Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 19, 2020
Upon agreement between China and the EU, Premier Li Keqiang will hold the 22nd China-EU Leaders' Meeting with the European Council President Michelle and the European Commission President Von Delaine on June 22.
CCTV reporter: Can you please tell us more about the basic situation of the China -EU leaders' meeting? What is China's expectation for this meeting?
Zhao Lijian: The China-EU Leaders Meeting has played an important leading role in China-EU relations. During this meeting, President Xi Jinping will meet with President of the European Council Michelle and President of the European Commission Von Delaine by video. Premier Li Keqiang will co-chair the meeting with President Michelle and President Von Delane via video.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. This meeting is the first formal meeting between Chinese leaders and the new EU leaders. China attaches great importance to it and is willing to work with the EU to promote positive results of this meeting, strengthen China-EU cooperation in combating the epidemic and economic recovery, deepen pragmatic cooperation in economic and trade investment, interconnection, climate change, technological innovation and other fields, and strengthen international hotspots Coordinate policies on issues, jointly safeguard multilateralism, work together to meet global challenges, promote the re-start of China-EU relations in the post-epidemic era, and make China-EU contributions to safeguard world peace and stability and promote global economic recovery.
Canadian "Global Mail" reporter: We have noticed that Kang Mingkai and Michael have been prosecuted. They have been detained for 557 days, but we have only seen the accusation, but no concrete evidence. They were accused of spying and illegally providing state secrets overseas. What did they do specifically, and what state secrets did they spy on and provide to overseas entities?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the Kang Mingkai case, according to law, on June 19, 2020, the Second Branch of the Beijing People’s Procuratorate prosecuted the Canadian defendant Kang Mingkai to the Beijing Second Intermediate People’s Court for the crime of spying on state secrets and intelligence abroad. .
The indictment accused the defendant Kang Mingkai of spying on our country’s secrets and intelligence for foreign organizations. The circumstances were particularly serious. His behavior violated the provisions of Article 111 of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China. The criminal facts are clear and the evidence is reliable and sufficient. They should be held criminally responsible for the crime of spying on state secrets and intelligence abroad.
Regarding the Michael case, according to law, on June 19, the People’s Procuratorate of Dandong City, Liaoning Province prosecuted the Canadian defendant Michael Spar to the Dandong Intermediate People’s Court for the crime of overseas spying and illegally providing state secrets.
The indictment accused the defendant, Michael Spar, of spying and illegally providing our state secrets abroad while in China. The circumstances were particularly serious. His behavior violated the provisions of Article 111 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, and the criminal facts were clear The evidence is true and sufficient, and it should be held criminally responsible for the crime of spying and illegally providing state secrets abroad.
China Daily reporter: The anti-epidemic medical expert team sent by China to Palestine returned to China on June 18. Can you briefly introduce the work of the expert team in Palestine? What help does China provide?
Zhao Lijian: To help Palestine better cope with the epidemic situation, the Chinese government sent a team of anti-epidemic medical experts to Palestine from June 10 to 18.
During the period in Palestine, the expert group carried out anti-epidemic technology sharing and exchange of experience with Palestinian government officials, technical experts and first-line medical personnel to jointly discuss local prevention and treatment measures. A total of 23 hospitals, laboratories and research institutes were visited to hold various 36 exchanges and training activities, cumulative training of about 500 people, and signed a telemedicine cooperation framework agreement with Pakistan. Palestine actively adopted the opinions and suggestions of the expert group, continuously strengthened the prevention and control measures of the epidemic, and improved the capacity of diagnosis and treatment.
The Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert group's visit to Palestine to assist in anti-epidemic work is a concrete manifestation of the profound friendship between the Chinese people and the Palestinian people, and a new beginning for in-depth cooperation in the medical and health fields between China and Pakistan. China will continue to uphold the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, provide assistance within its capabilities according to the needs of Pakistan and other countries, and make positive contributions to maintaining public health security in the Middle East.
RIA Novosti reporter: Russian President Putin wrote in the US National Interest magazine that it is irresponsible to cancel the veto power of the permanent members of the Security Council; the leaders of the five permanent members all support the initiative of the Russian side to hold the Wuchang summit; call on all countries to decrypt and disclose World War II Of historical archives. What is your comment on the above issues?
Zhao Lijian: On the first question, on the veto power of the permanent members of the Security Council. The UN Charter grants the permanent members of the Security Council veto power, which reflects the permanent members’ special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always adopted a cautious and responsible attitude in exercising its veto power, and China will continue to do so in the future.
Regarding President Putin's appeal to countries to decrypt World War II files, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the victory of World War II and the establishment of the United Nations. As the main victorious country in World War II and the permanent member of the UN Security Council, China and Russia adhere to the generally accepted view of World War II history and oppose history tampering.
