December 13, 2023*** Spokesperson Mao Ning.
Presided over the regular press conference.
foreign ministry spokesperson mao ning’s
regular press conference on december 13, 2023
At the invitation of Rajoelina, a special envoy of the Republic of Madagascar and vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Hu Chunhua, will attend the inauguration ceremony of Rajoelina in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, on December 16.
at the invitation of the president of the republic of madagascar andry nirina rajoelina, president xi jinping’s special envoy and vice chairman of the national committee of the chinese people’s political consultative conference hu chunhua will attend the inauguration of president rajoelina in madagascar’s capital antananarivo on december 16.
CCTV: Yesterday, the General Secretary and the Chinese and Vietnamese leaders jointly announced the new positioning of the relations between the two parties and two countries. Can you tell us more about that?
cctv: general secretary and president xi jinping started his state visit to viet nam yesterday. the leaders of the two countries jointly announced a new characterization of the relationship for the two parties and two countries. can you share more information with us?
Mao Ning: The General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is on a state visit to Vietnam. The General Secretary held talks with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong to witness the signing of the cooperation text between the two sides. The chairman also held talks and meetings with Vietnamese Vo Van Thanh, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Ong Dinh Hue.
mao ning: general secretary of the cpc central committee and president xi jinping is in viet nam for a state visit. general secretary xi jinping and general secretary of the communist party of viet nam central committee nguyen phu trong held talks and jointly witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between the two sides. president xi jinping also met or held talks with viet nam’s state president vo van thuong, prime minister pham minh chinh and chairman of the national assembly vuong dinh hue.
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong jointly announced the new positioning of the relations between the two parties and two countries, and jointly built a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance on the basis of deepening the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two general secretaries unanimously agreed that China and Vietnam, as friendly neighbors, share the same ideals and common ideas. As good neighbors, good partners, good brothers and good comrades, China and Vietnam have the unique advantages of building a community with a shared future of strategic significance in terms of time, place and people. The two sides should inherit the traditional friendship forged by the leaders of the older generation, work together to build a community with a shared future, follow their respective paths to modernization, achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, and share the United States and the United States, so as to benefit the two peoples and make positive contributions to regional peace and prosperity.
general secretary xi jinping and general secretary nguyen phu trong jointly announced a new characterization of the relationship for the two parties and two countries, working together for a china-viet nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. the two general secretaries agree that china and viet nam, as close and friendly neighbors, share the same aspiration and philosophy. as good neighbors, good partners, good brothers, and good comrades, china and viet nam h**e unique advantages of following the trend of the times, geographic proximity and shared cultural affinity in building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. the two sides should carry forward the traditional friendship forged by older-generation leaders, build a community with a shared future together, and make steady progress in their modernization drives, so as to achieve win-win outcomes and common success, benefit the two peoples, and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.
China and Vietnam are friendly neighbors with socialism, and the friendship between the two countries goes back to ancient times. In 2008, the two sides established a comprehensive strategic partnership. The new positioning of Sino-Vietnamese relations established this time is the continuation, accumulation, and sublimation of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries over the past 15 years, and is the trend of the times, which is in line with the common interests of the two parties, two countries, and two peoples, and is also a strategic requirement for revitalizing the cause of socialism in the world. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Vietnam relations will enter a new stage of greater political mutual trust, more substantial security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, a firmer foundation of public opinion, tighter multilateral coordination and cooperation, and better control of differences, so as to promote the socialist construction of the two countries and make new achievements.
china and viet nam are both socialist countries and neighbors with time-honored friendship. in 2008, the two countries established the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. the new characterization of china-viet nam relationship is a continuation, buildup and upgrading of the 15 years of comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. it is a natural result in line with the trend of the times, serves the common interests of the two parties, two countries and two peoples, and meets the strategic need of revitalizing the world’s socialist cause. we believe that with concerted efforts of both sides, the china-viet nam relations will enter a new stage that enjoys deeper political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, a more solid public foundation, closer coordination on multilateral affairs, better management of differences, and joint efforts for new achievements in the socialist development of the two countries.
