China-Arab TV: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government has come to an end and a new government is about to set up. What is China’s comment on the current situation in Syria? Will China establish contact with the new government?

Mao Ning: China is closely following the situation in Syria and hopes that relevant parties will bear in mind the fundamental interest of the Syrian people and find as soon as possible a political settlement that will restore stability in Syria.

Anadolu Agency: I think it seems President Bashar al-Assad’s family’s rule in Syria alongside Baath Party’s 61-year-old rule has ended after a 13-year civil war in which tens of thousands of Syrians were killed and millions of them were displaced. What does China think about recent developments in Syria and how do you see the future of the country?

Mao Ning: The future of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people. We hope relevant parties will find a political settlement to restore stability and order in Syria for the long-term and fundamental interest of the Syrian people.

CCTV: As far as I know, Premier Li Qiang held the “1+10” Dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations today. Could you share more information with us on that?

Mao Ning: This morning, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang held the “1+10” Dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations and they had an in-depth exchange of views under the theme of “Building Consensus on Development to Promote Global Common Prosperity.” Over the years, Chinese leaders have held the dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations on a regular basis, which has played a positive role in strengthening communication and exchanges, jointly promoting world economic growth and improving global economic governance.

In a world struggling to find drivers for growth, economic globalization and multilateralism now face challenges and uncertainties are rising. At the 19th G20 Summit, President Xi Jinping pointed out that countries should make global development more inclusive, beneficial to all, and more resilient and build a just world of common development.  

China is a staunch champion of economic globalization and multilateralism and remains committed to promoting global economic recovery and fostering new drivers of growth. While sharing development dividends with and providing stable quality products to the rest of the world, China has become a big market for the world and a big opportunity for global development. 

The underlying logic for a stronger Chinese economy remains unchanged and its guiding principle of benefiting the world also remains unchanged. Through its steady development, China will continue to provide more certainty and predictability for the world economy.

AFP: Taiwan’s ministry of defense said today it detected Chinese warships and coast guard vessels in waters surrounding Taiwan and said that the People’s Liberation Army has restricted the airspace off the Chinese coast. What is China’s comment? Is China conducting military drills around Taiwan?

Mao Ning: First of all, there is no such thing as “Taiwan’s ministry of defense.” Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. China will firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China-Arab TV: It’s said that Israel during the unrest in Syria seized the Golan Heights and launched airstrike against facilities in Damascus. What’s China’s comment? 

Mao Ning: China is closely following the situation in Syria. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria should be respected.

Anadolu Agency: China was one of the friendly countries with the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad. And why do you think this quick fall of the regime happened? Why do you think the situation unraveled like that? What do you think about this?

Mao Ning: China’s friendly relations with Syria are for all Syrian people. We hope stability will return as soon as possible. 

AFP: Just to clarify, has China been in contact with Bashar al-Assad?

Mao Ning: We are closely following the situation in Syria and hope that stability will return as soon as possible, and relevant parties will find a political settlement that will restore stability and order in Syria.

AFP: Regarding South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol who last week declared and reversed martial law spurring huge protests in the streets of Seoul, leaving the political future of South Korea unclear. How will the unrest in South Korea affect relations between China and South Korea?

Mao Ning: I’ll not comment on the ROK’s internal affairs. On China-ROK relations, China’s position is consistent.

Anadolu Agency: There were political commentators who said the Syrian regime fell because they lost the support of Russia and Iran. What do you think about this comment?

Mao Ning: I just shared China’s position on the situation in Syria. I will not comment on individuals’ views.