Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's regular press conference on August 11, 2020
Shenzhen Satellite TV reporter: According to Reuters, an unnamed official stated that France and Germany have withdrawn from the G7 negotiations on WHO reform because they are dissatisfied that the United States is still trying to lead the negotiations after it announced its withdrawal from the WHO. The Italian Ministry of Health said that negotiations are still going on, but the position of Italy is consistent with that of France and Germany. According to reports, the United States hopes to lead the Group of Seven countries to launch the aforementioned reform roadmap in September. What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: I also suggest that you ask the German and French sides about this question. Here I want to emphasize a few points:
First, the announcement by the United States of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization is another example of its unilateralism and withdrawal of contracts. This approach of the United States undermines international efforts to fight the epidemic, and in particular has a serious negative impact on developing countries that urgently need international support. The discerning people are very clear about this, and the international community has also unanimously opposed it.
Second, as the most authoritative and professional international organization in the field of global public health security, WHO plays an irreplaceable central coordinating role in response to the epidemic. To support the WHO is to support international anti-epidemic cooperation and support to save lives. This is the broad consensus of the international community.
Third, the flames are high when everyone gathers firewood. We hope that all parties can take practical actions to uphold multilateralism, strengthen and improve the global governance system with the United Nations as the core, support WHO in continuing to play a leading role in global anti-epidemic cooperation, and jointly increase its positive influence on WHO , To offset the "negative energy" of frequent breach of contract and withdrawal from the group, and the unilateralism of the big business, and jointly create a human health community.
Agence France-Presse reporter: The Chinese Embassy in Denmark issued a notice yesterday stating that persons from relevant European countries with valid Chinese residence permits can apply for visas to China at the Chinese embassies and consulates in these countries. Does this mean that China is reopening its borders to European countries including EU member states?
Zhao Lijian: I answered related questions yesterday. Since March 28, the Chinese government has temporarily suspended the entry of most foreigners into China with valid visas and residence permits at the time, but at the same time, it is active for foreigners who come to China to engage in necessary economic, trade, scientific and technological activities as well as for urgent humanitarian needs. Provide visa convenience. Recently, as the epidemic in many countries has been brought under control, the demand for personnel exchanges has increased. To this end, China is gradually liberalizing visas for resumption of work and production and other types of people who need to come to China. It should be noted that for those persons who need to apply for a new visa with a valid visa or residence permit, Chinese embassies and consulates abroad will apply for free.
"Global Times" reporter: The "Global Times" launched a "Sino-US Relations Questionnaire" yesterday, and more than 100,000 people have voted. Among them, about 96% of netizens tend to have a negative impression of the United States, and 98% of netizens believe that "the United States concentrated its fire on the Communist Party of China" to provoke the relationship between the Chinese people and the Communist Party of China, undermine China's unity, and mobilize for a new cold war against China. More than 97% of netizens support "the country adopts countermeasures to counter the US provocation." Some experts commented that the US undermining the sovereignty of other countries under the banner of democracy and freedom has proved that the US is the biggest "troublemaker." It can also be seen from the survey that almost no one believes that the United States is concerned about China’s democracy and human rights. This consensus of the Chinese people has also translated into firm support for the Chinese government's policy toward the United States. What's your opinion?
Zhao Lijian: The poll you have done is very good. I have also noticed the results of the poll. I suggest that the US also check it out. I ask some people in the US to see clearly that the Chinese people see clearly their sinister intentions of destroying Sino-US relations and creating split and confrontation. The perverse actions of some people in the United States will only make the Chinese people more united and firmer in their patriotism.
We urge some people in the US to recognize the situation, face the reality, correct mistakes, discard the illusion of reforming China according to their own needs, stop unreasonable interference in China's internal affairs, stop brutal suppression of China's legitimate rights and interests, and work with China to promote bilateral relations. Back to the right track of coordination, cooperation and stability.
Phoenix TV reporter: According to reports, NBC reporters were allowed to enter the Wuhan Institute of Virology and interviewed the director of the institute and the president of the Wuhan branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ortegas tweeted on the 10th that the Wuhan Institute of Virology is still full of mysteries eight months later. NBC is the first independent media to be allowed to enter the Wuhan Institute of Virology. What are their performances? They just mechanically repeated the Chinese propaganda without asking the facts. She also stated that the Chinese Communist Party prefers face saving rather than saving lives. What's the comment from China?
Zhao Lijian: With all due respect, the attitude of a few individuals in the United States is not surprising. Because they have always had their own so-called "definition" of "facts." In their eyes, as long as they can attack and discredit China, lies are facts.
Regarding the management and research of Wuhan Virus Research Institute, Chinese scientists have been interviewed by the media many times and introduced the situation from a professional perspective. There is no evidence to support the claim that the new coronavirus came from a laboratory. This is a fact and it is very clear. Speaking of facts, we really hope that the U.S. can open the Fort Detrick base to the media and disclose more facts about the more than 200 biological laboratories overseas. We invite WHO experts to go to the U.S. to conduct traceability investigations so that the U.S. can also The opportunity to explain the truth and give an explanation to the American people and the international community.
As for the US spokesperson's mention of "saving face instead of saving lives," the US should reflect on itself. The Communist Party of China insists on the supremacy of the people and the supremacy of life. The anti-epidemic response paper handed over by the Chinese government can withstand the test of time and history. This is in stark contrast to the US political party’s "political self-interest first." The current confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the United States have exceeded 5 million, with more than 160,000 deaths. Rather than mechanically repeating China's "sweeping the pot", focusing on fighting the epidemic and saving lives is what the United States really should do.
