Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin hosted a regular press conference on February 25, 2022
AFP: Does China now consider Russia's actions as aggression? If not, what does China think the nature of the action is?
Wang Wenbin: The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and maintained, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should also be jointly safeguarded.
This is the principle that China has always upheld, and it is also the basic norm of international relations that all countries should uphold.
At the same time, we have also seen that the Ukraine issue has its complex and special historical latitude and longitude, and we understand Russia's legitimate concerns on security issues.
China advocates that the Cold War mentality should be completely abandoned, and a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism should be finally formed through dialogue and negotiation.
Spanish newspaper Abbeyce: Given the changes in Ukraine in the last 24 hours, has China's position changed?
Wang Wenbin: China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent.
We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation of the situation.
Global Times reporter: Yesterday, our newspaper launched a joint signature requesting the United States to unconditionally return the life-saving money of the Afghan people. Does the spokesperson have any comment on this?
Wang Wenbin: I have noticed relevant reports.
More than 200,000 netizens participated within 24 hours of the joint signing, demanding that the United States unconditionally return the assets belonging to the Afghan people.
This fully shows that the robbery of the US stealing Afghan assets has caused strong public outrage.
The United States is the initiator of the Afghan problem.
According to reports, during the war in Afghanistan, more than 30,000 innocent civilians were killed by the US military or killed in the war, and about 11 million became refugees.
The US hastily withdrew its troops from Afghanistan irresponsibly, leaving the disaster and suffering to the innocent Afghan people, so that the Afghan people are still facing a serious humanitarian crisis.
Statistics from the United Nations World Food Program show that 22.8 million Afghans face serious food security problems, 3.2 million Afghan children under the age of 5 are severely malnourished, and Afghanistan is facing "an avalanche of hunger and poverty".
At a critical juncture, the United States not only failed to shoulder its due responsibility to help the Afghan people ease the humanitarian crisis, but instead blatantly looted Afghan national assets and further aggravated the suffering of the Afghan people.
What the U.S. has done once again revealed that the "rules-based international order" that the U.S. advertises is in essence a rule-based order to maintain U.S. hegemony and power.
We call on the US to immediately and comprehensively lift the "freeze" and unilateral sanctions on Afghan assets in the US, unconditionally return the assets belonging to the Afghan people, and make up for the harm caused to the Afghan people with concrete actions.
Bloomberg: Does China recognize the "Donetsk People's Republic" and the "Luhansk People's Republic"?
Wang Wenbin: The Ukraine issue has complex historical and practical factors.
China's position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent and has not changed.
We hope that in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, relevant parties will be committed to resolving differences through negotiation, addressing the legitimate concerns of all parties, and preventing the situation from continuing to escalate.
Reuters reporter: Do you have any information on the casualties of Chinese citizens caused by this military conflict?
Wang Wenbin: I haven't heard what you said so far.
In order to actively protect the safety of Chinese citizens in Ukraine under the current situation, the Chinese embassy in Ukraine is carrying out information registration of Chinese citizens in Ukraine to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to local Chinese citizens in case of emergency, and they are fully protected. security.
We are evaluating the situation in all aspects and making appropriate arrangements accordingly.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy and consulates in Ukraine once again remind Chinese citizens in Ukraine to pay close attention to the development of the local situation, be vigilant and take precautions.
Do not travel to unstable areas to avoid accidents.
Beijing Radio and Television: At the recently held international seminar on Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, the special envoy for Afghanistan affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, introduced China's propositions and actions for the peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan. Can the spokesperson give further details on the situation and what support and measures China will take to assist Afghanistan?
Wang Wenbin: At present, Afghanistan is in a critical period from chaos to governance. The Afghan people are facing a historic opportunity to take their own future and destiny into their own hands and explore a development path that suits their own national conditions. and more challenges.
Overcoming these difficulties requires more understanding and support from the international community. The Afghan interim government should also further demonstrate openness and tolerance, pursue a moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policy, resolutely crack down on and eliminate all terrorist organizations, live in friendship with other countries in the world, and build a building that meets the expectations of the people and the trend of the times. modern country.
