Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin hosted a regular press conference on May 18, 2022

  The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting will be held by video on May 19. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will preside over the meeting. South African Foreign Minister Pandor, Brazilian Foreign Minister Franza, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar will attend the meeting.

During this period, the foreign ministers of the BRICS countries will also have a dialogue with the foreign ministers of emerging markets and developing countries in the "BRICS+" way.

Phoenix TV: According to reports, on the 17th local time, more than 250 Ukrainian fighters walked out of the fortifications in the Azov Steel Plant and surrendered.

This means that the most intense siege since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war has finally ended.

What is China's comment?

  Wang Wenbin: China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear.

We hope that the conflict will end at an early date and support Russia and Ukraine to continue to properly resolve relevant issues through negotiation and consultation.

CCTV reporter: Can you tell us about China's expectations for this BRICS foreign ministers' meeting?

  Wang Wenbin: BRICS is a cooperation mechanism between emerging markets and developing countries with global influence.

In the context of the intertwined epidemic situation of the century and the changes of the century, the BRICS mechanism is of special significance for deepening cooperation between emerging market countries and developing countries and promoting the recovery of the world economy after the epidemic.

  During China's 2017 BRICS presidency, President Xi Jinping initiated the holding of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Under the strategic guidance of BRICS leaders, the Foreign Ministers' Meeting has played an important role in enhancing political mutual trust among the five countries and deepening cooperation in the field of political security.

As the BRICS Chair in 2022, China looks forward to further communication and coordination with other BRICS partners on the new features and challenges of the current international situation, as well as major international and regional issues. The strong voice of jointly promoting peaceful development focuses on preparing for the BRICS leaders' meeting.

  The "BRICS+" Foreign Ministers' Dialogue will also be held during the foreign ministers' meeting this year. The foreign ministers of the BRICS countries will exchange in-depth views with the foreign ministers of some emerging markets and developing countries on issues such as global governance.

It is believed that this dialogue will further enhance unity, build consensus, enhance the voice of emerging market countries and developing countries in global governance, and better safeguard common interests.

AFP: The US Department of Justice is indicting Las Vegas and Macau casino tycoon Steve Wayne, asking him to register as an agent of the Chinese government.

What is the comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this?

  Wang Wenbin: The relevant actions of the US side are purely chasing circumstances and deliberately exaggerating the "China threat theory".

China always insists on developing relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

We hope that the US side will abandon the Cold War and zero-sum mentality, and stop making excuses about China.

Global Times reporter: Recently, our newspaper released public opinion survey reports on "Chinese Citizens' Cognition and Attitudes towards ASEAN" and "Chinese University Students' Cognition and Attitudes towards China-ASEAN Cooperation".

What is the spokesperson's comment on this?

  Wang Wenbin: We have noticed relevant reports.

According to the report "Chinese Citizens' Perceptions and Attitudes towards ASEAN", more than 90% of the respondents believe that China and ASEAN have friendly relations, 95.7% of the respondents support the development of good-neighborly and friendly relations between China and ASEAN, and 64.1% of the respondents believe that ASEAN Apart from China, it is the country and organization that has contributed the most to peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region.

On the other hand, 77.8% of the respondents believe that the United States is the biggest disruptor to the sound development of China-ASEAN relations.

Another report in which the respondents were Chinese college students was roughly similar to the above data.

  The relevant report reflects that the Chinese people have good feelings and impressions of ASEAN countries, have a positive attitude towards the development of good-neighborly and friendly relations between China and ASEAN, and are full of confidence in the future of China and ASEAN.

This is the result of China's long-term adherence to the foreign policy of good-neighborliness and friendship with neighboring countries, and it also proves that our development of relations with ASEAN is in line with the will of the people.

  China attaches great importance to China-ASEAN relations, and always regards ASEAN as the priority of China's neighboring diplomacy.

With the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, China-ASEAN relations have developed vigorously and achieved remarkable achievements.

Last year, we jointly celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and officially announced the establishment of China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership.

On January 1 this year, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership came into effect, injecting new impetus into regional and world peace, stability, prosperity and development.

  It can be seen from relevant polls that the Chinese people fully affirm the positive contribution ASEAN has made to the peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region, and they are also aware of the deliberate interference of China-ASEAN relations by some foreign forces.