China News Service: According to reports, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron met with Jimmy Lai's son Lai Chong Enn on the evening of 12 June local time. The British side claims to oppose the Hong Kong National Security Law and will continue to support Jimmy Lai and other Hong Kong people. In addition, during his recent visit to the United States, Cameron also said that China has become more aggressive in the world with many changes, and it must provide other countries with alternatives to China, so that they can avoid falling into China's "debt trap" and better protect themselves from China's cyber attacks and other hostile behavior. Do you have any comment?
china news service: uk secretary of state for foreign, commonwealth and development affairs d**id cameron reportedly met with sebastien lai, the son of jimmy lai, on the night of december 12 local time. the uk side said it opposes the hong kong national security law and will continue to stand by jimmy lai and the people of hong kong. during a recent visit to the us, d**id cameron also said that the world has changed a lot, china has become much more aggressive, and they must offer other countries an alternative to china rather than le**e them to the mercy of chinese debt traps and better protect themselves from china’s cyber attacks and other hostile acts. what’s china’s comment?
Mao Ning: As we all know, Jimmy Lai is the leading anti-China and destabilizing element in Hong Kong, and the driving force behind the chaos in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has held it accountable in accordance with the law, which is beyond reproach. Britain prides itself on being a "country governed by the rule of law", but it openly intervenes in cases that have already entered the judicial process;The United Kingdom has just introduced the "** Law", but it blatantly opposes the national security legislation in Hong Kong, China, and the "double standard" face is exposed, and the sinister intentions are clearly exposed. Since the implementation of the National Security Law for more than three years, more than 80% of Hong Kong citizens believe that the National Security Law has made Hong Kong safer. In the face of the fact and the general trend that Hong Kong has entered the stage of moving from chaos to order, from order to order, and from rejuvenation to rejuvenation, what the British side has done has only increased the laughter. China is urging the UK to earnestly respect facts and the rule of law, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs.
mao ning: it’s public knowledge that jimmy lai is one of the most notorious anti-china elements bent on destabilizing hong kong and a mastermind of the riots that took place in hong kong. he blatantly colluded with external forces to undermine china’s national security and is responsible for numerous egregious acts. the hong kong sar took action to hold him accountable in accordance with the law. this is beyond reproach. the uk apparently considers itself a country based on the rule of law, but it is now openly interfering in an ongoing judicial process. the uk has recently adopted its own national security bill, but it is now brazenly opposing china’s national security legislation for hong kong. that says everything about the uk’s hypocrisy and hidden agenda. more than three years on since the hong kong national security law was adopted, more than 80 percent of people in hong kong believe the law has made hong kong safer. what the uk has done is laughably pointless, especially when hong kong has already restored order and is set to thrive. we ask the uk to respect facts and the rule of law and stop meddling in hong kong’s affairs, which are china’s internal affairs.
The British side's so-called "aggressiveness" of China is completely confusing right and wrong and reversing black and white. China has always pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, which is a partner and an opportunity for the development of all countries, not a threat or a challenge. We are committed to developing relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, while resolutely safeguarding our sovereignty, security and development interests.
by calling china “aggressive”, the uk is misrepresenting facts. china follows an independent foreign policy of peace. we are a partner presenting opportunities to other countries, not a threat posing challenges. we are committed to developing relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. at the same time, we will resolutely defend our sovereignty, security and development interests.
The British side's so-called "debt trap" argument is not in line with the facts. China's investment and financing cooperation with developing countries has always followed international practices, market principles and the principle of debt sustainability, and has been widely welcomed by developing countries. In fact, none of the partners believes that China has created a "debt trap". It is a small number of Western countries that spread the theory of China's "debt trap", and the multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors led by them are the main creditors and debt repayment pressurers of developing countries, and should make substantial contributions to alleviating the debt burden of developing countries.
the uk’s “debt trap” rhetoric is not based on facts. china’s investment and financing cooperation with fellow developing countries is carried out in compliance with international rules, market laws and the principle of debt sustainability and has been widely welcomed. in fact, not a single cooperation partner has accused china of creating “debt traps”. it is a handful of western countries who h**e been spreading the fallacy of “chinese debt traps”. the multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors these countries dominate are the major creditors of developing countries and constitute the major source of stress for them in terms of debt repayment. they are the ones that need to make substantive contributions to easing developing countries’ debt burden.
Cybersecurity is a global challenge. China has always resolutely cracked down on cyber attacks in accordance with the law, and advocates that all countries work together to safeguard cyber security through dialogue and cooperation. China opposes the politicization of cybersecurity issues and the smearing of other countries without factual basis.
cybersecurity is a global challenge. china firmly cracks down on cyber attacks and holds that cybersecurity needs to be jointly safeguarded by all countries through dialogue and cooperation. we oppose politicizing cybersecurity issues and smearing other countries without any factual basis.
