State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended a series of foreign ministers' meetings on East Asia cooperation, visited Cambodia, Bangladesh and Mongolia, and received an interview with the central media on August 11 after receiving South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Nepalese Foreign Minister Khadgar in Qingdao, Shandong. .
1. Q: This year marks the first year of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership. What are the achievements of the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting?
Against the background of increasing instability and uncertainties in the current international and regional situation, what efforts has China made to promote East Asia cooperation?
Wang Yi: In the face of challenges such as the ups and downs of the new crown epidemic, rising downward pressure on the economy, Cold War mentality and the resurgence of camp confrontation, the foreign ministers of China and ASEAN countries gathered in Phnom Penh, uttering the voice of seeking peace, development and stability together, demonstrating the The firm determination to safeguard international fairness and justice has made political preparations for a series of leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation to be held this year.
The foreign ministers spoke highly of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership with a strong start and strong momentum.
In the first half of this year, the trade volume between China and ASEAN exceeded 450 billion US dollars, an increase of 11.5% year-on-year. China imported more than 21 billion US dollars of agricultural products from ASEAN. The radiation effect of the China-Laos railway is obvious, and the research and development and production of vaccines between China and ASEAN countries are progressing steadily.
All parties believe that China-ASEAN cooperation is the most successful and dynamic example of Asia-Pacific regional cooperation.
The biggest achievement of the meeting is to fully implement the consensus reached at the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, reach an action plan for China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, and plan the focus and direction of cooperation in the next step.
The Chinese side has comprehensively reviewed the progress made in 36 areas in building the "Five Homelands" of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty and friendship over the past six months, and all parties have given full affirmation and positive comments.
The foreign ministers agreed that it is necessary to continuously enrich the connotation of comprehensive strategic partnership and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
The biggest consensus of the meeting is that all parties agree to uphold the concept of development priority, share development opportunities, align development strategies, and create a development model.
ASEAN supports the global development initiative and is willing to promote the initiative to take the lead in the region.
All parties agreed to jointly build the "Belt and Road" with high quality, actively participate in the construction of new land-sea corridors, ensure smooth production and supply chains, maintain food and energy security, strengthen cooperation in e-commerce and clean energy, and continuously cultivate new growth points for cooperation.
The biggest highlight of the meeting was the Chinese side's position paper, which clearly supports the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation structure, which is widely welcomed by ASEAN countries.
All parties believe that it is necessary to adhere to open regionalism, promote genuine multilateralism, and contribute to the "Asian Plan" and "Asian Power".
We must be wary of foreign forces provoking camp confrontation and maintain the hard-won situation of peaceful development.
At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, all parties believed that the 10+3 mechanism has played an important role in regional economic integration since its inception 25 years ago. Cooperation has reached a new level.
China's proposal to support the 10+3 emergency medical supplies reserve center and other specific measures have been widely welcomed by countries in the region.
At the two larger foreign ministers' meetings of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, China emphasized that the two mechanisms should review their original aspirations, grasp the direction, echo the general expectations of regional countries to maintain peace and stability and promote common security, and promote the mechanism to maintain a healthy development direction .
China proposes the East Asia Summit to issue a leaders' statement on energy cooperation, and expects all parties to work together to address energy challenges.
The ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting issued a statement proposed by China on reaffirming the maintenance of the Southeast Asia nuclear-weapon-free zone, the core of which is to support the non-proliferation efforts of regional countries.
2. Q: This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. What role has the DOC played in stabilizing the situation in the South China Sea?
Wang Yi: The South China Sea is the common homeland of China and ASEAN countries. Maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea serves the common interests of all parties.
Over the years, all parties have focused on the overall situation, placed the South China Sea issue in an appropriate position, effectively managed differences and disputes, maintained the overall stability of the South China Sea, and ensured a favorable environment for the development of China-ASEAN relations.
In 2002, China and ASEAN countries signed the "Declaration" in Cambodia, which is still fresh in my memory.
Twenty years later, foreign ministers from various countries reunited in Phnom Penh to review the spirit of the DOC, and unanimously spoke highly of the milestone significance of the DOC, believing that the DOC has played a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, ensuring freedom and safety of navigation, and promoting China-ASEAN cooperation. Political mutual trust has promoted sea-related dialogue and cooperation.
We unanimously agreed to hold the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the DOC, and look forward to issuing a joint leaders' statement on this, demonstrating our common determination to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
We unanimously appreciate the resumption of offline consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and strive to achieve new results within this year.
