Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on June 8, 2020
1. According to the agreement between the two sides, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will hold the tenth round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borelli on June 9th, in-depth exchanges on China-EU relations and issues of common interest view. The strategic dialogue will be held in video format.
2. To help Bangladesh cope with the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, the Chinese government decided to send a team of anti-epidemic medical experts to Bangladesh. The expert group was established by the National Health and Health Commission and selected by the Hainan Health and Welfare Committee. It started on the morning of June 8.
CCTV reporter at the Central Radio and Television Station: You have just released the news that China and Europe will hold the tenth round of high-level strategic dialogue. Could you further introduce the relevant situation?
Hua Chunying: This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Over the past 45 years, China-EU bilateral relations have made great progress, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and making positive contributions to world peace and prosperity. Since the outbreak of the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic, China and Europe have given firm support to each other's efforts to fight the epidemic. Both sides have actively worked together to promote international cooperation in the fight against epidemics, which has enriched the connotation of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.
China and the EU established a high-level strategic dialogue mechanism in 2010. Currently, 9 rounds of dialogues have been successfully held, which has played an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and trust between China and the EU and strengthening dialogue and cooperation in various fields. Under the situation of epidemic prevention and control, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will co-chair a new round of high-level strategic dialogue between China and Europe with senior representatives of Borelli in video format. The two sides will use this opportunity to exchange in-depth views on China-EU relations and issues of common concern, and prepare for the next phase of China-EU high-level exchanges.
Xinhua News Agency reporter: Today is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Myanmar in January this year. What does China expect from the development of China-Myanmar relations under the new situation?
Hua Chunying: China and Myanmar are each other's neighbors, and the special "cell wave" friendship between the two countries has been inherited for thousands of years and lasted for a long time. China and Myanmar established diplomatic relations on June 8, 1950. Over the past 70 years, the two sides have always communicated with each other and sincerely communicated with each other, insisting on being an example in advocating and practicing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which has brought tangible benefits to the people of China and Myanmar, and has also set an example of exchanges between countries. Contributed to promoting the building of a community of human destiny.
In January this year, President Xi Jinping paid a very successful historic visit to Myanmar. The leaders of the two countries reached an important consensus on building a community of shared destiny between China and Myanmar, drawing a new blueprint for the future development of bilateral relations. China-Myanmar relations have entered a new era. Since the outbreak of the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic, the leaders of China and Myanmar have expressed their firm support through letters and telephone calls. The people of the two countries have watched and helped each other in the fight against the epidemic, and vividly interpreted the spirit of the community of shared destiny between China and Myanmar.
Today, the leaders of the two countries have exchanged congratulatory messages on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and expressed their good wishes to promote the sustained and healthy development of the friendly relations between the two countries. In the next step, the two sides will continue to actively implement the results of President Jinping’s visit to Myanmar and the consensus reached by the two heads of state, solidly promote mutually beneficial cooperation such as the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, orderly organize a series of celebration activities for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and jointly promote the community of China-Myanmar destiny community. deep. We believe that after the baptism of anti-epidemic cooperation, China-Myanmar relations will usher in a better tomorrow, and the people of China and Myanmar will continue to be good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good friends.
China Daily reporter: According to reports, on June 5, the International Atomic Energy Agency released two reports on the Iranian nuclear issue. One is a quarterly report on Iran’s fulfillment of its obligations under the Iran Nuclear Comprehensive Agreement, pointing out that Iran continues to violate key nuclear field restrictions of the Comprehensive Agreement; Another report on Iran’s compliance with its safeguards obligations stated that Iran still refused to provide verification access to the two locations to the agency. The institutional council, which will be held from June 15, will consider related issues. What is China's comment?
Hua Chunying: China has taken note of the latest report on the Iranian nuclear issue issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The report confirms that Iran continues to accept the agency’s supervision and verification of the implementation of the comprehensive agreement, has not implemented the fifth stage of compliance reduction measures, and has not transferred the announced nuclear materials for other purposes. The report also shows that Iran is willing to continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the agency on the issue of fulfilling its obligations of safeguards and supervision.
Here I want to reiterate that the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the comprehensive agreement and pressure on the Iraqi limit is the root cause of the current Iranian nuclear crisis. Maintaining and implementing a comprehensive agreement is the only correct way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. The United States should abandon its wrong practices, avoid obstructing other parties from implementing comprehensive agreements, and leave room for diplomatic efforts. China supports the strengthening of dialogue and cooperation between Iran and the agency, and on the basis of maintaining the previous consensus, seek appropriate solutions to the issue of safeguards and supervision. At the same time, we hope that all parties can support the aforementioned diplomatic efforts and do more to help ease the situation, rather than intensify conflicts. We also believe that the organization can maintain an objective and fair position and properly handle related issues.