As President Xi Jinping pointed out during a phone call with President Putin on May 8, World War II was an unprecedented catastrophe in human history. As the main battlefields in Asia and Europe, China and Russia have made huge national sacrifices and made an indelible contribution to winning the final victory of the Second World War and saving humanity. This history is worth remembering forever.
China advocates that all members of the international community should firmly maintain the victory of the Second World War and international fairness and justice, support and practice multilateralism, and always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.
Regarding the holding of the UN Security Council's five permanent summits, China has repeatedly expressed its positive attitude. China supports Russia’s initiative to hold the Security Council’s five permanent summits. We are willing to maintain communication with other permanent members of the Security Council on specific arrangements.
Agence France-Presse reporter: First, US President Trump said yesterday that the US side retains the policy option of completely decoupling from China . What is China's view on this? Will this affect the implementation of the first phase of China-US economic and trade agreement? Second, it is reported that China has released Indian soldiers captured in the border conflict. Can China confirm this?
Zhao Lijian: As for your first question, the current era is globalization, and the interests of all countries are deeply integrated. The formation and development of the global industrial chain supply chain is the result of the combined effect of market laws and enterprise choices. It is neither realistic nor wise to try to artificially cut off the supply chain of the global industrial chain and use political forces to change the laws of the economy. It cannot solve the problems facing the United States itself, and will only cause more harm to ordinary American citizens.
As for your second question, as far as I know, China has not detained any Indian personnel.
Shenzhen Satellite TV reporter: According to Australian media reports, as the United Nations Human Rights Council debated on the issue of racism in the United States, Australia “made small moves” behind the scenes in an attempt to revise the draft text before the official vote begins, turning the issue into “All life is important "In order to prevent the vote on the "investigation of violence and racism in the US police". Some commentators believe that the Australian government has spared no effort in advancing the "independent international review" of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, and once it is necessary to investigate American racism, Australia has become an "American agent". What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: I also noticed relevant reports. This once again exposed the hypocrisy of some people in Australia, who were nakedly engaged in double standards in international affairs and carried out political manipulation without principle. I want to advise the countries concerned that if they want to truly show their role in international affairs, they must learn to proceed from the right and wrong of the matter and make independent and objective judgments.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter: The Australian government claims that a highly capable national subject launched a large-scale hacking attack on the country. Some people in Australia told the media that China did it, but the Australian Prime Minister did not specify that it was China. This matter has caused widespread concern among the Australian public. What is your response?
Zhao Lijian: China is a staunch defender of cybersecurity and one of the biggest victims of hacker attacks. We have always resolutely opposed and legally cracked down on all forms of cyber hacking. This position is consistent and clear.
As for the specific situation you mentioned, is this proposed by the Australian Strategic Policy Research Institute? The Chinese side has pointed out many times recently that this organization has long received financial support from the US government and arms dealers. It is keen on concocting and speculating various anti-China issues, and has become an anti-China "pioneer" without any credibility. The agency's accusation of attacking China has no basis in fact and is pure nonsense.
CCTV reporter: We have noticed that the Chinese international television station CGTN aired the English documentary "The Great Tianshan-Xinjiang Anti-Terrorism Memory" with the theme of Xinjiang Anti-Terrorism yesterday. Yesterday, US leaders signed the "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act." Why did China choose to broadcast the above documentary at this time?
Zhao Lijian: The Xinjiang-related issue is not a question of human rights, ethnicity, and religion, but an issue of counter-terrorism, terrorism, and separatism. The anti-terrorism documentary in Xinjiang illustrates the necessity of anti-terrorism and de-extremism work in Xinjiang with concrete cases and clear facts, and demonstrates the great efforts China has made to this end. The counter-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts adopted by the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government are reasonable and legal, effectively curbing the frequent and frequent momentum of terrorist activities. Xinjiang has had no cases of violent terrorism for three and a half years in a row, and the people’s rights to life and health are guaranteed to the greatest extent possible. Right to development. The international community has generally made positive comments on the Chinese government's policy of governing Xinjiang.
The relevant bills of the United States disregard the facts and maliciously attack the Chinese government’s governance policy and the human rights situation in Xinjiang. They try to stigmatize Xinjiang’s anti-terrorism, anti-secession, and de-extremism measures, and unambiguously pursue double standards on the issue of anti-terrorism. We are firmly opposed to this. .
Xinjiang is Chinese territory, and Xinjiang affairs are purely China's internal affairs. Our determination to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests is unwavering, and our determination to safeguard Xinjiang's development, stability and national unity is unswerving. The United States' attempts to use Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs, discredit China's image, and curb China's development are doomed to failure.