ASEAN countries are not "chess pieces" in geopolitical competition, but important "chess players" in promoting regional development and prosperity.

Any behavior that creates group confrontation and divisional confrontation in this region is unpopular.

  President Xi Jinping pointed out at the summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations last year, "The achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation in the past 30 years have benefited from the geographical proximity and cultural intercommunication between the two sides. Make the right historical choice."

China has been, is and will always be a good neighbor, good friend and good partner of ASEAN.

China is willing to work with ASEAN, guided by the important consensus of the 30th anniversary summit, to well build the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, cherish and maintain the foundation of friendly public opinion, and join hands to move towards a closer community with a shared future. New contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Bloomberg: It has been nearly two months since the crash of China Eastern Airlines. Does China have any latest news?

  Wang Wenbin: The Civil Aviation Administration of China has already responded, and you can refer to it.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China stated that it will continue to maintain close communication with all parties involved in the investigation, carry out the accident investigation in a scientific, rigorous and orderly manner, and in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Convention and the relevant requirements of government information disclosure, timely and accurately release the accident investigation progress and information. Related Information.

Hubei Radio and Television reporter: According to the latest data, China-Europe trains operated 1,170 trains in April, an increase of 36 trains compared with March, showing a development trend of "steady and rising".

Taking into account the impact of the epidemic and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, this achievement is not easy.

what opinions do the Chinese have on this issue?

  Wang Wenbin: Against the background of the world epidemic and the turbulent international situation, the China-Europe freight train has overcome the headwinds of poor global circulation and insufficient capacity, and handed over a beautiful "transcript", which is really commendable.

This is China's positive contribution to the recovery of the world economy, and it is also a strong proof of the high-quality development of the "Belt and Road".

  For 24 consecutive months, China-Europe freight trains have operated more than 1,000 trains in a single month, strongly supporting the global industrial chain and supply chain with stable, reliable and efficient logistics services, demonstrating resilience and responsibility, and conveying strength and confidence.

The China Railway Express connects 185 cities in 23 European countries. It is not only a transportation line, but also a logistics network connecting Asia and Europe. It is also a mutually beneficial and win-win link for countries and regions along the line.

The number of freight trains between China and France has reportedly doubled between 2019 and 2021.

  The development of China Railway Express is not only reflected in the increase in quantity, but also in the leap in quality.

The China Railway Express has overcome the problem of resource allocation in the early stage of operation, the situation of empty containers has been significantly improved, the operation model has become more mature and scientific, and the medium and long-term profitability tends to be optimistic.

The structure of commodities carried by China-Europe freight trains has also been optimized.

New service formats such as "door-to-door" transportation, "supermarket by train" and special transportation are constantly emerging, and the industry's innovation capability has been significantly enhanced.

  The China Railway Express bucked the trend and accelerated, fully demonstrating the strong vitality of the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative.

In the first four months of this year, China's imports and exports to countries along the "Belt and Road" increased by 15.4% year-on-year, of which exports increased by 12.9% and imports increased by 18.6%.

The construction of the "Belt and Road" has provided a strong driving force for the economic recovery and development of the countries along the route.

  China is willing to work with all parties, uphold the concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, join hands to build the China-Europe freight train, jointly promote the high-quality development of the "Belt and Road" construction, and inject new impetus into the global economic recovery.

CCTV reporter: According to reports, the American Chamber of Commerce in China released the 2022 White Paper on American Businesses in China, saying that the chamber firmly opposes the complete “decoupling” of China and the United States, supports the expansion of tariff exemptions to China, and disapproves of political issues such as the epidemic and epidemic prevention policies. change.

The person in charge of the chamber of commerce said that China has always had clear strategic development goals, huge market opportunities and a predictable business environment, which has formed a huge attraction for US companies.

What is China's comment?

  Wang Wenbin: The essence of China-US economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win results.

In the era of economic globalization, openness and integration are an irresistible historical trend. Man-made "walls" and "decoupling" go against economic and market rules, and do harm to others and not oneself.