On the Iranian nuclear issue, China’s starting point has always been to maintain a comprehensive agreement, maintain multilateralism, maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, and maintain an international order based on international law. China is willing to continue to work closely with relevant parties to make unremitting efforts to promote the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.
CCTV reporter: Recently, a celebrity group of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty issued a statement expressing deep concern about the possibility of media reports that the United States discussed the resumption of nuclear tests, emphasizing that if the United States does this, it will break the global " The "Suspend Nuclear Test" norm severely damages the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty mechanism. It calls on all countries to reiterate their firm support for the treaty and take specific measures to ensure its early entry into force. The Russian side has expressed support for the statement. What is China's view on this?
Hua Chunying: China has expressed serious concerns about the internal discussion of restarting nuclear tests in the US. China supports the statement of the celebrity group organized by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The treaty is an important pillar of the international nuclear arms control system, and has established international norms banning nuclear testing, which is of great significance for promoting nuclear disarmament, preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and thus maintaining world peace and security. We urge the United States to earnestly assume its due obligations, strictly abide by the "suspension of nuclear testing" commitment, and maintain the purposes and objectives of the treaty. We also hope that the US side will listen carefully to the voice of the international community, do more things that will help the international nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation system, and do not go further and further on the path of undermining global strategic stability.
Reporter from Beijing Youth Daily: According to reports, US Secretary of State Pompeo recently issued a statement and Twitter saying that China relentlessly used Freud’s death for propaganda. What is China's comment?
Hua Chunying: According to reports, there have been more than 1.9 million confirmed cases of new coronary pneumonia in the United States today, and more than 110,000 deaths. At the same time, large-scale protests caused by Freud’s death continue. We truly feel sorry for the American people and hope that they will get through the difficulties as soon as possible.
In this case, Mr. Pompeo is still full of lies and slander all day, which is sad. From 1963 Martin Luther King chanted "I have a dream" to Freud groaning painfully "I can't breathe", 57 years later, the equal rights of American minorities are still only dreams, and American society still exists Serious systemic racial discrimination. This is not a kind of external propaganda, but a real problem that people from all walks of life in the United States have called for reflection in unison.
Non-interference in internal affairs is a consistent basic principle of China’s diplomacy, and it is hoped that all parties, including the US, will abide by this principle. Relevant politicians in the United States ignored the serious problems in their own countries and madly dumped the pot and blamed them. This is unethical and does not help solve their own problems. I hope he won't waste his precious time anymore.
AFP reporter: Worldwide protests against violent law enforcement and racial discrimination by the US police are continuing, but so far no protests have been seen in China. What's your opinion? If the Chinese people want to express their support through protests, will China encourage them?
Hua Chunying: You are resident in China, and you should be able to observe that many people in China are also highly concerned about the large-scale protests in the United States caused by the death of Freud. China has also expressed its stand against any form of racial discrimination. It is hoped that the US side will listen carefully to the voice of the people.
Shenzhen Satellite TV reporter: According to media reports, the United States has established more than 200 biological laboratories around the world, but the US side has kept quiet about the laboratory's functions, uses, and safety factors. This has caused local people and neighboring countries to be deeply concerned. Some local people strongly urged to close the relevant laboratory. Recently, South Korea's "Unified News" published an article saying that the U.S. military stationed in South Korea has established four bio-weapon laboratory of Bacillus anthracis in South Korea that are more terrible than the new coronavirus. From 2009 to 2014, these laboratories conducted 16 tests of Bacillus anthracis. In April 2015, a delivery accident occurred during the delivery of samples from the United States to South Korea. The Korean people were extremely dissatisfied and requested information to be disclosed and withdrew from the laboratory. On March 25 this year, local people in Busan said at a press conference that they once again requested the South Korean government to investigate the illegal shipment of toadstools and bacteria, and strongly requested that the laboratory be closed. What is China's comment?
Hua Chunying: We have also noticed relevant reports. Indeed, there have been many reports of this type recently, and I do not know the authenticity. But what I do know is that the United States is the only country that has so far been exclusively blocking the restart of negotiations on the verification protocol of the Biological Weapons Convention.
I noticed that many people on the Internet are asking: Why does the United States build so many biological laboratories around the world? Why has the United States exclusively blocked the negotiation of the verification protocol of the Biological Weapons Convention? Is there any secret that the US side can't see the sun? These questions may need to seek answers from the US.
It is hoped that the US side will address the concerns of the international community and the lives, health and safety of the local people in an open, transparent and responsible manner, and dispel the doubts of the international community.
China News Agency reporter: Yesterday, the Information Office of the State Council of China published a white paper on "China Action to Fight New Coronary Pneumonia Epidemic". Some foreign media believe that this is to defend China's actions. What's your opinion?