Since the drastic changes in the situation in Afghanistan, China has maintained contact with relevant Afghan parties, provided emergency assistance to the Afghan people, actively promoted international coordination, and helped Afghanistan maintain stability and prevent chaos.
China will adhere to a friendly policy towards all Afghan people, respect Afghan sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and not interfere in Afghan internal affairs.
China will continue to help the Afghan people overcome difficulties.
At present, China has provided nearly 300 million yuan worth of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including food, medicine, vaccines, and winter supplies.
China will strongly support Afghanistan in enhancing its capability of independent development.
Last year, thousands of tons of pine nuts in Afghanistan were sold to China. It is a legend. I believe this story of China-Afghanistan friendship will continue to be passed down.
In the future, China will import more high-quality agricultural products from Afghanistan to help the Afghan people generate and increase their income.
From a long-term perspective, we are also willing to strengthen the exchange of experience in state governance and governance and the construction of connectivity with Afghanistan.
China will work hard to gather international synergy in support of Afghanistan's peaceful reconstruction, cooperate closely with countries in the region, continue to well hold the Afghanistan Neighboring Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and make neighborly contributions to Afghanistan's long-term peace and stability.
At the same time, we will promote coordinated action by the international community to help Afghanistan embark on a sound development path.
In short, China will continue to stand firmly with the Afghan people, help Afghanistan achieve transformation and development, and integrate into the international community at an early date.
BBC: The US President said last night that any country that condones Russia's invasion of Ukraine will be tainted by it. He did not name any government. How does China respond to that?
Wang Wenbin: Those countries whose reputations are really damaged are those countries that wantonly interfere in other countries' internal affairs and wage wars everywhere in the name of democracy and human rights.
Reporter from Korea Culture Broadcasting Corporation: The Chinese embassy in Ukraine said that when driving, you can carry the Chinese flag to protect your own safety. How does this move protect Chinese citizens from attacks?
Wang Wenbin: The Chinese Embassy in Ukraine has issued relevant consular security reminders in a timely manner.
I would like to reiterate that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies and consulates in Ukraine will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Ukraine.
In case of emergency, Chinese citizens in Ukraine should call the Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in time, and keep in touch with the Chinese embassy and consulate in Ukraine.
Bloomberg reporter: You just mentioned that Chinese citizens in Ukraine should avoid going to unstable areas. Can this be used to accurately describe the current situation in Ukraine?
Wang Wenbin: I have just introduced China's position on the Ukraine issue, so I won't repeat it.
AFP: The EU announced last night to impose severe sanctions on Russia. Does China support it? Is China concerned that its refusal to explicitly condemn Russia could damage relations with European partners?
Wang Wenbin: I believe everyone is familiar with the outcome of the sanctions.
Since 2011, the United States has imposed more than 100 sanctions on Russia.
Facts have shown that sanctions have never been a fundamental and effective way to solve the problem, and will only bring serious difficulties to the economy and people's livelihood of the relevant countries and regions.
It is hoped that relevant parties will seriously think about it and try to solve the problem through dialogue and consultation.
Spanish newspaper Abbeyce: Does China believe that Russia's military presence in Ukraine is an interference in Ukraine's internal affairs? Does China still consider Ukraine a sovereign state?
Wang Wenbin: Ukraine is of course a sovereign country.
China's position on the Ukraine issue has also been consistent and has not changed.
Turkish Radio and Television: Does China plan to launch a resolution in the UN Security Council or launch other diplomatic initiatives to prevent violence against Ukrainian civilians?
Wang Wenbin: We will handle relevant issues based on China's consistent position and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Reuters: Taiwan has decided to sanction Russia. How does China respond to this?
Wang Wenbin: The Taiwan authorities will not give up any opportunity to rub off on hotspots, gain attention, or brush existence.
This trick won't work.
China Broadcasting Corporation reporter: According to reports, on the 24th, the British Home Office announced that it will launch a new plan in October this year. Hong Kong residents aged 18 and over born on or after July 1, 1997, as long as one parent has a British national ( Overseas) passport (BNO), you can apply for the relevant UK visa independently. Does the spokesperson have any comment on this?
Wang Wenbin: China has stated its position on this issue many times.
What I want to stress is that the history of this issue is very clear.
