Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's regular press conference on March 19, 2021
CNN reporter: Regarding the US-China Alaska Dialogue, first, the Chinese side said that the US's opening speech was seriously overdue, violated diplomatic etiquette, and is not a way of hospitality. What is the basis for China's claim that the US's speech was seriously overdue? Second, some US officials said that China’s performance shows that China’s coming to Alaska seems to be more inclined to show off (intend on grandstanding), focusing more on dramatic performance rather than public theatrics and dramatics over substance. What is the response to this statement? Third, on official media and social media, including many big-character posters with black characters on a red background, many reports put what the Chinese side said on the Internet. Is the relevant Chinese statement more aimed at the domestic people?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the China-US high-level strategic dialogue, China has issued a press release.
Regarding your first question, officials of the Chinese delegation have already given a background briefing on the China-US high-level strategic dialogue, which also touches upon your question.
The Chinese side was invited to Anchorage with sincerity to conduct a strategic dialogue with the United States, and is ready to conduct the dialogue in accordance with the procedures and arrangements agreed upon in advance by both parties.
However, the U.S. seriously timed out in its first opening remarks, and accused China of unreasonable attacks on China's domestic and foreign policies, and provoked disputes.
This is not a way of hospitality, nor does it conform to diplomatic etiquette.
China responded solemnly to this.
Regarding your other questions, China has also clearly expressed China’s position in the relevant press release.
The reason is that the United States did not abide by the prior agreement on the speaking time. It was the United States who provoked and provoked the dispute first. Therefore, the opening remarks of the two sides were full of gunpowder and drama from the beginning. This was not the original intention of the Chinese side.
Phoenix TV reporter: We have seen that China and the United States have made some explanations on some concerns of the United States, and it seems that the differences are still relatively large. Against this background, how does China view the significance of this high-level strategic dialogue?
Zhao Lijian: China always believes that China's agreement to hold this high-level strategic dialogue with the US is an important measure to implement the spirit of the two heads of state.
This was also decided by the two heads of state personally.
We think this dialogue is a good opportunity for both parties to strengthen communication, manage differences, and expand cooperation.
This dialogue will have important guiding significance for the development of Sino-US relations in the future.
The people of our two countries and the international community are looking forward to the practical results of this dialogue.
China attended the meeting with sincerity and constructive attitude.
Alaska is the northernmost state in the United States.
When the members of the Chinese delegation arrived in Alaska, they not only felt the cold weather in Alaska, but also felt the hospitality of the American host.
There is still dinner after the opening remarks this time.
We hope that the U.S. can meet the Chinese side halfway, and focus on cooperation, manage differences, and promote the healthy and stable development of Sino-U.S. relations in accordance with the spirit of the call between the two heads of state on New Year’s Eve.
Correspondent from Spain’s EFE: You just said that you hope the Alaska meeting will achieve pragmatic results. What do you think is a good pragmatic result? Second, the Xinjiang Autonomous Region government held a press conference yesterday, stating that if the EU officially passes China-related sanctions at the EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the 22nd because of Xinjiang, it will take countermeasures. What exactly are the countermeasures?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding the first question, I just said that after the opening remarks, the two sides will hold formal talks. The Chinese delegation will release the news in time. Please keep your eyes on it.
Regarding your second question, yesterday I explained China’s position very completely.
Please refer to the transcript of yesterday's press conference.
Reuters reporter: I want to ask a broader question about the China-US Alaska meeting. The general impression left by the initial meeting between the two sides was that the two sides had a strong smell of gunpowder, and the discussions and confrontations were fierce. China and the United States engaged in confrontation on many issues on which they diverged. Does China expect that the tone of the formal talks will also be full of gunpowder? What are China's expectations for the formal talks? You just said that this is not the original intention of the Chinese side. Will China change its strategy in the talks tomorrow?
Zhao Lijian: We hope that the US will be clear about China’s determination and determination in safeguarding its core interests.
The US should also be clear that China has stated its position very firmly and China's internal affairs will not tolerate any interference.
Of course, we hope that in the subsequent closed-door talks between the two sides, the two sides can fully communicate and implement the spirit of the two heads of state, and can push Sino-US relations back on track through this dialogue.
The Paper: According to reports, Ambarek, the head of the International Expert Group on the Traceability of the New Coronary Virus of the World Health Organization, said in an interview on the 18th that the expert group hopes to release an investigation report of about 280 pages in China next week. Text fine-tuning mainly focuses on scientific issues, but some Chinese-English translation issues take a lot of time. Has China received the text of the report? Do you agree with the content of the report? When will the evaluation feedback be given to the report?
Zhao Lijian: As far as I know, the traceability report has always been carried out between Chinese and international experts.
On the 16th, WHO administrative officials stated that they would release a joint traceability research report next week.
We immediately got to know the relevant parties.
As far as I know, the Chinese experts received nearly 300 pages of the report in English from the WHO international expert group on the 17th. There is no Chinese version yet, and the WHO is organizing forces to translate it.
Regarding the specific content of the report, I don't know.
Whether the report can be released in time next week depends on the discussion between Chinese and foreign experts.
The main conclusions, findings and recommendations of this joint traceability study were announced by Chinese and international experts at a joint press conference on February 9.