Reuters reporter: Regarding the questioning of Canadian citizens, last month, we learned from the Chinese ambassador to Canada that consular visits were not possible during the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic. Now that the two have been formally prosecuted, can they now enjoy the right to receive consular visits?
Zhao Lijian: Relevant Chinese departments have always provided convenience for foreign consular officials in China to perform consular duties in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, relevant Chinese and foreign bilateral consular treaties or agreements, and relevant Chinese laws and regulations. During the epidemic situation, in order to ensure the safety of detainees, the relevant Chinese authorities temporarily suspended arrangements for visiting consular personnel and resumed after the epidemic eased. The specific situation can be obtained from the competent department.
China News Agency reporter: After serious incidents in the western part of the border between China and India in the Gallevan Valley, demonstrations against China occurred in many parts of India. Some organizations organized demonstrations at Chinese embassies and consulates in India to initiate a boycott of Chinese commodities. It is also reported that the Indian government plans to launch an anti-dumping investigation on more than 100 Chinese products, requiring Indian telecom operators to stop purchasing Chinese equipment, and recommends that the public not to use mobile APPs associated with China. What's China's response?
Zhao Lijian: What I want to reiterate is that the serious state of affairs in the Gallevan Valley is clear about its right and wrong, and the responsibility lies entirely with the Indian side. Both sides are maintaining communication on the relaxation of the situation through diplomatic and military channels. China attaches great importance to China-India relations and hopes that India and China will go along with each other and jointly safeguard the overall long-term development of bilateral relations.
Global Times reporter: On June 18, US Assistant Secretary of State Shi Dawei said at a briefing that US Secretary of State Pompeo discussed the North Korean issue during a dialogue with Director Yang Jiechi. The North Korean issue is clearly an area where the United States and China can cooperate. If the US and China cooperate on this issue, North Korea may realize the importance of returning to the negotiating table and discussing the DPRK nuclear program and other issues. what opinions do the Chinese have on this issue?
Zhao Lijian: China has released news about the meeting between Director Yang Jiechi and US Secretary of State Pompeo in Hawaii. Regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, Director Yang Jiechi said in the dialogue that it is in the interest of all parties to advance the political settlement process of the Peninsula issue. China has always insisted on maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, achieving denuclearization on the peninsula, persisting in solving problems through dialogue and consultation, and advocating for a political solution to the peninsula issue in accordance with the "dual track and parallel" approach and the principle of "stepping and moving synchronously". China hopes that the United States and the DPRK will move towards each other, take good care of each other’s reasonable concerns, and make practical efforts to promote the political settlement of the Peninsula issue.
Indian Press Trust: India is elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Considering the current military tensions between China and India, what is China's view on this? This may be the time to reconsider the issue of the Security Council’s five permanent seats. Will China reconsider the issue of Security Council expansion?
Zhao Lijian: On your first question, the Security Council is an important institution for maintaining international peace and security as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China is willing to strengthen cooperation with all parties to the Security Council, including India and other newly elected non-permanent members, and jointly perform the duties entrusted by the UN Charter.
On your second question, China's position on the reform of the Security Council is consistent and clear.
Reporter from China National Television: According to reports, the National Chamber of Commerce in the United States issued a statement on the 18th stating that the association strongly supports strengthening economic and trade relations with China, which is mutually beneficial, safe and guaranteed. China, with 1.4 billion consumers, is the fastest-growing market for US companies and cannot be ignored. Although the United States and China face challenges in terms of security, geostrategy, and economics, maintaining stable bilateral relations is in the interest of the United States and is conducive to world peace and stability. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: I fully agree with the relevant views and maintain the stable development of Sino-US relations, which is conducive to world peace and stability. The nature of China-US economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial and win-win. The fundamentals of China's economy are stable and long-term improving. The dividends of reform and opening up are constantly being released. The development prospects are very bright. American companies have reap huge benefits from the Chinese market for a long time. The choice of the US business community to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with China is to choose opportunities and choose the future. It is a correct and wise decision.
Both history and reality show that China and the United States, as two great powers, are harmonious for both benefits and fighting. Both sides have extensive common interests, and the cooperation space is very broad. It is normal for some differences and conflicts between the two sides to exist, and China and the United States should and can properly handle them on the basis of mutual respect. It is hoped that the United States and China will move in the same direction and proceed from the common interests of the two peoples and the fundamental well-being of the people of the world to jointly develop a relationship that does not conflict or confront each other, respects each other, and achieves win-win cooperation.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter: You just asked if this is a report from the Australian Strategic Policy Research Institute. The Australian Prime Minister said today that Australia suffered a massive hacker attack. Can you confirm that you think the allegations are from the Australian Strategic Policy Research Institute?
Zhao Lijian: I have made China's position very clear.
