Dragon TV: Recently President Xi Jinping put forth the Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The full text of the initiative was officially released by China at the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit. Can you share some comment on that?
Lin Jian: The Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative, released by China, puts forward constructive approaches to the governance on cross-border data flow, which is of concern to all parties, makes clear China’s stance and position in advancing global cross-border data flow cooperation, advocates the principles of openness, inclusiveness, security, cooperation and non-discrimination, advances the building of an open and mutually beneficial landscape of international cross-border data flow cooperation, and promotes efficient, smooth and secure cross-border data flow. This is another important initiative on data that China issued after the release of the Global Initiative on Data Security. The initiative outlines the core message of President Xi Jinping’s philosophy of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace and demonstrates China’s firm resolve to coordinate development and security, improve digital governance and practice multilateralism.
Data security is a global issue that needs to be addressed through the joint discussion by the international community. China stands ready to conduct and deepen exchanges and cooperation on cross-border data flow with other parties on the basis of the initiative, and we welcome support from all parties for this initiative.
Reuters: Pakistan has plans for a new military offensive against separatist insurgents in southwestern Balochistan province, where many key Belt and Road projects are. Will China be involved in this military operation with Pakistan?
Lin Jian: I’m not aware of what you mentioned. Let me say broadly that China firmly supports Pakistan’s effort of fighting terrorism and stands ready to deepen practical cooperation with Pakistan in various fields to deliver more benefit to the two countries and the two peoples.
CCTV: Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand. We noted that Thailand hosted an event to unveil the theme for this occasion, which was attended and addressed by Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Could you share China’s considerations for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and expectations for the bilateral relations going forward?
Lin Jian: China and Thailand are close and friendly neighbors. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties almost half a century ago, the two countries have always treated each other with sincerity, supported each other and pursued joint development. Despite the changing international landscape, China and Thailand continue to be as close as one family, setting a fine example of amity and common development. Under the strategic guidance of leaders of the two countries, the building of the China-Thailand community with a shared future has continued to make new progress. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The two leaders reached important common understandings on advancing the building a China-Thailand community with a shared future going forward and jointly announced the decision to make the year 2025, which marks the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, “the Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship”. They also agreed to organize a series of commemorative events so as to make China-Thailand friendship more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. The two sides also launched the slogan “China and Thailand, One Heart, One Community, Shared Future” in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Taking the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties as an opportunity, China stands ready to work with Thailand to earnestly deliver on the important common understandings of our leaders, ensure the success of celebration activities including the enshrinement of the Buddha tooth relic and a concert celebrating our ties as close as one family and deepen cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, connectivity, sci-tech innovation and culture and education, and strive for more fruitful outcomes in our enduring friendship in the next five decades to come.
Bloomberg: Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung met with Belgian lawmakers and European Parliament members in Brussels on Tuesday as he starts a week-long trip in Europe. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?
Lin Jian: I’d like to correct you first: Taiwan is a province of China, and there is no such thing as “Taiwan’s foreign minister.” The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests. The one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community and the political bedrock of China-EU relations. China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between its Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China. The EU should abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official interaction with the Taiwan authorities, and stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. Our message to the Taiwan authorities: Attempts to create “one China, one Taiwan” or “two Chinas”, and advance “Taiwan independence” agenda will lead nowhere.
AFP: China’s President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Brazil today and will meet Brazilian President Lula. What are your expectations for this meeting?
Lin Jian: China and Brazil are the biggest developing country respectively in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The two countries are both important emerging markets and comprehensive strategic partners. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic relations. Over the past half century, amid the changing international landscape, the two countries have maintained sound and steady development of bilateral ties, achieved fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation in various areas, and set an example of developing countries pursuing common development in solidarity and cooperation. The overall, strategic and global significance of the bilateral relations has continued to improve. In April last year, President of Brazil Lula da Silva paid a successful state visit to China, and the two presidents reached a number of important common understandings on guiding and opening up new prospects of China-Brazil relations in the new era.
This is President Xi Jinping’s second visit to Brazil in five years. President Xi Jinping will have talks with President Lula da Silva for an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. He will also attend state events, including the welcoming ceremony, the signing ceremony of cooperation documents, the joint meeting with the press, and the welcoming banquet. We believe President Xi Jinping’s visit will further consolidate political mutual trust, improve the strategic significance, innovative nature and leading role of the bilateral relations, enhance synergy between the two countries’ development strategies, deepen strategic communication and coordination on global hotspot issues, and jointly open up the next golden 50 years of China-Brazil relations.
RIA Novosti: On November 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order approving the updated version of Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence. The document points out that Russia sees nuclear weapons as a means of deterrence, noting their use is an extreme and compelled measure. On the same day, Russia’s Defense Ministry in a statement confirmed Ukraine’s use of the US-made Army Tactical Missile system (ATACMS). All six missiles were intercepted by Russian air defense systems and their fragments fell into a military facility in Bryansk Oblast. What is China’s comment on this?
Lin Jian: We noted the reports. Under the current situation, all relevant parties need to remain calm and restrained and jointly seek deescalation and lower strategic risks through dialogue and consultation. On the Ukraine issue, China’s position is consistent and clear. Let me stress that China calls for all parties to deescalate the situation and strive for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. This position remains unchanged. China will continue to play a constructive role to this end.
AFP: Jimmy Lai is taking the witness stand in Hong Kong today. Just yesterday, parliamentarians and foreign affairs experts from certain countries signed an open letter expressing concern about his incarceration. How will China respond to that? And does China expect a fair trial?
Lin Jian: Hong Kong upholds the rule of law. To abide by the law and bring lawbreakers to justice is a basic principle. No one should be allowed to use “freedom” as a pretext to engage in unlawful activities and escape justice. Jimmy Lai is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong. He is an agent and henchman of those hostile to China. The Hong Kong SAR government safeguards national security in accordance with the Basic Law and the National Security Law of Hong Kong. This is lawful, legitimate and beyond reproach. Hong Kong judicial authorities independently exercise their judicial power in accordance with the law. The procedures are fair and just, and the trials are open and transparent. The Central Government firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR in safeguarding national security and punishing all acts that undermine national security in accordance with the law, and firmly opposes certain countries using the case to interfere in China’s internal affairs and smear and undermine Hong Kong’s rule of law.