What I want to emphasize is that the problem of traceability is a scientific problem and should be left to scientists for research.
China News Agency reporter: On March 18, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development released an updated version of the "2020 Trade and Development Report". The report stated that China's export recovery in the second half of last year was stronger than expected. China's economy is expected to grow by 8.1% this year. Does China have any comment?
Zhao Lijian: In the face of multiple severe impacts such as the new crown pneumonia epidemic and the deep recession of the world economy, the Chinese government has adopted effective macro policies in a timely and decisive manner to coordinate the promotion of epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, and is the only major economy in the world to achieve positive economic growth.
The relevant report issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development reflects the confidence of the international community in China's economic development.
The sustained and stable development of China's economy will create favorable conditions for the international community to fight the epidemic and revive the economy.
In the first two months of this year, China's absorption of foreign investment and goods trade had a good start, with year-on-year growth of 31.5% and 32.2% respectively.
The American Chamber of Commerce in China recently released a report showing that 75% of the companies surveyed are optimistic about the prospects of the Chinese market in the next two years, and 81% of the companies believe that the industry’s Chinese market will achieve positive growth in 2021.
China has become a major trading partner of more than 120 countries and regions including the United States, the European Union, Japan, and India.
The Chinese economy has long been deeply integrated into the world economy. It can be said that there is me in you and you in me.
At present, China is based on a new stage of development, implements new development concepts, builds a new development pattern, and unswervingly promotes high-quality development.
We will further open up to the outside world, open up more room for development and provide more opportunities for cooperation for all countries in the world.
Bloomberg reporter: Regarding the Canadian citizen Michael's case, as far as I know, Michael's trial lasted for two hours, and there were no further hearings (no further hearings). According to reports, Canadian diplomats failed to enter. What is China's comment? It is also reported that Kang Mingkai will be heard in court on Monday. Can you confirm?
Zhao Lijian: Yesterday, I clarified China's position on the Canadian citizen case.
Chinese judicial organs handle cases independently in accordance with the law and fully protect the legal rights of relevant personnel.
China has always handled related matters including consular notifications in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the China-Canada Consular Agreement and relevant Chinese laws and regulations.
China's judicial sovereignty does not allow interference.
According to Article 188 of the "Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China" and Article 222 of the "Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on the Application of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China", cases concerning state secrets shall not be disclosed No one is allowed to attend the trial.
Reuters reporter: A Canadian diplomat in Dandong told Reuters today that China does not allow Canadian diplomats to attend the trial. This is a violation of the Vienna Convention and the China-Canada Consular Agreement, and that it has been effective since February 3. , China does not allow Canadian diplomats to meet with Michael. What is China's comment? Has the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated with Canada on this matter?
Zhao Lijian: I have explained China's position very clearly just now.
I would like to ask you, if the Chinese side did not inform the Canadian Embassy, how did this embassy official know that there was a trial today and went to Dandong?
I also made it very clear just now.
Since this case involves Chinese state secrets, it will not be heard in public, and no one will be allowed to listen.
Regarding the issue of consular visits you mentioned, on the premise of mutual respect and accommodating each other’s concerns, the Chinese authorities will continue to deal with consular visits of Canadian citizens in accordance with the epidemic situation in accordance with the law.
Indian Broadcasting Corporation reporter: Several Indian citizens who want to return to China contacted the Chinese Embassy in India. The embassy stated that China will provide them with Chinese vaccines after the Indian government approves them. Has China communicated with India on this? Is it through Beijing or the Chinese Embassy in India? Second, do China's visa facilitation measures cover Indian students?
Zhao Lijian: The report is not accurate.
The new crown pneumonia epidemic is the common enemy of all mankind.
China is willing to work with other countries to promote vaccine research and development and international anti-epidemic cooperation, and work together to overcome the epidemic at an early date.
Regarding the visa facilitation issue you mentioned, in order to resume the exchanges between Chinese and foreign people in an orderly manner, China will provide visa convenience to foreigners who have been vaccinated against the new crown pneumonia vaccine produced in China and hold vaccination certificates. For specific measures and applicable objects, please You are following the notice posted on the official website of the Chinese Embassy in India.
What I can tell you is that the Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of international students in China, and requires relevant universities to maintain close contact with overseas students, carefully arrange online teaching, and properly handle students' reasonable concerns and requirements.
On the premise of ensuring the safety of epidemic prevention, China will coordinate research on the resumption of foreign students in China, and will maintain communication with all parties on this.
Follow-up: I understand that visa facilitation measures are not applicable to international students, right? The Chinese Embassy in India has not made any promises to Indian citizens who want to return to China to obtain Chinese vaccines, right?
Regarding your question, you'd better ask your colleague to ask the Chinese Embassy in India.
They have a better understanding of the country-specific situation in India, including China-India vaccine cooperation.
NHK reporter from Japan: The Chinese delegation said in the background briefing in Anchorage that the spokesperson also mentioned just now that China is ready to conduct dialogue in accordance with the procedures agreed by both parties in advance. Although China refers to this meeting as a high-level strategic dialogue, the United States has not mentioned the term "high-level strategic dialogue." Therefore, I think there is some contradiction between this and China's "advance agreement". What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: We have said this many times.
The high-level strategic dialogue was proposed by the US, and China agreed and participated.