Kyodo News: First question, today the Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that the Japanese side is deeply concerned about the arrests of Li Zhiying and Zhou Ting by the Hong Kong police. What is China's comment? The second question is that the above actions have caused many people engaged in media work in Hong Kong to worry. Does China think that the actions may affect the international image of China and Hong Kong?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the first question, Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, and no external forces are allowed to interfere. We urge the Japanese side to recognize reality, put it right, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs in any way.
Regarding the second question, China is a country ruled by law and Hong Kong is a society ruled by law. No one has extra-legal privileges. We support the law enforcement agencies of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to perform their duties in accordance with the law. There is nothing to worry about as long as any organization or person in Hong Kong does not violate the law.
CCTV reporter: On the 53rd anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, the foreign ministers of ASEAN countries issued the "Statement on the Importance of Maintaining Peace and Stability in Southeast Asia", paying attention to the impact of regional and global geopolitical changes on the region, and emphasizing the centrality of ASEAN and the importance of the regional structure It advocates multilateral cooperation to meet emerging challenges. What's China’s comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: This statement issued by the ASEAN foreign minister once again shows that seeking peace, seeking development, and promoting cooperation are the common aspirations and urgent demands of all countries in the region, including China and ASEAN. As an important dialogue partner and friendly neighbor of ASEAN, China firmly supports ASEAN’s central position in regional cooperation, and is willing to deepen dialogue and cooperation with ASEAN, improve the regional structure, support multilateralism and globalization, and effectively respond to regional and global challenges, especially Solve the two major issues of fighting the epidemic and development, which are particularly urgent at present, and earnestly maintain the good momentum of regional peace and development.
"Globe and Mail" reporter: According to Australian media reports, a report on the National Data Center in Papua New Guinea showed that due to the way the center was built, the data in the center can easily be stolen. According to the report, the center was built by the Chinese company Huawei. Based on this, some people questioned the reliability of the infrastructure construction that Huawei participated in. What is your response?
Zhao Lijian: I don't understand the situation you mentioned. What I can tell you is that the Chinese government has always required Chinese companies to strictly abide by international rules and laws and regulations of the host country in their overseas operations.
It is worth noting that the media of relevant countries have spread rumors and discredited Chinese companies more than once, and we firmly oppose this practice.
Agence France-Presse reporter: The first question. Regarding the arrest of Li Zhiying, US Secretary of State Pompeo said that this further proves that the Chinese government has deprived Hong Kong of freedom and eroded the rights of Hong Kong people. What's the comment from China? The second question is that there are reports that local people in Hong Kong are competing to buy shares of Apple Daily and the newspaper’s parent company. What's your opinion?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the first question, Pompeo has repeatedly made false remarks on Hong Kong-related issues recently and made irresponsible remarks about China's legitimate actions to safeguard its national security in accordance with the law. These political lies have no factual basis, and China has stated its solemn position many times.
Regarding the second question, this is probably a selective report by the relevant media! As far as I know, China’s countermeasures against the United States on Hong Kong-related issues have won universal support from the Hong Kong people, and the so-called sanctions imposed by the United States have been widely condemned by the Hong Kong people.
Xinhua News Agency reporter: We have noticed that the Chinese medical expert team to Azerbaijan has been working there for a week. Can the spokesperson introduce the specific situation of the work of the expert group? What support and help has been provided to the local epidemic prevention and control work?
Zhao Lijian: At the invitation of the Azerbaijani government, a group of 10 Chinese anti-epidemic medical experts in Azerbaijan arrived in Baku on August 4. They will work in Azerbaijan for about two weeks to provide training and guidance for Azerbaijan’s epidemic prevention and control and medical personnel.
Up to now, the Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team has visited Azerbaijan National Clinical Hospital, Sumqayit Municipal Hospital and many other designated hospitals for the new crown and the Baku Blood Center, conducted business exchanges with Azerbaijan’s epidemic prevention authorities and local medical experts, and discussed the Azerbaijani side The situation of epidemic prevention and control, epidemic prevention measures, and diagnosis and treatment procedures, introduce China's mature practices in the treatment of new coronary pneumonia, and put forward targeted suggestions and treatment plans based on the needs of the Arab side.
The work of the Chinese expert group has been warmly welcomed and highly affirmed by the Azerbaijani government and people. Let me give you an example. When the expert group entered the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Petroleum Workers Hospital of Azerbaijan to check every critically ill patient and was about to leave, a female patient took the Chinese expert's hand tightly and shouted "Friends" ! (Friends)" and like them.
Since the outbreak of the epidemic, China and Algeria have worked together and helped each other in the same boat. They have supported each other through exchanges of letters, provision of medical supplies, and sharing of anti-epidemic experience, which embodies the profound friendship of sharing weal and woe. I believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, we will be able to overcome the epidemic together at an early date.
"Globe and Mail" reporter: It's still about the Papua New Guinea National Data Center. According to the relevant report, apart from the fact that data security cannot be guaranteed, the center is also operating abnormally, and it can be said that it is basically not in use. What is your comment on this ?
Zhao Lijian: I have made it very clear just now, I don't understand the specific situation you mentioned. Relevant national media have repeatedly maliciously hyped up Chinese enterprise construction projects, and we firmly oppose this.
RIA Novosti: After the announcement of the results of the Belarusian presidential election, there was a demonstration in the capital Minsk. Some people did not recognize the election results. Many people including journalists were arrested. What is China's view on the current situation in Belarus?
Zhao Lijian: We have taken note of relevant reports and hope and believe that the situation in Belarus will return to stability as soon as possible.