I have noticed that the white paper released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China pointed out that American companies firmly oppose the complete "decoupling" of US-China relations, believing that "decoupling" will cause the two countries to suffer huge losses in terms of foreign trade and foreign investment, and no one can be the winner in this game.

It is hoped that the U.S. side will listen carefully to the rational and pragmatic voices of U.S. companies, meet China halfway in the spirit of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, so as to push China-U.S. relations back to the right track of healthy and stable development at an early date.

  The white paper states that China is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world and an important export market for U.S. products and services.

The Chinese market has a strong R&D and innovation ecosystem and is an important source of income for many leading US companies.

China is also a key source and supplier of a wide range of products and components, benefiting U.S. consumers with its relatively lower costs and greater production scale.

More than two-thirds of the companies surveyed said that China is their top three global investment markets.

  The white paper also puts forward some opinions and suggestions, which China will study carefully.

Looking into the future, the fundamentals of China's economy with strong resilience, ample potential and long-term improvement will not change.

China will continue to deepen reforms, expand opening up, and create a market-oriented, law-based and international business environment, and provide more opportunities for companies from all over the world, including American companies, to invest in China.

Bloomberg: U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen said that Western democracies are too vulnerable to countries that use their market position as geopolitical leverage.

She also called on the United States and Europe to coordinate their attitudes toward China after jointly confronting Russia.

What is the comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this?

  Wang Wenbin: Which country keeps saying that it wants to deal with other countries "from a position of strength"?

Which country abuses its economic, financial and technological hegemony as a lever to contain and suppress other countries and seek geopolitical self-interest?

The international community sees this clearly.

  Peace, development, cooperation and win-win are the trend of the times and the common aspiration of people of all countries.

Some people in the United States are obsessed with coercion and coercion against allies to curb China's small circle all day long. This is completely against the trend of the times, unpopular, and has no way out.

  We urge the U.S. side to live up to its words and deeds, implement the U.S. leader's statement that they did not seek a "new Cold War" or a stronger alliance against China, and do more things that are conducive to China-U.S. mutual trust and cooperation and world peace and development.

AFP: It is said that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is about to visit China.

Can the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirm this?

  Wang Wenbin: China welcomes Ms. Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to visit China and Xinjiang in May.

We will release relevant news in due course.

Bloomberg: The top U.S. Navy officer, Admiral Michael Gilday, said that Taiwan must be prepared for a potential “aggression” from mainland China through military deterrence, including obtaining adequate weapons and proper training.

What is the comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this?

  Wang Wenbin: The US side's remarks violate the US side's commitment to China on the Taiwan issue and interfere in China's internal affairs. China firmly opposes this.

  The Sino-US "Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations" and the "August 17" Communiqué clearly stated: "The United States of America recognizes that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of China and recognizes China's position that there is only one China and Taiwan is a part of China." The "Sino-US Shanghai Communiqué" also pointed out, "The United States recognizes that all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait believe that there is only one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States government has no objection to this position." A part of China, while exaggerating the so-called threat of "invasion" of Taiwan by the mainland; while expressing that it does not support "Taiwan independence", it also deletes expressions such as "Taiwan is a part of China" and "does not support 'Taiwan independence'" from the State Council website.

Such self-contradictory actions of the US side cannot but call into question the seriousness and effectiveness of the US side's assertion of upholding the one-China policy.

  Treachery not only damages one's own image, but also pays a corresponding price.

Breaking promises on the Taiwan issue will surely be punished by history.

We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, and implement the statement of "not supporting 'Taiwan independence'", so as not to seriously damage Sino-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Reuters reporter: The first question was raised yesterday. Is China going to participate in the World Health Assembly next week?

If so, who will attend?

On the second question, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday that Taiwan should be allowed to participate in the World Health Assembly, saying the exclusion of Taiwan at China's request was groundless.

What is the comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this?

  Wang Wenbin: As for the first question, I already answered it yesterday, and I have nothing to add.

  On your second question, there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

On the issue of Taiwan's participation in international organizations, including WHO's activities, China's position is consistent and clear, that is, it must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle.

Resolution 2758 of the United Nations General Assembly clearly recognizes that the representatives of the government of the People's Republic of China are the only legitimate representatives of China in the United Nations.

The one-China principle affirmed in the above-mentioned two resolutions is generally supported by the international community.