We urge the UK to abandon the Cold War mentality, stop spreading the "China threat theory", view China and China-UK relations in an objective and rational manner, work with China in the same direction, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.
we call on the uk to reject the cold war mentality, stop spreading “china threat” narratives, look at china and china-uk relations in an objective and rational light, and work with china for the sound and steady development of bilateral ties.
Reuters: Argentina has written to China about the currency swap arrangement between the People's Bank of China and the Bank of Argentina**, according to Argentina** reports. According to the report, after Argentina's Milley made anti-China remarks during the election campaign, the Chinese side asked the Argentine side to clarify its position on China. Is the report true?
reuters: according to reports in argentinean media, argentina has sent china a letter about the currency swap arrangement between people’s bank of china and argentinean central bank. these reports say that china asked argentina to clear up its stance towards china after argentinean president milei made anti-china remarks on his campaign trail. could you confirm whether this is the case?
Mao Ning: On the issue of the local currency swap arrangement between China and Argentina, I would like to ask the competent authorities of the Chinese side for details. On China-Arab relations, we have made clear our position on many occasions. China and Argentina are both large developing countries and important emerging economies, and are comprehensive strategic partners, and their relations are developing well. China has always attached importance to the development of China-Arab relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to work with Argentina to promote the sustained and stable development of the China-Arab comprehensive strategic partnership.
mao ning: on the currency swap arrangement between china and argentina, i’d refer you to competent chinese authorities. on the relations between china and argentina, we h**e previously stated our position. china and argentina are both major developing countries and important emerging economies. the two countries are comprehensive strategic partners and our bilateral relations are in good shape. china values the growth of its relations with argentina from a strategic and long-term perspective. we stand ready to work with the new government of argentina for the sustained and steady development of the china-argentina comprehensive strategic partnership.
AFP: An ad hoc committee of the US House of Representatives released a report yesterday calling for a reshaping of the US economic relationship with China. What is China's response to this?
afp: a select committee of the us house of representatives issued a report yesterday calling for a reset on the us-china economic relationship. what is china’s response?
Mao Ning: The "committee" you mentioned is full of bias and hostility and has no reason to speak of in order to attack and smear China. Their remarks have also fully exposed the attempts of some people in the United States to politicize, instrumentalize, and elaborate Sino-US economic, trade, and scientific and technological issues, and we firmly oppose this.
mao ning: the committee you mentioned is obsessed with attacking and smearing china. it is biased and hostile and has no rationality to speak of. what they h**e said fully shows that some in the us are attempting to politicize and weaponize trade and tech issues between china and the us. we firmly oppose this.
The essence of China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win results. There are no winners in the war, the tariff war. Artificial restrictions or protectionism will only interfere with normal exchanges and the stability of the production and supply chain, and are not in the interests of any party. The US side should earnestly respect the principles of the market economy and international rules, and create a favorable environment for China-US economic and trade cooperation, rather than the other way around.
china-us economic and trade cooperation benefits both sides. there is no winner in a trade war or tariff war. curbs and protectionism will only disrupt normal trade and destabilize industrial and supply chains. they do not serve the interests of any party. the us needs to earnestly respect the principles of market economy and international trade rules, and create a f**orable environment for china-us economic and trade cooperation, rather than do the opposite.
CRI: On October 10 local time, the US issued a statement criticizing China's law enforcement measures in the waters near Scarborough Shoal and Ren'ai Jiao, and again threatening the application of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to the South China Sea. Do you have any comment?
cri: on december 10 local time, us state department released a statement **groundless accusation against china’s law enforcement measures in waters near huangyan dao and ren’ai jiao and threatening once again that the us philippines mutual defense treaty extends to the south china sea. what’s china’s comment?