Hua Chunying: Yesterday, the Information Office of the State Council of China published a white paper on "China Action Against New Coronary Pneumonia". Several heads of relevant departments introduced the content of the white paper on request.
The Chinese side published the white paper by no means for defense, but for record. Because the anti-epidemic narrative cannot be tainted by misleading lies, it should leave the correct collective human memory. The white paper records the hardship of China's fight against the epidemic, shares the effective methods of prevention and control and medical treatment in China, introduces the experience and feelings of the Chinese people through the epidemic, and conveys the confidence and strength of unity and cooperation to overcome the epidemic.
The current epidemic is still spreading around the world, and the world is in a difficult time. China is willing to uphold the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other countries, and overcome the epidemic as soon as possible.
A reporter from the American News Service: Regarding China’s release of a travel reminder to Australia, what facts or figures does China show that racist attacks are on the rise in Australia? Why only issue relevant reminders for Australia?
Hua Chunying: Of course, the relevant Chinese authorities issued a reminder for travel to Australia, which is of course based on facts. If you look at the reports in the Australian media, you can see them clearly.
Over the past period of time, there have been numerous discriminations against Chinese, Chinese and even Asians in Australia. There have been a lot of reports in the Australian media. For example, some Australian politicians and media refer to the new crown virus as the “Chinese virus” and maliciously tamper with the Chinese national flag and national emblem; many Chinese overseas Chinese in Australia have suffered verbal insults and even siege damage; some Chinese and Asian family properties have been destroyed, and Chinese and Asians suffer unfair treatment in their daily work; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and other Australian cities have graffiti or text with racial discrimination against China. According to statistics from the Australian Human Rights Commission, hundreds of Asians complained of racial discrimination in the first quarter of this year, and racial discrimination complaints accounted for up to 25%. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, three racist attacks against Chinese families took place within a week of April. New South Wales received 241 complaints of racial discrimination from January to April this year, and Queensland Police received 22 reports of racial discrimination from March to early May. Are these not convincing enough?
The Chinese government has always acted in a responsible manner, reminding Chinese citizens to properly arrange travel plans and to protect themselves. We also advise Australia to face the problem squarely and take practical measures to safeguard and guarantee the safety and rights of Chinese citizens in Australia.
Reuters reporter: The Australian Minister of Trade said in an interview on the weekend that Australia has called for an international investigation into the source of the New Corona virus, which has caused tensions in China-Australia relations. In the past few weeks, he has been trying to contact China, but China has not responded. Is this true? What is China's comment?
Hua Chunying: As far as I know, the diplomatic communication channels between China and Australia in Beijing and Canberra are smooth. With regard to China-Australia relations, we have stated many times that a healthy and stable China-Australia relationship is in the common interests of both countries, but this requires the joint efforts of both sides. It is hoped that Australia and China will act in the same direction, earnestly uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and do more things that are conducive to China-Australia mutual trust and cooperation and in line with the spirit of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.
Surging News reporter: We have noticed that the United States, Britain and other countries have responded strongly to the national security legislation concerning Hong Kong. US Secretary of State Pompeo told the media a few days ago that the Communist Party of China refused to grant the freedom promised to the people of Hong Kong, in violation of the agreement promised with the United Kingdom. What is China's comment?
Hua Chunying: There have indeed been a few foreign politicians who have made various remarks on Hong Kong-related national security legislation, but I don’t know if they have read the "Sino-British Joint Statement" before commenting. Can you tell the exact terms and contents of the Sino-British Joint Declaration?
The "Sino-British Joint Statement" is an important document between China and Britain on China's recovery of Hong Kong and related transitional arrangements. It has 8 articles and 3 annexes. Article 1 stipulates that China shall resume exercising sovereignty over Hong Kong, and Article 2 stipulates that the United Kingdom shall return Hong Kong to China. After the return of Hong Kong, these two rules have been fulfilled at the same time. Article 3 and Annex I are about China’s principle elaboration and specific explanation of Hong Kong’s basic principles and policies, and are China’s policy declarations. Articles 4 to 6 and Annexes II and III stipulate the relevant arrangements of the two countries during the transition period of the return. Articles 7 and 8 are provisions on implementation and entry into force. The provisions related to the British side have been fulfilled with the return of Hong Kong and the completion of various follow-up work. The implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong, including the legal basis for China's formulation of national security legislation related to Hong Kong, is the Chinese Constitution and Basic Law, not the "Sino-British Joint Declaration."
Pompeo said that China refused to give the people of Hong Kong freedom. We can ask him to answer: During the British colonial rule of Hong Kong in 156 years, did Hong Kong have democratic freedom? Which of the 28 Hong Kong Governors was elected by the Hong Kong people? At that time, were Hong Kong people free to protest on the streets? During the British colonial rule over Hong Kong, the British "Treason Act" also applied to Hong Kong.