  The Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of Taiwan compatriots, and has made proper arrangements for Taiwan's participation in global health affairs under the premise of conforming to the one-China principle.

As of April 28, the Chinese central government has notified Taiwan about the epidemic 386 times. In the past year, the central government has approved 44 batches of public health experts from Taiwan, with a total of 47 people participating in the technical activities of the World Health Organization.

Channels for Taiwan to obtain relevant information and participate in the international fight against the epidemic are unimpeded.

The US's so-called "serious health concerns" are completely untenable.

We urge the US to stop hyping up Taiwan-related issues through the WHA.

Any attempt to play the "Taiwan card" and "use Taiwan to control China" will surely be firmly opposed by the vast majority of members of the international community, and will end in failure.

Kyodo News: According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan and China held a video conference between their foreign ministers today.

Can China introduce the details?

  Wang Wenbin: As you mentioned, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a video meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Lin Fangzheng today.

  During the meeting, State Councilor Wang Yi said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations and an important milestone in the history of the development of bilateral relations.

The leaders of the two countries reached an important consensus last year on promoting the building of China-Japan relations that meet the requirements of the new era. Good luck to the hard-won friendly situation created by the joint efforts of the predecessors and peoples of the two countries.

  State Councilor Wang Yi pointed out that three things must be done well at the moment.

First, we must earnestly grasp the right direction of bilateral relations.

The four political documents between China and Japan have determined the general direction of peaceful and friendly cooperation between the two countries, and established a series of important principles and consensuses on the two countries as cooperative partners and no threat to each other, which is the fundamental guarantee for the stable and healthy development of China-Japan relations.

The more complex and severe the relationship between the two countries is, the more we must not forget our original aspirations and unswervingly adhere to the principles and spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan.

They should establish a correct understanding of each other, actively carry out positive interactions, plan activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, strengthen exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in various fields, and create a positive public opinion and social atmosphere.

Second, it is necessary to enrich the forward momentum of bilateral relations.

Economic and trade cooperation is the "ballast stone" and "propeller" of bilateral relations.

Accelerating the construction of a new dual-cycle development pattern in China will provide more opportunities for Japan and the world.

The two sides should tap the potential of cooperation, strengthen coordination and cooperation in the fields of digital economy, green and low-carbon, and climate change governance, so as to achieve a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results.

Third, we must promptly eliminate interference factors.

Recently, Japan's negative moves on Taiwan and other issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns have become prominent. Some political forces smeared and attacked China for no reason, seriously undermining mutual trust between the two sides and shaking the foundation of bilateral relations.

The lessons of history are worth remembering.

The Japanese side should abide by the commitments it has made so far, abide by the basic trust between the two countries, and prevent the forces trying to undermine China-Japan relations from taking hold, and work with the Chinese side to safeguard the valuable achievements made in the normalization of diplomatic relations over the past 50 years.

  Foreign Minister Lin Fangzheng said that Japan and China share extensive common interests, with huge potential and broad prospects for cooperation.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. The two sides should strive to develop a constructive and stable bilateral relationship based on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

The Japanese side is willing to work with the Chinese side, not forgetting the original intention of normalizing diplomatic relations, maintaining candid communication, reducing misunderstandings and misjudgments, properly handling sensitive issues, and enhancing political mutual trust.

  The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern, and agreed to continue to maintain communication.

  During the meeting, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also stated his position on the recent negative movements of Japan and the United States in relation to China.

State Councilor Wang Yi pointed out that the Japanese side will soon host the summit of the "Quadrilateral Mechanism" between the United States, Japan, India and Australia.

What is of concern and vigilance is that the so-called Japan-US joint effort against China has been rampant before the U.S. leader has even made the trip, which has caused a lot of fumes.

Japan and the United States are alliances, while China and Japan have concluded a treaty of peace and friendship.

The bilateral cooperation between Japan and the United States should not provoke confrontation between camps, let alone harm China's sovereignty, security and development interests.

It is hoped that the Japanese side will learn from the lessons of history, focus on regional peace and stability, and must act cautiously, not to draw chestnuts in the fire of others, and not to take the wrong path of beggar-thy-neighbor.