Mao Ning: As for the recent incident in China's Ren'ai Jiao waters, I have already elaborated on the truth and China's position, and I will not repeat it. At the same time, it should be pointed out that Scarborough Shoal is China's inherent territory, and China has indisputable sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and its adjacent waters. On December 9, three Philippine official vessels intruded into the waters adjacent to Scarborough Shoal without China's permission, and the Chinese Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law. Ignoring the facts, the United States issued a statement to attack and accuse China of legitimate and lawful law enforcement actions at Ren'ai Jiao and Scarborough Shoal, and endorse the Philippines' tortious and provocative acts, which China firmly opposes.
mao ning: i’ve elaborated on the facts and china’s position concerning the recent incidents in waters of china’s ren’ai jiao and i’ll not go over it again. but what needs to be pointed out is that huangyan dao has always been part of china’s territory and china has indisputable sovereignty over huangyan dao and its adjacent waters. on december 9, three official vessels of the philippines, without permission from the chinese side, intruded into adjacent waters of huangyan dao. china coast guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, which were professional, restrained, lawful and legitimate. the us state department, in disregard of the facts, issued a statement to groundlessly attack china’s fully justified law enforcement activities to safeguard our rights at ren’ai jiao and huangyan dao. the statement is an attempt to endorse the philippines’ infringement of chinese sovereignty and provocation. we firmly reject it.
For some time now, based on its own geopolitical selfish interests, the United States has continuously instigated, supported and cooperated with the Philippine side's maritime violations and provocations, and has frequently threatened the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which is a blatant support for the Philippine violation of China's sovereignty, a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and a serious threat to regional peace and stability. China has long stated that the so-called award in the South China Sea arbitration is illegal, invalid and has no binding force. If the US refuses to enforce the judgment of the International Court of Justice and has repeatedly boycotted international arbitral awards, what qualifications and emboldening it has to demand that China enforce illegal arbitral awards?We would like to warn the US side that any threats, coercion and unwarranted attacks and accusations are futile and cannot stop China's firm determination and will to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China will continue to resolutely defend its legitimate sovereignty and rights and interests in accordance with domestic and international law. The US plot will not succeed.
for some time, out of selfish geopolitical interests, the us has incited, supported and assisted in the philippines’ infringement and provocation at sea, and repeatedly made threats by citing the us philippines mutual defense treaty. such moves blatantly embolden the philippines’ violation of china’s sovereignty, seriously violate the purposes and principles of the un charter and gr**ely jeopardize regional peace and stability. china has made clear that the so-called arbitral award on the south china sea is illegal, null and void, and has no binding effect whatsoever. the us itself would not implement the judgement of the international court of justice and international arbitral awards. in what position is the us to tell china that it should implement an illegal arbitral award? the us needs to know that no threat, coercion or unfounded attack and accusation will lead anywhere or shake china’s firm resolve and will in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. china will continue to resolutely uphold its legitimate sovereignty and rights and interests in accordance with domestic and international law. the us’s attempts will not succeed.
Indonesia's Antara News Agency: The UN General Assembly has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. As a member of the UN Security Council, how does China plan to make good use of this resolution to continue to play a role in the Security Council?
antara: the un general assembly has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in gaza, but it is an unbinding resolution. how can china as a member state of security council use this resolution as the next step in the security council?
Mao Ning: At the request of Arab and Islamic countries, the emergency special session of the General Assembly on the question of Palestine was held on December 12 and adopted a resolution submitted by Arab countries, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, compliance with international law and international humanitarian law obligations such as the protection of civilians, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and humanitarian access. This is the second time since the outbreak of the current round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that the emergency special session of the General Assembly has adopted a resolution by a large majority, reflecting the strong call of the international community for a ceasefire and an end to hostilities, and reflecting the popular support of the people on the major issue of war and peace. China fully supports the resolution and co-sponsored and voted in favour of it. We hope that this resolution will be fully implemented, that a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities will be achieved as soon as possible, that the humanitarian crisis will be alleviated, and that peace and stability in the region will be restored. China will continue to work with all parties concerned to play a positive and constructive role in achieving lasting peace between Palestine and Israel through the two-State solution.
mao ning: at the request of arab and islamic countries, the un general assembly held an emergency special session on the palestinian question on december 12, which adopted a resolution tabled by arab countries requesting an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in gaza, compliance with the obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as ensuring humanitarian access. this is the second time that the unga emergency special session voted overwhelmingly for a resolution on the current palestinian-israeli conflict, which reflects the strong international call for a ceasefire and what the world wants between war and peace. china fully supports the resolution. we co-sponsored and voted for it. we hope to see the full implementation of this resolution, ceasefire and end of hostilities as soon as possible, alleviation of the humanitarian crisis and restoration of peace and stability in the region. china stands ready to continue working with all parties to play a positive and constructive role in realizing lasting peace between palestine and israel through the two-state solution.
