Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's regular press conference on March 1, 2021
Bloomberg reporter: The US Secretary of State tweeted that the US appeals to China to immediately release the previously arrested Hong Kong "democrats". Does China have any comment?
Wang Wenbin: Will the US allow other countries to make irresponsible remarks about normal law enforcement in the US?
China is a country under the rule of law and Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law. No one can be above the law.
The arrest and prosecution of criminal suspects suspected of subverting state power in violation of the Hong Kong National Security Law is a legitimate law enforcement action by the Hong Kong police.
We firmly support the Hong Kong police to perform their duties in accordance with the law and maintain national security and the security and stability of Hong Kong.
We urge the US to respect facts, respect the rule of law, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs in any way, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs.
US News Service reporter: According to Australian media reports, the Australian government has issued "humanitarian" visas to some Hong Kong passport holders. This is the first time Australia has done so since 2010.
Does China have any comment?
Wang Wenbin: China's position on Hong Kong-related issues is consistent and clear.
Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, and no foreign country has the right to interfere.
China urges Australia to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any way, so as not to cause further damage to China-Australia relations.
"Global Times" reporter: According to reports, US Secretary of State Blincoln stated on the 26th that the United States firmly supports the "Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention" initiated by Canada and demanded that China immediately and unconditionally release two Canadian citizens in custody. What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: Kang Mingkai and Michael have been prosecuted for crimes against China's national security.
China's judicial sovereignty does not allow interference.
As for the so-called "Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention" issued by Canada, this is an international farce made up by Canada.
We have noticed that the Canadian side has quietly removed Ghana and other so-called co-signing countries from the list of co-signing.
Benin also made it clear to China through diplomatic channels that it did not participate in the Canadian "Declaration", but it is still forced to be listed on the list of joint signatures by the Canadian side.
The Canadian side did not hesitate to fool around in the international community for its own sake, and even went against the will of the countries concerned and forced them to be included in the so-called list of co-signing countries. This is an attempt to mislead the international community. This practice is very clumsy and should be condemned.
The Canadian conspiracy will never succeed.
Japan Broadcasting Association reporter: I have three questions. The first question is that one month has passed since the "military coup" in Myanmar. Recently, the Myanmar military shot and killed many people. The Burmese military officer emphasized that the military is “treating with caution” against the protests. What is China's comment? On the second question, the European Union proposes that countries related to the Iran nuclear agreement should conduct consultations, and the US government has also expressed its intention to return to consultations. But the Iranian government said it would not participate. What is China's comment? The third question is that it has been one year since the US government signed a peace agreement with the Taliban in Afghanistan. However, while the U.S. forces were withdrawing from Afghanistan, local terrorist attacks still occurred from time to time, and the desired peace did not seem to have been achieved. What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: Regarding the first question, as a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China is concerned about the current situation in Myanmar and hopes that all parties in Myanmar will proceed from the overall situation of national development and stability, exercise restraint, properly handle differences under the constitution and legal framework, and maintain political and social stability.
The UN recently held an informal meeting of the UN General Assembly on the issue of Myanmar, during which China’s permanent representative to the UN expounded China’s relevant position.
What I want to emphasize is that promoting the cooling of the situation in Myanmar is a top priority and is also a consensus of the international community.
The international community should, on the premise of respecting Myanmar’s sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, and national unity, help all relevant parties in Myanmar conduct dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the wishes and interests of the Myanmar people, properly handle differences, maintain political and social stability, and resolve them in a peaceful manner. The problems that have arisen will continue to advance the process of domestic democratic transformation in an orderly manner.
Any action by the international community should contribute to Myanmar’s political and social stability, help Myanmar’s peaceful reconciliation, and avoid intensifying contradictions and further complicating the situation.
China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in promoting the cooling of the situation in Myanmar.
Regarding your second question, the Iranian nuclear issue is at a critical juncture.
The most urgent task is for the United States to take concrete measures to lift sanctions against Iran, while Iran resumes the implementation of the agreement reciprocally to jointly push the comprehensive agreement back on track.
It is for this reason that China proposes to hold an international conference between the Canada and the United States, the participants in the comprehensive agreement, and supports the specific ideas put forward by the European Union.
We call on the United States and Europe not to take confrontational actions at the International Atomic Energy Agency in order to convene the above-mentioned meeting as soon as possible.
China will continue to maintain contact with relevant parties and make joint efforts to this end.
Regarding your third question, China is concerned about the implementation of the U.S.-Tajikistan peace agreement and the progress of Afghan internal negotiations. It has noted the concerns of relevant parties and the international community on the trend of the situation in Afghanistan.