We unanimously agreed to make the "Code" an upgraded version of the "Declaration" to ensure that the "Code" is effective, substantive and in line with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and provides a basis for managing differences, promoting cooperation and common governance of the South China Sea. Stronger rules to protect.
As comprehensive strategic partners, China and ASEAN countries, after 20 years of coordination, are fully capable, confident and wise in handling the South China Sea issue.
China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to firmly uphold the principles of the DOC, accelerate consultations on the COC, deepen maritime dialogue and cooperation, firmly grasp the correct direction of properly handling the South China Sea issue, and make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. the sea.
3. Q: This visit coincides with US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, China. How did China stir up the turbulence during the meeting, counter the remarks made by some countries that confuse right and wrong, and effectively consolidate the one-China consensus of the international community?
Wang Yi: Pelosi visited the Taiwan region of China to launch political provocations and create tension across the Taiwan Strait.
During this meeting and visit, we have made clear the facts and positions to all parties in a timely manner, vigorously responded to unreasonable accusations, resolutely defended national sovereignty, and resolutely safeguarded legitimate rights and interests.
When Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on August 2, the Chinese delegation arrived in Phnom Penh.
The US released false information to clean up Pei's visit.
We immediately pointed out that Pei's actions are extremely egregious in nature, which seriously violates the one-China principle, seriously violates China's sovereignty, and seriously tramples on the norms of international relations.
America's treachery and deliberate provocation on the Taiwan issue can only further bankrupt America's national credibility.
Fighting against the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people will never end well.
China's just and reasonable proposition has been widely responded and supported.
Russia, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Bangladesh, Greece, Turkey, New Zealand, etc. on the bilateral and multilateral occasions of the meeting made it clear that they adhere to the one-China policy and hope to maintain a peaceful and stable international and regional environment.
The ASEAN foreign ministers issued a statement reaffirming the one-China policy and calling for adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.
On August 3, the G7 falsely claimed that China's countermeasures escalated tensions.
At the meeting, we pierced their fallacies of confounding right and wrong, and emphasizing that China's response measures are justified, reasonable, necessary, and appropriate. It is not China that is changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, but the United States, which is trying to "use Taiwan to control China" and the delusional "reliance on the United States." "independence" Taiwan authorities.
China's countermeasures are precisely to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and regional stability.
The principle of non-interference in internal affairs is the "golden rule" in state-to-state relations and the "magic weapon" for developing countries.
The measures taken by China are also safeguarding the basic norms of international relations and international fairness and justice.
Once the U.S. makes an unreasonable quibble, we will retaliate once.
It clearly pointed out that the U.S. made three major mistakes: grossly interfering in China's internal affairs, condoning and supporting "Taiwan independence" forces, and deliberately undermining peace across the Taiwan Strait, and solemnly warned the U.S. not to act rashly and not to make mistakes again and again.
Pelosi's perversion is disgusting. It is not only a blatant and unreasonable provocation, but also a political farce that is doomed to fail.
At present, the situation in the Taiwan Strait is still turbulent. We will be wary of the United States taking advantage of the situation, planning to increase military deployment, and trying to create a greater crisis; wary of the "Taiwan independence" forces misjudging the situation, colluding with internal and external, and going their own way on the road of split; Characters follow suit, undermine the political foundation of exchanges with China, and impact the UN Charter and the post-World War II international system.
The white paper "Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era" issued by the Chinese government pointed out that we are closer, more confident and capable of realizing the goal of complete reunification of the motherland than at any time in history.
We are willing to join hands with friends from all countries who love peace and uphold justice to safeguard the one-China principle, defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and maintain regional stability and world peace.
4. Q: China and Cambodia are a community with a shared future of strategic significance. What important consensuses have been reached during this visit to Cambodia?
Wang Yi: China and Cambodia are important neighbors and die-hard friends.
The China-Cambodia friendship forged and nurtured by the leaders of the two countries has withstood the test of the international situation and the baptism of strong winds and waves. It is rock-solid and unbreakable.
During this visit, the two sides relived the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations and inherited the traditional friendship.
China emphasized to Cambodia that China has always been Cambodia's reliable partner and strong backing.
King Norodom Sihamoni regards China as the most sincere friend and second hometown. Prime Minister Hun Sen pointed out that the "hardcore" friendship between Cambodia and China has been deeply rooted in the two countries. Hong Manai, member of the Central Standing Committee of the Cambodian People's Party and future prime minister candidate, stressed that it will be passed on well. , to maintain and develop the cause of Cambodia-China unity and friendship.