China Review News: According to reports, Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) announced on November 11 that one of the workers working on the scrapping furnace at Unit 2 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was contaminated with radioactive materials, and there is a possibility that internal radiation will directly affect human organs. Do you have any comment?
china review news: according to reports, tepco made an announcement on december 11, confirming that a worker decommissioning the fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant’s no.2 reactor was contaminated with radioactive substances and radioactive materials may h**e been incorporated into the body due to exposure to internal radiation. what is china’s comment?
Mao Ning: I have noted relevant reports. In the process of decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and disposing of nuclear-contaminated water, a series of accidents occurred in which workers were splashed with nuclear-contaminated water and contaminated with radioactive materials, which fully illustrated the seriousness of the problem and once again proved the extreme importance of properly disposing of nuclear-contaminated water.
mao ning: i noted the reports. during the decommissioning of japan’s fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant and the handling of the nuclear-contaminated water, accidents h**e happened one after another involving workers being sprayed with nuclear-contaminated water or exposed to radioactive substances. this speaks to the seriousness of the problem and once again proves the vital importance of properly handling the nuclear-contaminated water.
Japan's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the sea is 30 years or more, and there are huge risks and hidden dangers. China urges Japan to take into account the concerns of all stakeholders and fully cooperate with the establishment of a long-term and effective international monitoring arrangement with the substantive participation of all parties, so as to effectively prevent the discharge from causing long-term harm to the marine environment and human health.
japan’s discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is scheduled to last 30 years or even longer, and this poses enormous risks. china urges japan to take seriously the concerns of stakeholders, fully cooperate in establishing an international monitoring arrangement that has the substantive participation of relevant parties and will remain effective over the long haul, and take concrete actions to **oid the long-term harm of the discharge to marine environment and people’s health.
The Paper: On December 11, the Supreme Court of India upheld the decision to repeal Article 370 of the Constitution at the request of some people in India, and demanded that India restore the status of Jammu and Kashmir as a "state" as soon as possible. At the same time, the ruling held that the establishment of the so-called "Ladakh** Territory" by India in 2019 was legal and valid. Do you have any comment?
the **we noted that the supreme court of india, at the request of some in india, made a verdict, upholding the validity of the order abrogating article 370 of constitution, asking the indian government to restore the statehood in union territory of jammu and kashmir at the earliest, and upholding the validity of the decision of the indian government in 2019 to carve out the so-called union territory of ladakh. what is china’s comment?
Mao Ning: China has never recognized the so-called "Ladakh Territory" unilaterally and illegally established by India. India's domestic judicial rulings cannot change the objective fact that the western section of the China-India border has always belonged to China.
mao ning: china has never recognized the so-called union territory of ladakh set up unilaterally and illegally by india. india’s domestic judicial verdict does not change the fact that the western section of the china-india border has always belonged to china.
AFP: The Bureau of COP28 today released the proposed text of the final agreement. What is China's position on this and COP28?
afp: the cop28 presidency released a proposed text of a final climate deal today. can you share china’s position on the text as well as this year’s cop28?
Mao Ning: We have noted the progress of the COP28 negotiations. COP28 is an important meeting, and China has actively participated in the discussions and negotiations on various issues, and supports the successful hosting of the meeting by the UAE presidency. It is hoped that this meeting will contribute to the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, and provide more support and assistance for developing countries to achieve energy transition and better cope with climate change.
mao ning: we noted the progress of cop28 negotiations. cop28 is a very important conference. china has taken an active part in the discussion and negotiation on the agenda items and supports the host country the uae in **the conference a success. we hope the outcomes of this meeting will contribute to the full and effective implementation of the paris agreement and lend more support to developing countries’ efforts to realize energy transition and better cope with climate change.
Bloomberg: The US has sanctioned more than 250 companies and individuals in China, Turkey and the UAE for allegedly supporting Russia's war effort. Any comment on this?
bloomberg: the us has sanctioned more than 250 companies and individuals in china, türkiye and the uae over alleged support for russia in its war efforts. would the foreign ministry like to comment on this?
Mao Ning: China has always opposed the US's unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. The US should immediately correct its wrong practices and stop containing and suppressing Chinese companies. China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
mao ning: china opposes the us’s unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. the us needs to correct its wrong practice and stop containing and going after chinese companies. china will do what is necessary to firmly safeguard chinese companies’ lawful rights and interests.