The current Afghan security situation is still complicated and severe, and the Afghan internal negotiations are moving towards substantive negotiations.
We believe that all parties in Afghanistan and the international community should act in a responsible and constructive manner and work together to promote a political settlement of the Afghan issue and achieve peace, unity and development in Afghanistan at an early date.
China firmly supports the "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" broad and inclusive peace reconciliation process. On the basis of respecting the will of all parties in Afghanistan, we will uphold a fair and objective position and continue to be a supporter, mediator and facilitate the Afghan peace reconciliation process. To play a constructive role.
Reporter from Taiwan and Guoguang: According to reports, the new crown vaccine aided by China to the Philippines arrived in Manila on the 28th. Philippine President Duterte went to the airport to greet him and said that this was a crucial step taken by the Philippines in fighting the epidemic. He thanked the Chinese government and people for their sincerity and goodwill. Can China provide more information?
Wang Wenbin: China and the Philippines are friendly neighbors.
Since the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia, the governments and peoples of China and the Philippines have watched and helped each other to fight the epidemic and build a closer partnership.
The Chinese government has decided to provide free vaccine assistance to the Philippines, and the Chinese military has also provided emergency vaccine assistance to the Philippine military.
Related Chinese companies have also signed vaccine procurement contracts with the Philippine government.
The Chinese vaccine delivered to the Philippines this time is the first batch of foreign new crown vaccines received by the Philippines.
As President Duterte said, China's vaccine assistance demonstrates the friendship and unity between China and the Philippines.
We hope that the Chinese vaccine can help the Philippines control the epidemic, restore the economy and protect the health of the people.
Recently, China's new crown vaccine has been shipped to many countries one after another, making positive contributions to the country's fight against the epidemic.
China will continue to implement President Xi Jinping's important declaration of vaccines as a global public product, and develop vaccine cooperation with other countries in different ways to jointly overcome the epidemic and promote common development after the epidemic.
We also hope that all capable countries will act as soon as possible and jointly make positive contributions to supporting the international community, especially developing countries, to overcome the epidemic.
Barton News Agency reporter: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said that China has helped more than 700 million people in his country get rid of poverty. He congratulated President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government. What is China's comment? What other achievements have been made in China's poverty alleviation work?
Wang Wenbin: China appreciates Prime Minister Imran Khan’s positive evaluation of China’s achievements in poverty alleviation.
I have also noticed that the UN Coordinator in China Chang Qide and other heads of international organizations said that China’s poverty alleviation results have brought important enlightenment to the world. The determination and action demonstrated by President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people is the primary experience.
Eliminating absolute poverty is a milestone in the improvement of China’s people’s livelihood, a historic achievement in China’s human rights development, and a magnificent chapter of human progress.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, an average of more than 10 million people have been lifted out of poverty every year in China, which is equivalent to a population lifted out of poverty in a medium-sized country. On average, one person has crossed the poverty line every three seconds.
Since the reform and opening up, according to the current poverty standards, 770 million rural poor people in China have been lifted out of poverty; according to the World Bank’s international poverty standards, China’s poverty reduction population accounted for more than 70% of the global poverty reduction population during the same period.
It is a miracle for a country to lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty in such a short period of time.
The eradication of absolute poverty embodies the CPC’s ruling philosophy of putting the people at the center and taking the realization, maintenance, and development of the fundamental interests of the most people as the starting point and end of all work, and demonstrates the political advantages of the Chinese socialist system in concentrating its efforts on major issues. .
Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the country has invested a lot of manpower, material and financial resources in poverty alleviation, including a total of 255,000 village work teams, more than 3 million first secretaries and village officials, and nearly 2 million township officials and cadres. Millions of village cadres are fighting together on the front line of poverty alleviation.
This includes colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the past 28 years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stationed a total of 38 poverty alleviation representatives and 3 first secretaries stationed in the two impoverished counties of Jinping and Malipo in Yunnan Province. They have made positive contributions to helping local people get rid of poverty. We are deeply committed to this. Proud.
China’s poverty alleviation achievements belong to China and the world. It provides a Chinese solution for promoting the development of international poverty reduction in theory and practice.
We are willing to work with other countries to provide assistance within our capacity for the majority of developing countries to eradicate poverty and achieve the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and to contribute to a better life for the people of all countries and the advancement of human rights in the world.