Before Hong Kong's handover, the British side made a clear promise not to grant BNO travel document holders the right of abode in the UK.
More than 20 years after Hong Kong's return to the motherland, some people in the United Kingdom, holding on to their old colonial dreams, insisted on concocting a new policy on the so-called BNO passport, and repeatedly expanded the scope of application of the BNO visa, trying to turn a large number of Hong Kong people into second-class British "citizens".
The move by the British side fundamentally violates the commitments made in the relevant memorandum, openly interferes in Hong Kong affairs, grossly interferes in China's internal affairs, and violates international law and basic norms governing international relations. We express our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.
The Chinese side has announced that it will no longer recognize the so-called BNO passport as a valid travel document and identity proof, and reserves the right to take further measures. All consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the British side.
We urge the British side to recognize the historical trend, give up the illusion of continuing colonial influence in Hong Kong, immediately correct its mistakes, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs in any way, otherwise it will only shoot itself in the foot.
Any attempt to disrupt Hong Kong and undermine its prosperity and stability will never succeed.
Bloomberg: The UN Security Council will vote on a resolution condemning Russia's actions. Given China's refusal to condemn Russia's aggression so far, will China veto this resolution?
Wang Wenbin: As I said just now, China will handle relevant issues based on its consistent position and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Agence France-Presse: Australia criticized China for not responding strongly enough to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and said China provided Russia with a "lifeline" by easing restrictions on Russian wheat imports. How does China respond to this?
Wang Wenbin: For a period of time, the Australian side has held a Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice, and has spread false information many times, smearing and accusing China.
This irresponsible behavior is disgusting.
China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent.
At the same time, China and Russia carry out normal trade cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
Phoenix TV: US White House spokesman Psaki said on the 24th that it is time for all countries, including China, to choose which side of history to take, and to ask China to choose which side to take. How does China respond to this?
Wang Wenbin: China has always decided its own position and policy according to the merits of the matter itself. We have always stood on the side of peace and justice.
We have always believed that the Ukraine issue has its complex history, and the legitimate security concerns of all parties should be respected.
We should completely abandon the Cold War mentality, seek a comprehensive solution to Ukraine and related issues through dialogue and negotiation, and finally form a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism.
For a period of time, China has been actively promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine issue.
During a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Xi Jinping stressed that all parties concerned should adhere to the general direction of political settlement, make full use of multilateral platforms including the Normandy mechanism, and seek a comprehensive solution to the Ukraine issue through dialogue and consultation.
After the situation in Ukraine took a turn for the worse, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone calls with the Russian and US foreign ministers respectively, pointing out that the legitimate security concerns of any country should be respected, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld. Dialogue and negotiation ease the situation and resolve differences.
Next, China will continue to make its own efforts to promote a political settlement of the Ukrainian issue.
China's approach is in stark contrast to the practice of some countries that create crises, pass them on, and profit from crises.
Which approach is more conducive to the security and stability of Europe and the long-term stability of Europe, I believe everyone will come to a just conclusion.
At present, the door to a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian issue has not been completely closed.
We hope that the parties concerned will remain calm and rational, and commit themselves to peacefully resolving relevant issues through negotiation in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
China will continue to promote peace and talks in its own way, and welcome and encourage all efforts to promote a diplomatic solution.
BBC: Ukrainian leaders say Russia is definitely trying to overthrow its government. What message does China want to convey to the Ukrainian government?
Wang Wenbin: We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation of the situation.
AFP: My question is related to the phone call between State Councilor Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. Russian sources said the two sides agreed that the cause of the current crisis was Ukraine's refusal to implement the new Minsk agreement, instigated by the United States and its allies. The Chinese news release did not mention whether State Councilor Wang Yi agreed with the position. Is the Russian news release accurate? Does China think that Ukraine provoked the conflict?
Wang Wenbin: The Chinese press release has been released, you can refer to it.
China always respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
At the same time, we have also seen that the Ukraine issue has its complex and special historical latitude and longitude, and we understand Russia's legitimate concerns on security issues.
China advocates that the Cold War mentality should be completely abandoned, and a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture should be finally formed through dialogue and negotiation.
