China News Service, Beijing, July 23 (Zhang Su Li Jingze) The US suddenly unilaterally requested China to close the Consulate General in Houston within a time limit, and the outside world is concerned about what measures China will take. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to this at a regular press conference on the 23rd.

  A reporter asked what retaliatory measures China plans to take in response to the US request that China close the Chinese Consulate General in Houston? Another reporter asked about news that as a countermeasure against the US request to close the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, China may close the US Consulate General in Chengdu or Hong Kong. Can China confirm?

  Wang Wenbin replied that in response to the unreasonable actions of the United States, China will definitely respond as necessary to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

  He reiterated that the U.S. claim that the U.S.-China relationship is not equal is the usual excuse of the U.S. and it is unreasonable. In fact, in terms of the number of Chinese and American embassies and consulates in each other's country and the number of diplomatic and consular personnel, the United States far exceeds that of China.

  Another reporter asked: How can China maintain its sovereignty while avoiding interference in the internal affairs of the United States? Wang Wenbin affirmed the statement that "China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs" and said: "We are not interested in interfering in the US election. We also hope that the United States will not use China in the election. We advise the United States not to make mistakes again and again. Otherwise, China will definitely make a proper and necessary response."

  In response to a reporter asking whether China will continue to implement the first-phase economic and trade agreement signed between China and the United States, Wang Wenbin replied: "China’s position on Sino-US relations is consistent. Where should China-US relations go? This is a question that the US should seriously consider. ."(Finish)