CCTV: On July 31, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions against officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) because they take actions to internationalize the conflict with Israel such as through the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, continue to support terrorism including incitement and glorification of violence and provide payments and benefits in support of terrorism. The U.S. said it is in their national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China is appalled by the U.S. sanctioning officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). We find it disappointing and hard to understand that the U.S. keeps turning a blind eye to the international effort for peace. The question of Palestine lies at the heart of the Middle East issue. It is a matter of international fairness and justice. As the Palestinian question is at a crucial historical juncture, the international community, the U.S. in particular, should uphold justice and fairness, take on responsibility, earnestly implement relevant U.N. resolutions, and make an active effort for the proper settlement of the question rather than do the opposite.

China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, the PA’s effective jurisdiction over all of Palestine’s territory, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and the comprehensive, just and lasting settlement to the Palestinian question on the basis of the two-State solution. China will continue to work with the international community to make relentless efforts for that.

China Daily: It’s reported that Kosovo recently arrested Igor Popović, Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija of the government of Serbia, and the French foreign ministry said in a statement that it hopes to “see Igor Popovic released as soon as possible.” What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: We follow the arrest of Mr. Igor Popović and noted the statements released by the French foreign ministry and the EU. We hope to see the safe release of Mr. Popović. China respects Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and believes that the security and lawful rights and interests of the Serbs in Kosovo should be safeguarded. We hope that parties will continue to engage in practical and constructive dialogue within the framework of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, actively seek a lasting solution to the Kosovo issue, and refrain from taking unilateral actions that may lead to tensions. 

Shenzhen TV: The Cyber Security Association of China today disclosed two cases of the U.S. government launching cyberattacks against China via countries including Germany, the ROK, Singapore, and the Netherlands. It is also revealed that state-level APT groups overseas launched over 600 cyberattacks on important Chinese agencies in 2024, infiltrating China’s key information infrastructure and information systems. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: We noted the report. It is the latest evidence of the U.S. government’s malicious cyberattacks on China, once again shows that the U.S. is the top cyber threat faced by China and exposes the U.S.’s hypocrisy on the issue of cybersecurity—claiming itself to be the victim while it’s the other way around. China will continue to do what is necessary to safeguard its cybersecurity.

We also noted that the U.S. used its allies in Europe and in China’ neighboring region to launch the cyberattacks. China always believes that cybersecurity is a common challenge faced by all countries and requires joint response through dialogue and cooperation.

Global Times: It’s reported that recently, Hugo Meza, Vice President of Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies, said publicly that Paraguay is wasting time with Taiwan, which China holds for a province. He has called for a national debate on developing relations with China on the basis of national interests. He said Paraguay should stop being a beggar country for cooperation with the Taiwan authorities. What’s China’s response?

Guo Jiakun: China noted relevant reports. We’ve heard similar voices more than once. Relevant statements reflect what many in Paraguay strongly want.

In recent years, more and more Paraguayan friends have come to realize that Paraguay should stop being an outlier of the international community and turning its back on China. We hope the Paraguayan government will listen to their voices and make the right choice that truly serves the fundamental and long-term interests of Paraguay and its people. We also welcome more Paraguayan friends to visit China and experience first-hand a thriving China and an open and inclusive Chinese civilization as it is. 

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on a large number of countries. What’s the Ministry’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China’s opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear. Tariff and trade wars have no winners. Protectionism is in no one’s interests.

The Associated Press: I want to ask about the reports that the U.S. has opened an FBI office in New Zealand and the remark by the FBI director that this could be a way to “counter China’s influence” in the region.

Guo Jiakun: We noted the reports and are shocked by relevant remarks. China believes that cooperation between countries should not target any third party. Seeking “absolute security” for a few in the name of “countering China” will not make the Asia-Pacific or the world safer. Relevant sides need to choose the course of action that is conducive to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation between countries, instead of the other way around.

AFP: In the executive order, Trump also announced a 40 percent tariff on goods rerouted to bypass tariff levies, which may affect Chinese exports. What’s the Ministry’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: I just answered relevant question. China remains of the view that tariff and trade wars have no winners. Protectionism harms the common interests of all countries.

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During the summer, there will be no MFA regular press conference from August 4 to 15 and the press conference resumes on August 18.

During this period, journalists may submit questions to the Spokesperson’s Office via fax, E-mail or WeChat. Notice on any special press briefing will be put on the website of the MFA International Press Center.

Wish all journalists a pleasant summer.