CCTV reporter: According to reports, on the 26th, 23 human rights experts from the United Nations issued a joint statement stating that they have repeatedly expressed concerns about the excessive use of force by the US police. Experts pointed out that in some cities in the United States, “the police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters, residents and bystanders indiscriminately, and used pepper spray at close range. The tear gas even landed in residential courtyards and harmed children.” Experts also stated that the United States must address police violent law enforcement and systemic racism, and take measures to ensure that any excessive use of force in law enforcement cannot escape punishment. What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: I have noticed relevant reports.
In the past year, reports of violent law enforcement by US law enforcement agencies often appeared in the media.
"I can't breathe" is still alarming.
According to data from the US "Police Violence Map" website, from January to November 2020, there were only 17 days in the United States where there were no deaths of law enforcement personnel.
"Washington Post" survey data show that in 2020, approximately 1,000 people in the United States were shot and killed by law enforcement officers, and an average of 3 people were killed every day by law enforcement officers.
The problems reflected behind this are worth thinking about.
Everyone in the world, regardless of race, color, sex, or nationality, should have their lives respected and cherished, and their human rights should be safeguarded and guaranteed.
We hope that the United States will abandon double standards, face up to serious human rights issues such as racism and violent law enforcement by law enforcement agencies, and take measures to effectively promote and protect human rights.
Agence France-Presse reporter: The "Foreign Correspondents Association in China" (FCCC) released its annual "report." What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: We have never recognized the relevant organizations you mentioned.
This so-called "report" presupposes a standpoint, alarmist talk and no basis in fact.
What I want to emphasize is that China is a country under the rule of law, and anyone in China must abide by Chinese laws.
We always welcome media and journalists from various countries to engage in reporting work in China in accordance with laws and regulations, and will continue to provide convenience and assistance for them.
What we oppose is ideological prejudice against China, what we oppose is the use of so-called press freedom to concoct fake news, and what we oppose is behavior that violates the professional ethics of journalism.
Reporter from the Japan Broadcasting Association: Regarding the issue of nucleic acid testing when Japanese people enter China. The Japanese Embassy in China believes that if anal swab testing is adopted, it may lead to a heavy psychological burden on the tested person. It is hoped that China will reassess the relevant practices. How does China respond to this?
Wang Wenbin: In accordance with changes in the epidemic situation, China will scientifically and dynamically adjust relevant epidemic prevention measures in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Please refer to the Chinese competent authority for details.
"China Daily" reporter: According to reports, on February 28, the Institute of East Asian Economics of the Australian National University showed that China's direct investment in Australia fell by 61% to US$783 million in 2020, a record low in six years. This is not only affected by the epidemic, but also caused by Australia's strengthening of China's investment review. What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: The figures you mentioned can well reflect some practical problems in China-Australia relations.
China-Australia economic, trade and investment cooperation is essentially mutually beneficial and win-win.
For a long time, Chinese companies investing in Australia have made great contributions to local economic development and people's livelihood and employment.
Against the background that China's foreign direct investment increased by 3.3% last year, investment in Australia has fallen off a cliff. The reasons for this are worthy of serious reflection on the Australian side.
In recent years, Australia has repeatedly abused "national security" grounds to veto Chinese companies' investment projects in Australia, and frequently imposes unreasonable restrictions on normal exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, which has seriously affected the confidence of Chinese companies to invest in Australia.
This practice of politicizing economic and trade issues is contrary to the market rules and principles of free competition that Australia has always advertised, and it has also caused damage to Australia's own interests and reputation.
The Australian government should take measures to provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory investment environment for foreign investors, including Chinese companies, and create convenient conditions for practical cooperation between China and Australia in various fields.
Kyodo News: The Japanese government recently stated that if a foreign official ship makes a forcible landing on the Diaoyu Islands, the Japanese side may use weapons when necessary. What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: The Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. The Chinese Coast Guard's patrol enforcement in the waters of the Diaoyu Islands is a legitimate measure for China to exercise its sovereignty in accordance with the law.
China is unwavering in its determination and will to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and will resolutely respond to any provocative and adventurous actions against the Diaoyu Islands.
We urge Japan to earnestly abide by the four-point principled consensus spirit of China and Japan, and stop dangerous words and deeds that may complicate the situation on the Diaoyu Islands.
Reuters reporter: According to the New York Times, studies have shown that Chinese hackers may have carried out cyber attacks on India's power grid system, taking the opportunity to "warn" India not to be aggressive on border issues. what opinions do the Chinese have on this issue?
Wang Wenbin: China is a staunch defender of network security and resolutely opposes and cracks down on any form of cyber attacks.
It is difficult to trace the source of a cyber attack. It cannot be made out of nothing, guessed at will, and it is not allowed to pour dirty water on a specific party without showing evidence. This approach is not only irresponsible, but also has ulterior motives.