The two sides agreed to jointly hold activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sihanouk's birth and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia next year, so as to continue the tradition of friendship, pass it on from generation to generation, and maintain youthful vitality.
As a model for large and small countries to live in friendship and treat each other sincerely, China and Cambodia have taken the lead in building a community of shared future with strategic significance and continuously deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
During this visit, the Cambodian side clearly adheres to the one-China principle, firmly opposes any words or deeds that violate China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will stand firmly with the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people.
The two sides agreed to take the high-level consensus as the guide and take the opportunity of negotiating and signing the new action plan for a community with a shared future to firmly support each other in pursuing a development path that suits their own national conditions, and take the lead in promoting the implementation of global development initiatives and global security initiatives.
In recent years, the high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" between China and Cambodia has continued to bear fruit, bringing important benefits to the two peoples.
During this visit, the two sides agreed to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, well implement the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement and RCEP, and intensify cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, people-to-people and cultural engagement, defense, and youth.
China will continue to provide vaccine assistance according to Cambodia's needs, carry out cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine, import more Cambodian high-quality agricultural products, increase Cambodian flights to China, and facilitate Cambodian students returning to China to resume classes.
During this visit to Cambodia, we deeply felt that the special friendship between China and Cambodia is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and the high-level strategic cooperation has broad prospects.
It is believed that the two sides will continue to consolidate political mutual trust, maintain a strong momentum of cooperation, continue to benefit the two peoples, and make China and Cambodia a good neighbor, good friend, good brother and good partner forever.
5. Q: This visit to Bangladesh is an important offline exchange between China and Bangladesh since the COVID-19 outbreak.
What consensus has been reached?
Wang Yi: China and Bangladesh are friendly neighbors and strategic cooperative partners.
The purpose of this visit to Bangladesh is to continue the traditional friendship and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.
After arriving in Dhaka, he will visit the Rahman Memorial Hall, the father of Bangladesh, to review the history of friendly exchanges between the two countries, and feel the profound historical, social and public opinion foundation of the bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Hasina thanked the Chinese side for respecting the father of Bangladesh and stressed that Bangladesh cherishes the friendship between the two countries and regards China as an important partner for maintaining peace and common development.
The Bangladeshi side stated that deepening the unity and cooperation between Bangladesh and China is an irreplaceable choice for Bangladesh. Bangladesh abides by the one-China principle, believes that Taiwan is part of China's territory, and does not approve of provocative actions by individual countries.
The two sides agreed to enhance political mutual trust, practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, support each other in safeguarding national independence, national dignity and core interests, and support each other in taking a development path that suits national conditions.
The two sides agreed to intensify the coordination of development strategies, strengthen the connection between the "Belt and Road" initiative and Bangladesh's "Vision 2041", and deepen cooperation in infrastructure, digital economy, green development and other fields.
China announced to grant zero-tariff treatment to 98% of Bangladeshi products exported to China, supporting Bangladesh in expanding exports to China.
The two sides agreed to strengthen social and cultural exchanges, signed a new cultural and tourism exchange plan, and made it clear that exchanges and cooperation in the field of poverty alleviation will be strengthened.
China welcomes Bangladeshi students to return to China to resume classes, and will increase flights between the two countries in an orderly manner.
6. Question: Mongolia is a traditional friendly neighbor of China. Please introduce the important achievements of this visit to Mongolia and the key cooperation directions in the next stage?
Wang Yi: China and Mongolia are connected by mountains and rivers and share weal and woe.
Under the cordial care and strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Mongolia relations are entering a fast lane, and the results of cooperation in various fields are constantly showing.
After visiting Mongolia again after two years, I witnessed the rapid development of Ulaanbaatar and felt the broad prospects of China-Mongolia friendship and cooperation.
Faced with the current complex and volatile international and regional situation, China and Mongolia have a shared destiny and future, and should become good neighbors that cannot be exchanged for money, good brothers who share weal and woe, and good partners for common development.
The two sides agreed to promote the in-depth integration of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative with Mongolia's "Grassland Road", the global development initiative and Mongolia's "New Revival Policy", and China's "two-step" development strategic goals and Mongolia's long-term development vision, so as to create a framework for the development of bilateral relations. Three engines.
The two sides reaffirmed mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firm support for each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.
China supports Mongolia in maintaining stability, focusing on development, and exploring a development path that suits national conditions.
The Mongolian side emphasizes that it adheres to the one-China principle and opposes other countries' interference in China's internal affairs. This position has been consistent and will not change.
