days ago, Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao also attended the press conference of the film in Tokyo. The ten-year dramatic changes on both sides of the Yangtze River shown in the film touched audiences in both countries and sparked heated discussions. What do you think of the film?
Lin Jian: I also noticed the film and watched some of the clips. "Meeting the Yangtze River Again" reflects the great changes along the Yangtze River in the past decade with a unique perspective and superb shooting, and is a microcosm of China's economic and social development in the new era. The film not only shows the magnificent mountains and rivers on both sides of the Yangtze River, but also depicts the figure of the people's struggle and the story of warmth. The director and protagonist use sincerity and kindness across time, space, language and nationality to bring people a common touch. We hope that more Japanese media and art circles will tell objective, truthful and vivid stories about China, and continue to enhance the mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the Chinese and Japanese peoples.
Reuters: I have two questions. First, will China allow Tesla's fully self-driving technology to operate in China after Tesla CEO Elon Musk's visit to China? Second, will China's special envoy for climate change Liu Zhenmin visit Washington next week?
Lin Jian: On your first question, yesterday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Musk, and the heads of relevant Chinese institutions also held talks with Musk. As a matter of principle, I would like to reiterate once again that China is committed to high-quality development, firmly pursues a strategy of opening-up based on win-win cooperation, continues to build a market-oriented, law-based and international first-class business environment, actively promotes foreign investment, attaches great importance to the relevant demands of foreign-funded enterprises, and earnestly protects the legitimate rights and interests of foreign-funded enterprises. We treat domestic and foreign-funded enterprises equally. We welcome foreign-funded enterprises to continue to deepen cooperation with China and share the fruits of China's economic development, and hope that foreign-funded enterprises will abide by China's laws and regulations and fulfill their security commitments.
On your second question, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change has been in close communication with the US President's Senior Advisor on International Climate Policy. As for the visit you mentioned, at the moment I have no more information to offer.
Global Times: According to reports, on April 28, the China Cyber Security Industry Alliance released a report entitled "US Threats and Disruptions to Global Cyberspace Security and Development", exposing the irresponsible behavior of the US in cyberspace for a long time by taking advantage of information technology and resources. Do you have any comment?
Lin Jian: We have taken note of this report. The report cites the hegemonic, hegemonic and bullying behaviors of the U.S. government that use the Internet to spread false information to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, indiscriminately monitor and steal secrets from other countries, cyber attack on other countries' critical infrastructure, and disrupt global industrial and supply chains. China urges the US to reflect on itself, earnestly abide by international rules, and stop endangering peace, stability and security in cyberspace.
Shenzhen TV: According to media reports, five members of the Diet, including Tomomi Inada, acting secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, joined an investigation team organized by the Ishigaki city government to enter the territorial waters of the Diaoyu Islands. Do you have any comment?
Lin Jian: Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. In response to Japan's infringement and provocations, China has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side through diplomatic channels. China will continue to take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its territorial sovereignty. We urge the Japanese side to abide by the four-point consensus of principles between China and Japan, immediately stop all provocations and unilateral escalation, and earnestly respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
AFP: Musk has just left Beijing, what do you think of his visit, and what is the significance of Musk's visit for foreign entrepreneurs and China-US relations?
Lin Jian: I have already answered the relevant question just now. I would like to reiterate once again that China is committed to building a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, and welcomes foreign-funded enterprises to continue to deepen cooperation with China and share the fruits of China's economic development.
As for the specific situation of Musk's visit you mentioned, you can ask the relevant departments.
Bloomberg: The foreign ministers of Argentina, Peru and Bolivia are visiting China this week. Can you tell us more about your visit, including who the foreign ministers of the three countries will meet with, and why they are visiting China in the same week?
Lin Jian: Last week, China announced that the foreign ministers of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru will visit China. During the visit, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister, will hold talks with them separately to exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern. Regarding the specific situation, China will release information in due course, so please stay tuned.
The timing of the visit to China by the foreign ministers of the countries concerned is mainly determined in accordance with the schedules of the foreign ministers of the two sides. In recent years, China's relations with Latin American countries have maintained a good momentum of development, and mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides have been deepened. China will continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Latin American countries, and push China-Latin America relations to a new level in the new era of equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefiting the people, and believes that the visits of the foreign ministers of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru will inject new impetus into the future development of China-Latin America relations.