Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's regular press conference on August 28, 2020
AP reporter: First question, according to Japanese media reports, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has resigned due to health reasons. What's China's comment? On the second question, there are reports that some people in Xinjiang have reported that some people have been quarantined for more than the normal number of days due to the epidemic. Can you explain why Xinjiang has adopted strict epidemic prevention and control measures?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the first question, we have taken note of relevant reports. This is an internal affair of Japan and we will not comment. China and Japan are close neighbors. China is willing to work with Japan to continue to promote the improvement and development of China-Japan relations.
Regarding the second question, this is not a diplomatic issue. Regarding the specific situation of Xinjiang's epidemic prevention and control, relevant Chinese authorities have already released information and the media has also reported. If you are interested, please ask the relevant department.
What I can tell you is that after a localized outbreak in Xinjiang in July this year, the relevant Chinese authorities and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region government adhered to the concept of "people first, life first", and promptly adopted effective prevention and control measures to treat patients of all ethnic groups with care. , Earnestly guarantee the safety and health of the local people of all ethnic groups, and try their best to solve their problems and get the understanding, support and cooperation of the local people. At present, Xinjiang’s epidemic prevention and control is actively improving and continues to consolidate and expand.
"Macau Monthly" reporter: On the 27th , the US Department of Defense issued a statement stating that the Chinese military's launching of missiles into the relevant waters of the South China Sea posed a threat to regional peace and security . Does China have any comment?
Zhao Lijian: The relevant training activities of the Chinese army near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea are routine arrangements carried out by the Chinese army in the coastal waters of China. They are not directed against any country and have nothing to do with the disputes in the South China Sea. The accusations are groundless and unreasonable.
What I want to point out is that for a period of time, the United States has frequently and on a large scale dispatched advanced warships, fighters, and reconnaissance planes to the South China Sea to show off its force and engage in military provocations, harming China's sovereignty and security interests. The United States is the destroyer and troublemaker of peace and stability in the South China Sea, which is obvious to all in the international community. The U.S. should stop making troubles and sow discord in the South China Sea, and play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.
Reuters reporters: China recently has been suspended from the Australian beef production business John Dee Warwick exports to China. Does China have any comment?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the specific case you mentioned, relevant Chinese authorities have already released information, and I suggest you check it out.
Bloomberg reporters: US President States Trump has just delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention, which has talked about Chinese content. Trump said that if Biden wins the election, China will " own " the United States. But if he is re-elected, the United States will no longer rely on China and American companies will leave China. Does China have any comment?
Zhao Lijian: The U.S. election is an internal affair of the United States, and we do not comment. At the same time, we also urge the US not to make use of the election to speak of China.
Regarding what he mentioned about China, I want to reiterate that China’s policy toward the United States is consistent and clear. Cooperation between China and the United States will benefit both, while fighting will hurt both. We are committed to developing Sino-US relations that are non-conflict, non-confrontational, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. At the same time, China firmly safeguards its national sovereignty, security, and development interests. We urge the US to view China and Sino-US relations in an objective and rational manner, to meet China halfway, manage differences, promote cooperation, and push Sino-US relations back on the right track based on coordination, cooperation, and stability.
As for the so-called "transfer of production capacity" and other arguments by the US, this is a political manipulation by some US politicians who put party and personal interests above US national interests. It is neither feasible nor realistic. In the era of globalization, contrary to the autonomous will of the country's vast industrial and commercial communities, forcibly depriving countries of existing cooperation and coercing the normal investment and operation of enterprises of various countries, this completely violates the laws of market economy and will ultimately harm the interests of the United States. This perverse practice is unpopular, and has been and will continue to be strongly criticized and resisted by people of insight from all walks of life in China and the United States.
Shenzhen Satellite TV reporter: On the 27th , the "Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement" held a ministerial video conference. Can you introduce the relevant situation further ?
Zhao Lijian: On August 27, the ministerial meeting of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was held by video. A joint media statement was issued after the meeting, emphasizing the important role of the agreement in the post-epidemic regional and global economic recovery, pointing out that the signing of the agreement will boost business confidence, promote trade and investment and regional economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, and maintain regional and global industrial chains. The supply chain is stable, showing the region’s support for an open, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system. The meeting also affirmed the positive progress made in the recent negotiations and promised to continue to work hard to achieve the signing of the agreement as scheduled within the year.
China is willing to continue to support the centrality of ASEAN and work with all parties to promote the signing of agreements within the year as scheduled, and play an important role in promoting regional and global economic development and stability.
AFP reporters: American Institute in Taiwan today disclosed a photograph , above, show a Taiwanese aspects fighter and a US air tankers are performing aerial refueling mission. What is your comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: I haven't seen relevant reports. China has always opposed any form of official exchanges and military ties between the United States and Taiwan. This position is consistent and clear. We urge the US to fully recognize the high sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués, handle Taiwan-related issues carefully and properly, and stop sending any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.
TASS reporter: On August 26 , Kazakhstan’s first President Nazarbayev proposed that the leaders of Russia, the United States, China and the European Union should hold a meeting at which to discuss issues such as multilateral agreements to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in stages . . Does China have any comment?
Zhao Lijian: We appreciate the efforts made by Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan’s first President Nazarbayev to promote the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free world. China has always advocated the ultimate complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. At the same time, China believes that nuclear disarmament should follow the principles of "maintaining global strategic stability" and "the security of all countries shall not be compromised" and proceed step by step. The country with the largest nuclear arsenal has a special and priority responsibility for nuclear disarmament. Currently, the international nuclear arms control system is facing severe challenges. The United States should respond to Russia’s active call in a responsible manner, extend the "U.S.-Russia Treaty on Further Reduction and Limitation of Offensive Strategic Weapons Measures", and on this basis, further significantly reduce its nuclear arsenal, and create conditions for other countries to participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations. .