China firmly opposes this.
Hubei Radio and Television reporter: The China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement officially came into effect today. The spokesperson thinks what positive significance does this have for China-EU economic and trade cooperation, and for the enterprises and people of both sides?
Wang Wenbin: The entry into force of the China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement is good news for both China and Europe.
A few days ago, the person in charge of the relevant departments and bureaus of the Ministry of Commerce has introduced the situation. The first batch of about 100 geographical indications mutually recognized by both sides will be protected from the effective date of the agreement, and the second batch of 175 geographical indication products will also be protected. Will be protected within 4 years.
These products include the well-known Chinese Anxi Tieguanyin and Shaoxing wine, European Parma ham, champagne and other foods, as well as rice paper, Shu brocade, etc. The European Union included the Chinese characteristics in its geographical indication agreement signed by foreign countries for the first time. Geographical indications.
I believe that after the agreement comes into effect, consumers in China and Europe can rest assured to buy more high-quality products from each other and eat more special delicacies from each other.
Enterprises of both sides can also obtain more protection in trade exchanges in related fields.
The China-EU Geographical Indication Agreement is the first comprehensive and high-level Geographical Indication Agreement signed by China with a foreign country.
The effective implementation of the agreement fully reflects the commitment of China and the EU to adhere to free and open trade and support the rules-based multilateral trading system. It will provide new impetus for the development of China-EU economic and trade cooperation and help further consolidate the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. Economic and trade foundation.
At the end of last year, China and the EU concluded negotiations on a China-EU investment agreement as scheduled.
We also hope that the investment agreement can be formally signed and taken into effect as soon as possible, so as to benefit enterprises and people of both China and Europe as soon as possible.
The Chinese side is willing to work with the European side to continue to work together to safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system, jointly build an open world economy, and help the recovery and development of the economy in China, Europe and the world.
"Beijing Youth Daily" reporter: On the 26th, UN Human Rights Commissioner Bachelet stated at a high-level meeting of the UN Human Rights Council that reports of "arbitrary detention" and "forced labor" in Xinjiang, China should be independently evaluated. I believe that through the ongoing dialogue with China, we can reach conditions that are satisfactory to both sides for his visit to China. What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: We regret that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights based on false information, succumbed to political pressure, and made false accusations against China. We firmly oppose the wrong approach of politicizing human rights issues and interfering in China's internal affairs through human rights issues.
The "Constitution of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that citizens have the freedom of speech, publication, assembly, association, procession and demonstration, freedom of religious belief, and the personal freedom of citizens shall not be violated.
The citizens of the People's Republic of China are protected by the Constitution and laws in exercising their various legal rights.
China’s "14th Five-Year" plan is widely used to solicit opinions on the Internet, and the broad masses of people actively participated, leaving more than 1 million messages, and relevant parties sorted out more than 1,000 suggestions from them.
This is a vivid practice of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics.
Since the reform and opening up, according to the current poverty standards, 770 million rural poor people in China have been lifted out of poverty; according to the World Bank’s international poverty standards, China’s poverty reduction population accounted for more than 70% of the global poverty reduction population during the same period.
This is a historic achievement of China's human rights cause and an important manifestation of the progress of human rights in the world.
Whether a country’s human rights situation is good or not, its own people have the most say. People are the scorers of a country’s human rights cause, and people’s satisfaction is the most intuitive barometer for measuring a country’s human rights cause.
According to previous surveys by relevant international authoritative organizations, the Chinese people's satisfaction with the Chinese government led by the Communist Party of China has exceeded 90% over the years.
A survey in Singapore shows that among the 23 economies in the world, people in mainland China are most satisfied with the government's measures to fight the epidemic.
China is willing to conduct human rights dialogues and exchanges with all countries in the world on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
The door to Xinjiang is always open. We welcome the visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Xinjiang, and the two sides are also maintaining communication on this.
However, the purpose of the visit should be to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two parties, not to conduct a so-called "investigation" based on the presumption of guilt.
We firmly oppose anyone using this matter for political manipulation and pressure China.
Bloomberg reporter: According to the Sankei Shimbun, the Japanese government will not invite Chinese leaders to visit Japan during the year. What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: I would like to emphasize again that for some time, China and Japan have not discussed relevant major agendas. A small number of domestic media in Japan use this to hype up China-related issues and make noise and noise, which is completely meaningless. It is hoped that Japan will work with China to correctly guide domestic public opinion and public opinion, create a good atmosphere for the improvement and development of bilateral relations, and accumulate favorable conditions.