Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 3, 2020
CCTV reporter: A few days ago, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing Lao’s congratulations and firm support for China’s adoption of Hong Kong’s National Security Law. I believe that the implementation of this law will ensure Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam also stated that Vietnam respects and supports China's "one country, two systems" policy, the Basic Law and related legal systems, and hopes that other countries will respect this as well. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: China highly appreciates Lao and Vietnam’s firm support for China’s adoption and implementation of the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Maintenance of National Security”. Recently, more than 70 countries, including Laos and Vietnam, expressed support for relevant Chinese legislation at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council, urging the countries concerned to immediately stop using Hong Kong-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs. This shows that people are fair and comfortable, and a few Western countries will not succeed in trying to discredit China.
Here I would like to add that, on June 30, Cuba made a joint statement on behalf of 53 countries in the Human Rights Council, and welcomed China’s adoption of the “Law on the Maintenance of National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China”. The meeting will speak separately in support of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region National Security Legislation. Therefore, more than 70 countries have expressed support for relevant Chinese legislation at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council. This shows that there is much help and less help.
"Beijing Youth Daily" reporter: Recently, the Japanese director Zhu Neiliang's documentary film "I haven't seen you in a long time, Wuhan!" 》In China and Japan, there was a heated discussion, with more than 25 million network broadcasts . Through an in-depth interview with 10 ordinary Wuhan people, the film depicts the current situation of Wuhan citizens and cities, shows Wuhan's shocking anti-epidemic efforts and achievements, and also conveys the expectations and confidence of the people of Wuhan for future life. what opinions do the Chinese have on this issue?
Zhao Lijian: Thank you for your interest in this documentary. This documentary caused a positive response in China and Japan. The film director Mr. Takeuchi visited the field to show the reality of the city of Wuhan after the epidemic trauma and the tenacity and open-minded spirit of the Wuhan people from the perspective of ordinary people. Many of the contents of this documentary are touching. The key to the hearts of the audience in China and Japan is that it is close to the public, unpretentious, and reveals truth, kindness and beauty. I hope to see more of this grounded, heart-warming documentary to better enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the people of the two countries.
China News Agency reporter: The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong recently issued a statement saying that it has dedicated itself to maintaining Hong Kong’s status as an international business center for more than 50 years, and has cooperated with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to support the building of Hong Kong into a world business center, incorporating the rule of law, information circulation and The common values of Global Connect. It still regards Hong Kong as a global business headquarters. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, it has made full use of its unique advantages of relying on the mainland and facing the world. Its position as an international financial, shipping and trade center has been further consolidated. It has always been one of the most free, open, prosperous and dynamic regions in the world. One. In the economic freedom index released by US agencies this year, Hong Kong ranks second in the world.
For a period of time, anti-China chaotic Hong Kong forces have frequently carried out large-scale illegal and violent activities in Hong Kong, violently smashing and burning, severely disrupted the social order of Hong Kong, seriously damaged the lives and property safety of Hong Kong residents, and seriously affected the normal operation of enterprises in Hong Kong. The promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law will provide a stronger system guarantee for the stability of "One Country, Two Systems", will help maintain Hong Kong's long-term security and long-term prosperity and stability, help to better safeguard the freedom rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law, and help protect all countries. Investors’ legal rights in Hong Kong.
Looking into the future, as China's reform and opening up continue to release strong economic vitality, and as Hong Kong and its ancestors mainland contact with the world's countries closer to cooperation, Hong Kong will surely have a better tomorrow, and companies in Hong Kong will surely usher in brighter development prospects .
We welcome companies from all over the world, including American companies, to continue operating and developing in Hong Kong, and wish them greater success. I also hope that the American business community will work with all those who support the development and prosperity of Hong Kong to make the "Pearl of the East" in Hong Kong even more dazzling.