Practical cooperation is an important pillar and highlight of China-Mongolia relations.
According to the consensus reached during this visit, China and Mongolia will take advantage of land borders in the next step, strengthen border cooperation, promote the full opening of ports, link railways and highways, and ensure stable and smooth industrial and supply chains.
We will make good use of the Ganqimaodu port cross-border railway integration plan signed this time to help Mongolia expand its opening to China.
It will actively promote major projects such as infrastructure and energy, help Mongolia to convert resource advantages into development advantages as soon as possible, improve independent development capabilities, and benefit the Mongolian people.
The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in the fields of afforestation and de-desertification, greening the common home, and jointly safeguarding the green space and the blue sky.
7. Q: What are the consensuses reached during the long-term talks and exchanges between the foreign ministers of China and the ROK?
What are your expectations for the future development of China-ROK relations?
Wang Yi: Both sides are increasingly aware that China and the ROK are close neighbors and inseparable partners.
Foreign Minister Park Jin's visit comes on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and it is also the first high-level visit to China by the new Korean government.
Our comprehensive, in-depth and candid talks were constructive and reached many important consensuses.
The two sides agreed to strengthen political and diplomatic communication and pragmatic cooperation, negotiate and sign a joint action plan for the future development of China-ROK relations between the foreign ministries of the two countries, hold high-level strategic dialogue between the foreign ministries and the "2+2" dialogue on diplomatic security, and actively promote the future of China-ROK relations. Development Committee joint research work.
The two sides agreed to speed up the second phase of the China-Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiations and improve the level of trade liberalization and investment facilitation.
The two sides agreed to maintain the integrity, safety, smoothness, openness and inclusiveness of production and supply chains, abide by WTO rules, adhere to the principles of non-discrimination, non-exclusion, openness and transparency, and are willing to conduct dialogue and cooperation in this regard.
The two sides agreed to successfully hold the "China-ROK Cultural Exchange Year" activities, hold the meeting of the People-to-People Exchange Promotion Committee, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between China and Korea in the fields of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and media, and increase more direct flights to further facilitate personnel exchanges.
The two sides also had a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views on the deployment of the THAAD system by the United States in the ROK. They both agreed that each other's legitimate security concerns should be taken seriously, and efforts should be made to properly handle them so as not to become a stumbling block affecting bilateral relations.
The Chinese side refers to Confucius' "Thirty years to stand", and expects that after 30 years of baptism, China-ROK relations should become more mature, more independent and more stable.
The South Korean side quoted Confucius' "harmony in difference", hoping to open up new prospects for mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of the South Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership.
"Harmony but difference" is the friendship between gentlemen.
"Harmony" achieved on the basis of respecting each other's differences is a more stable and long-lasting "harmony", as well as a more resilient and warmer "Harmony".
8. Q: The foreign ministers of China and Nepal have exchanged visits in less than half a year. What consensus did the foreign ministers of the two countries reach this time?
Wang Yi: China and Nepal are good neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, good friends who help each other, and good partners who seek common development.
During Foreign Minister Khadgar's visit to China, the two sides reached important cooperation consensus.
China will firmly support Nepal in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and support Nepal in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions.
The Nepalese side stressed that it will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, and will never allow the use of Nepalese territory to engage in any activities that oppose China and harm China's interests, and supports China's legitimate position on internal affairs such as Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
Nigeria agrees with the concept of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and is willing to actively study and participate in the connection.
The two sides will jointly build the "Belt and Road" with high quality, accelerate the feasibility study of cross-border railways, actively carry out cooperation in infrastructure such as electricity, and implement important aid projects such as the upgrading and reconstruction of Kathmandu's inner ring road, so as to help Nepal accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and increase The well-being of the Nigerian people.
The Chinese side announced that it will grant zero-tariff treatment to 98% of Nigeria's tax items, and welcomes Nepal's expansion of exports of tea, Chinese medicinal materials and agricultural and animal husbandry products to China.
The two parties will continue to enrich the connotation of the strategic partnership.
The Chinese side is willing to continue to provide disaster prevention and medical supplies to Nepal through China's South Asian National Emergency Material Reserve.
Strengthen cooperation in traditional medicine, justice, combating cross-border crimes, border management, joint prevention and control, and ports.
Increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges, increase direct flights, and facilitate personnel exchanges.
China welcomes Nigerian students to return to China to resume classes.
Both sides are full of expectations and confidence in the strategic partnership of friendship between China and Nepal for generations.