CCTV reporter: Yesterday, the Chinese embassy in Australia held the awarding ceremony of the "Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China". On behalf of the Chinese government, the new ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, paid tribute to the state of New South Wales, Australia, who unfortunately died in 2021 to rescue Chinese citizens in distress. Senior Superintendent Kelly Foster presented the gold "Great Wall Medal" and a commemorative certificate. What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: On February 24, the Chinese embassy in Australia held a grand awarding ceremony for the "Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China" to honor and commemorate Ms. Foster, an Australian police officer who tragically died to rescue a Chinese citizen early last year.
The "Great Wall Medal" was first established by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security in December 2020, and is specially awarded to foreign law enforcement officers who have made outstanding contributions to the protection of Chinese citizens' safety.
The gold "Great Wall Medal" awarded to Superintendent Foster this time is numbered 0001, which is the first gold medal awarded by China in the world.
The brilliance of human nature has no country, ethnicity or culture. Ms. Foster's act of kindness made the Chinese people feel the kindness and friendship of the Australian people.
Ms. Foster was never acquainted with the Chinese citizen in distress, but at the critical juncture of life and death, in order to save her life, she tried her best to rescue her until the last moment of her life.
Chinese people value friendship and righteousness, and Ms. Foster's heroic deeds will be remembered in our hearts.
Facts have proved that the friendship between the Chinese and Australian people is undeniable, and the common aspiration of the two peoples is also the direction of our efforts.
I can't help but think of what we said last year when we answered a question about Ms. Foster's charitable deeds: "The kindness and sincerity of human nature shines even in the harsh winter." We hope this light will continue to warm and nourish the people of both countries. The tree of friendship between the Chinese and Australian people.
Reuters reporter: In response to the sanctions imposed by the EU and the US on Russia, will China increase its purchases of Russian oil?
Wang Wenbin: I have just introduced China's position on sanctions against Russia.
Sanctions have never been an effective way to solve problems.
It is hoped that relevant parties will make efforts to solve the problem through dialogue and consultation.
At the same time, I would also like to stress that we always oppose any illegal unilateral sanctions.
We request the relevant parties not to harm the legitimate rights and interests of China and other parties when handling the Ukraine issue and relations with Russia.
China and Russia carry out normal trade cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
BBC reporter: Did you just mention that the Chinese embassy in Ukraine is carrying out the registration of citizens' information in Ukraine, the ultimate purpose of which is to help them evacuate from Ukraine? According to reports, the Chinese government is arranging chartered flights to help Chinese citizens evacuate Ukraine. Can you provide more information?
Wang Wenbin: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy in Ukraine have issued relevant safety reminders and notices, which are very clear and you can refer to them.
Reuters reporter: Is China worried that the war in Ukraine may push up the prices of commodities such as oil? Is China ready to respond?
Wang Wenbin: Yesterday we have answered relevant questions, please check them out.
AFP: There is currently a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Did China get some kind of assurance from Russia that the flight would leave Ukraine?
Wang Wenbin: You can follow the relevant notices issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine.
Reuters: China has repeatedly called for a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian crisis. Unfortunately, Ukraine was hit by missiles and rockets. Does this reveal the limited effectiveness of China's diplomatic efforts?
Wang Wenbin: Under the current circumstances, the door to a political solution to the Ukrainian issue has not been completely closed.
We hope that the parties concerned will remain calm and rational, and commit themselves to peacefully resolving relevant issues through negotiation in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
China will continue to promote peace and talks in its own way, and welcome and encourage all efforts to promote a diplomatic solution.
AFP reporter: Belarus is acting as a staging ground for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. What is China's view on this?
Wang Wenbin: I have just introduced China's position on the Ukraine issue.
Reuters: In January, when President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said that the political mutual trust between the two countries has deepened. What will happen to China-Ukraine relations under the current Ukrainian crisis situation?
Wang Wenbin: China will continue to develop friendly and cooperative relations with Ukraine based on the principle of mutual respect.
BBC: You just said that the door to a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian issue is not completely closed. Many people would like to see this result, but may not know how to achieve it. Will China act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine to help stop the war?
Wang Wenbin: China will continue to promote peace talks in its own way, and welcome and encourage all efforts to promote a diplomatic solution.