Today's Russian reporter: On the 2nd, the Belgian National Security Agency stated that international students in Belgium may engage in espionage activities for China and give the Chinese military the knowledge they have gained from the Belgian universities. The deputy director of the National Security Agency said that it is confirming which Chinese students pose a potential danger. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: The Chinese Embassy in Belgium has responded to this. The relevant report you mentioned is unfounded and is purely a malicious smear of China. We have said many times that China has always insisted on developing relations with other countries based on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. In recent years, with the joint efforts of China and Belgium, the educational cooperation and exchanges between the two countries have developed steadily, and both sides have benefited greatly. We urge relevant Belgian parties to treat the exchanges between Chinese and Belgian students objectively and rationally, refrain from making irresponsible remarks, and do more things that are conducive to mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Reporter from China Central Radio: According to reports, on the 1st, Secretary of State Pompeo issued a statement saying that the US State Department and the Treasury, Ministry of Commerce, and Department of Homeland Security issued a warning to remind companies to pay attention to the supply of entities involved in alleged human rights violations. Chain risks, including “forced labor” in Xinjiang and other parts of China. How does China comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: Pompeo and other US politicians have repeatedly thrown falsehoods on Xinjiang-related issues, fabricated various "fake news", unfoundedly accused China's policy of governing Xinjiang, and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.
The so-called "forced labor" problem is completely fabricated by some institutions and personnel in the United States and the West, which seriously violates the facts. As a part of the majority of Chinese laborers, Xinjiang ethnic minority workers are protected by law and have the freedom to choose occupations. Wherever they go and do their jobs is at their own will. Personal freedom has never been restricted. ; Their customs, religious beliefs, language and writing are protected according to law; the related enterprises also provide good working and living conditions for ethnic minority workers, so that they can work comfortably, live with peace of mind, and rest with their families. The government of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region actively takes measures according to the aspirations of the people of all ethnic groups to guarantee their labor and employment rights to the maximum. Here I can provide you with a set of figures. Since 2018, Xinjiang has transferred a total of 151,000 surplus labors from poor families in southern Xinjiang, and many people have achieved annual income of 45,000 yuan, all of which have achieved poverty alleviation. So, where does "forced labor" come from?
On the one hand, some people in the United States stated that they “cared” about ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, and on the other hand, they took various measures to suppress Xinjiang’s enterprises, which fully exposed the hypocritical and ugly faces of these people in curbing Xinjiang’s development and inciting Chinese ethnic relations. We urge the US to respect the facts, let go of prejudice, stop engaging in political manipulation, stop erroneous words and deeds that harm others, and stop disrupting normal economic and trade cooperation between Chinese and US enterprises through interference with Xinjiang-related issues, and do more things that are conducive to Sino-US mutual trust and cooperation. thing. China’s determination to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests will not be shaken. Any attempt to undermine the prosperity and stability of Xinjiang and contain China’s development and progress will not and cannot succeed.
Phoenix TV reporter: According to reports, the Indian Minister of Transportation announced that it will ban Chinese companies from participating in road construction projects in India. In addition, imported goods from China have recently encountered barriers to customs clearance at some ports in India. India has previously announced the ban on more than 50 Chinese mobile phone applications. What's China's response to India's series of measures? How does China think this will affect China-India cooperation? Are China and India currently communicating on the above issues?
Zhao Lijian: Recently, some politicians on the Indian side have continuously made irresponsible remarks that damage Sino-Indian relations. China-India relations need to be jointly maintained by the two countries. The Indian side should act in opposition to China and safeguard the overall situation of bilateral relations.
The pragmatic cooperation between China and India is essentially mutually beneficial and win-win. Setting artificial barriers for the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries violates the relevant WTO rules and will also harm India's own interests. China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
"China Daily" reporter: On July 1, the Australian independent news website APAC NEWS published an investigation report entitled "The Success of the Australian Strategic Policy Research Institute (ASPI)". It is reported that ASPI advocates its independence, but it is actually an anti-China lobbying organization, which has rendered China's threats over the years and labeled China as the "number one strategic threat" in Australia. Among the “gold masters” behind ASPI, the Australian Ministry of National Defense is the largest “gold master”. The governments of the United States and Britain and some large arms dealers are also important sources of funding. In addition to the Australian Department of Defense’s “core funding” of $4 million per year, ASPI also obtained a purchase contract worth about $2.133 million from the Australian government from July 2019 to June 2020. However, ASPI intends to conceal and conceal the actual amount of funding provided by the Australian and American governments. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: Considering that some people in Australia are always speculating about the so-called "Chinese influence" and China's "interference and infiltration" with Australia, some people in the United States and Australia often accuse China of spreading false information. I suggest you ask them what they should do about it. Explanation?