Canadian "Global Post" reporter: Regarding the Michael and Kang Mingkai case, you just used the phrase "the plot is particularly serious". According to the chapter on state secrets of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China, such crimes can be sentenced to life imprisonment. Another chapter said that people with serious circumstances could be sentenced to death. So, is it possible for these two Canadian citizens to be sentenced to death?
Zhao Lijian: I do not answer hypothetical questions. At present, a public prosecution is filed, and the trial stage is entered later.
Canadian "Global Mail" reporter: My question just now is not a hypothetical one. You used very specific language, saying "the plot is particularly serious." The wording is mentioned in two places in the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, one with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and the other with a maximum sentence of death. I asked what kind of situation are you referring to?
Zhao Lijian: I have made it very clear just now. The current stage is to prosecute these two Canadian citizens before entering the trial stage. Please wait patiently.
Reuters reporter: It is still about the prosecution of Canadian citizens. The time for China to file a prosecution comes shortly after the relevant trial of Meng Wanzhou. Many people think there is a connection between the two. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the Canadian citizen Kang Mingkai case and the Michael case, China has stated its position on many occasions, and I also briefed on the latest progress just now. China is a country ruled by law. The Chinese judiciary independently handles cases in accordance with the law, and at the same time guarantees the legal rights of Canadian citizens.
Regarding the Meng Wanzhou incident, China's position is consistent and clear. The United States and Canada have abused the bilateral extradition treaty to take arbitrary coercive measures against Chinese citizens, seriously infringing upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens. This is a serious political incident. The Chinese government is determined to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens and enterprises.
Canadian "Global Post" reporter: Last question, what is China 's position on "hostage diplomacy"?
Zhao Lijian: You are a malicious question. I have made China's position very clear just now. You better ask the Canadian government what is "hostage diplomacy".
Bloomberg reporter: Will the Sino-Russian-Indian foreign ministers' talks still be held?
I have released the news yesterday, and I have no more to add at the moment.
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A reporter asked after the meeting: Can you elaborate on the ins and outs of the conflict in the Gallevan Valley? What is China's position on resolving this incident?
Zhao Lijian: The Gallevan Valley is located on the Chinese side of the actual control line in the western section of the Sino-Indian border. For many years, Chinese border guards have been patrolling and performing their duties normally. Since April this year, the Indian border defense forces have unilaterally continued to build roads, bridges and other facilities in the Galle Valley region. China has repeatedly made representations and protests on this, but the Indian side has intensified cross-border troubles. In the early hours of May 6, the Indian border guards crossed the line into the Chinese territory in the Gallevan Valley area by night, constructing construction barriers, blocking the normal patrol of the Chinese border guards, deliberately provoking incidents, and attempting to unilaterally change the status of border control. The Chinese border defense force had to take necessary measures to strengthen the on-site response and control of the border area.
To ease the situation in the border areas, China and India maintain close communication through military and diplomatic channels. At the strong request of the Chinese side, the Indian side agreed and evacuated the personnel across the line and dismantled the facilities across the line. On June 6, the border defense forces of the two countries held a military-level meeting to reach a consensus on easing the situation in the border areas. The Indian side promised not to patrol and construct facilities at the mouth of the Galewan River, and the two sides agreed to withdraw the troops in batches through a meeting of local commanders.
But what is shocking is that on the evening of June 15, the Indian front-line frontier troops openly broke the consensus reached at the military-level meeting between the two sides. Once the situation in the Gallevan Valley has slowed down, they crossed the actual control line and deliberately provoked again. It even violently attacked the officers and soldiers who had negotiated on the spot, which led to fierce physical conflict and caused casualties. The Indian army’s risky actions have seriously undermined the stability of the border area, seriously threatened the lives of Chinese personnel, seriously violated the agreements reached by the two countries on the border issues, and seriously violated the basic norms of international relations. China has made solemn representations and strong protests to India in this regard.
On June 17, when Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi talked with Indian Foreign Minister Su Jiesheng on the phone, he again clarified China's solemn position to the Indian side, demanding that the Indian side conduct a thorough investigation on this, severely punish those responsible for the incident, and strictly control the frontline troops, immediately Stop all provocative actions to ensure that such incidents cannot occur again, and convene the second military commander-level meeting as soon as possible to resolve local issues. The two sides agreed to deal fairly with the serious events caused by the conflict in the Gallevan Valley, jointly abide by the consensus reached at the military-level meetings between the two sides, cool down the situation on the ground as soon as possible, and maintain peace and tranquility in the border area in accordance with the agreement reached so far between the two countries.
China hopes that India and China will meet each other, strictly follow the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strictly abide by the agreements signed by the two governments, and strengthen communication and coordination on the proper handling of current border issues through the existing military and diplomatic channels between the two sides. To jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas of the two countries.