The National People’s Congress’s national security legislation on Hong Kong is aimed at splitting the country, subverting state power, organizing terrorist activities, and foreign and foreign forces interfering in Hong Kong affairs. It targets very few people who seriously endanger national security. Not only will it not affect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the majority of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law, but it will enable the legal rights and freedoms of the majority of Hong Kong residents to be better exercised in a safe environment. Therefore, law-abiding Hong Kong citizens and foreign investors have no need to worry at all. I believe you have also seen that in the short period of 8 days after the announcement of the relevant legislative decision, nearly 3 million Hong Kong people have jointly signed a bill to support national security legislation. In the past few days, some well-known foreign-funded enterprises, such as HSBC, Jardine, Swire and Standard Chartered, have all expressed support for the relevant legislative decisions. According to a survey by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, more than 61% of companies believe that they will benefit from national security legislation in the long run or have no impact on their future operations in Hong Kong. The Hang Seng Index rebounded for 5 consecutive days. These are all votes of confidence in Hong Kong-related national security legislation and "one country, two systems" in the future.
As for why the individual politicians in the United States have reacted so strongly, the reason is actually very simple, because what they really care about is not the freedom of the people of Hong Kong, but the "freedom" they want to undermine China's national security. Pompeo once said that the value of Hong Kong is that it is a "fortress of liberty" that can affect China. This phrase has leaked "heaven", which is the true idea deep in his heart.
Finally, I want to emphasize that maintaining national security belongs to the central authority in any country. Hong Kong-related national security legislation is to fulfill the powers and responsibilities of maintaining national security in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the Basic Law of Hong Kong. It is to apply "security patches" to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, secure fences, close loopholes in national security, and effectively safeguard China's national security. Those who do not intend to engage in division, subversion, terrorist activities, or undermine China's national security need not have any worries at all, and there is no need to react excessively. China resolutely opposes any external forces attempting to interfere in Hong Kong affairs.
Japanese Economic News reporter: According to Indonesian media reports, China submitted a note to the United Nations about the overlapping of the South China Sea "nine-segment line" and Indonesia's exclusive economic zone. Can you confirm?
Hua Chunying: In response to the note submitted by the Indonesian Permanent Mission to the UN Secretary-General recently, the Chinese Permanent Mission to the UN Secretary-General submitted a note clarifying China’s position on the South China Sea issue. What I want to emphasize is that China’s claim on the sovereign rights and interests of the South China Sea is consistent and clear. It is consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and will not be changed by a country’s doubts and objections.
Indian Press Trust: Senior Chinese and Indian military officials held talks this weekend to resolve the border confrontation issue. How does China evaluate the outcome of the talks?
Hua Chunying: On the afternoon of June 6, the Chinese and Indian militaries held military-level talks at the Mordo border talks meeting, and held consultations on resolving recent border situations and maintaining peace and stability in the border areas.
Recently, China and India have maintained close communication through diplomatic and military channels on resolving current border issues. The two sides agreed to implement the important consensus of the leaders of the two countries, prevent differences from becoming disputes, work together to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, and create a good atmosphere for the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. At present, the situation in the Sino-Indian border area is generally stable and controllable. Both parties have the will and ability to properly resolve related issues through negotiation and consultation.
Beijing Daily reporter: According to reports, on the 7th, US Republican Federal Senator Scott said in an interview that the United States has evidence that China is trying to destroy or delay the development of new crown vaccines in Western countries, and does not want the United States to develop vaccines first. I believe that whether the United Kingdom or the United States first developed a vaccine will share it, but China will not share it. Si refused to disclose details of the evidence, saying the evidence came from the intelligence community. What is China's comment?
Hua Chunying: Since the congressman said that the United States has evidence that China is trying to undermine the development of new crown vaccines in Western countries, then please ask him to come up with evidence and do not have to be ashamed to answer. There are too many false accusations and slander against China made by some US politicians. I don’t know if there are any legal restrictions in the United States for these unscrupulous rumors and slander against other countries?
What I want to point out is that the research and development of the new crown vaccine is not a battle between China and the United States, but a battle between humans and viruses. Which country will be the first to complete the vaccine research and development and put into use will be a contribution to the fight against the epidemic in humans.
At the 73rd World Health Assembly, President Xi Jinping solemnly promised that, after the research and development of China's new crown vaccine is completed and put into use, it will serve as a global public product and contribute to China's accessibility and affordability of vaccines in developing countries. It is hoped that the United States can make a solemn commitment to the world as soon as China can: if the United States first develops a vaccine, it will share it with the world.