This is the background behind the so-called "think tank" for the Nth time that Chinese and foreign media started. This time, even the specific amount was clearly written. The agency’s actions were met by people of insight, including those in Australia. Widely criticized. In the face of facts and facts, concealing false information and maliciously spreading rumors to smear China will eventually humiliate them.
Indian Press Trust Reporter: You just responded to the remarks that India banned some Chinese mobile phone applications and the Indian Minister of Transportation. The measures taken by the Indian side are purely for security reasons, and there are also border issues between China and India. In light of the above, don't you think that the Indian behavior is justified?
Zhao Lijian: I have made China's position very clear just now.
I would like to emphasize that China hopes that India and China will move towards 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 properly handle the current border through the existing military and diplomatic channels of both sides. The situation strengthened communication and coordination to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas between the two countries.
At the same time, we must also see that both China and India are major developing countries, and it is our respective historical mission to accelerate our own development and revitalization. For this reason, mutual respect and mutual support between the two sides is the right way, which is in the long-term interests of the two countries. The mutual suspicion and friction between the two sides is an evil way and runs counter to the fundamental aspirations of the two peoples. Both sides should jointly safeguard the overall situation of bilateral relations in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. The Indian side should not respond to China's strategic misjudgment.
Kyodo reporter: The first question, according to reports, today, Indian Prime Minister Modi went to China and India for border inspection. What is China's comment? The second question, today, the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party passed a resolution stating that many people have been arrested after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. It expressed serious concern about this and asked the Japanese government to reconsider the plan of Chinese leaders to visit Japan. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding your first question, at present, China and India are conducting dialogue and communication on mitigating the current situation through military and diplomatic channels. In this case, neither party should take actions that may complicate the situation on the border.
Regarding your second question, China has made solemn representations to Japan on its negative remarks concerning Hong Kong. For some time, China has not discussed the major bilateral agenda with Japan. Some domestic hype related topics are meaningless.
Some people in Japan have long been accustomed to making irresponsible remarks about internal affairs of other countries and engaging in political hype. What I want to say is that their anti-Chinese performances have no meaning to China, and we have no time and no interest in ignoring them.
Agence France-Presse: According to reports, the US Department of Defense said recently that it expressed concern about China’s military training in the Xisha Islands of the South China Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam expressed opposition to the Chinese action. Philippine government officials also expressed their views on this. What's China's response?
Zhao Lijian: The Xisha Islands are China's inherent territory and there is no dispute. It is beyond reproach for the Chinese military to conduct military training in the relevant sea area of the Xisha Islands. Certain countries outside the region often travel thousands of miles to the South China Sea to engage in large-scale military activities.
After the meeting, a reporter asked: According to reports, the Japanese Cabinet Chief Sugai Suga said at the press conference on the 2nd that the Japanese Maritime Security Agency patrol boat found the Chinese Coast Guard ship in the adjacent area of the Diaoyu Islands for 80 consecutive days, saying that it will firmly maintain Japan." Territories, territorial waters and airspace". Japanese patrol ships have repeatedly warned Chinese maritime police ships, and the Japanese government has repeatedly expressed "serious protests" to China through diplomatic channels. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: The Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. China's will and determination to maintain sovereignty are unswerving. It is an inherent right of China to carry out cruise law enforcement in the waters of Diaoyu Island. The Japanese side has no right to make irresponsible remarks. We will never accept Japan’s so-called “protest”, and demand that Japan immediately withdraw from the Chinese waters, stop speculating on the Diaoyu Islands issue, and refrain from creating new incidents.