Bloomberg: Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on the short-lived imposition of martial law in South Korea? How might it affect ties between China and South Korea going forward? Are there any security implications on the Korean peninsula or in the Asia Pacific region in general? (similar questions from AFP, Reuters, DPA, News 1 Korea, CNN, NHK and so on) 

Lin Jian: China noted relevant events and will not comment on the ROK’s domestic affairs. China has asked its nationals in the ROK to take extra safety precautions. We hope the ROK will take effective measures to protect the safety and security of Chinese nationals and institutions in the ROK.

China’s position on the Korean Peninsula issue remains unchanged.

AFP: The Philippines said that the China Coast Guard fired water cannon at a Philippine vessel. Do you have any comment?

Lin Jian: Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory. The Philippines sent Coast Guard and official vessels there and tried to intrude into China’s territorial sea surrounding Huangyan Dao. In response, China did what was necessary to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law. The measures are justified, lawful, professional and restrained. China calls on the Philippines to stop those infringement activities and provocations at once and not to challenge China’s firm resolve to defend our lawful rights and interests.

China Daily: On December 4 Beijing time, the Electoral Commission of Namibia released the results of the presidential and National Assembly elections. The presidential candidate of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah won the election with 57.31 percent of votes and will become the first female president of Namibia since the country gained independence. What’s China’s comment? 

Lin Jian: China is glad to see the successful presidential and National Assembly elections in Namibia and extends congratulations to the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) and President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. China deeply values its relations with Namibia. Next year will mark the 35th anniversary of China-Namibia diplomatic relations. China stands ready to work with Namibia to implement the outcomes of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing and thereby advance the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, so as to produce more good results from our practical cooperation and deliver more benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

AFP: The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) said last night that it has begun a ceasefire and that “under the mediation of China we are willing to engage in peace talks with the Myanmar army.” Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment about whether China is ready to mediate peace talks between the Myanmar military and the MNDAA, and if so, could you give details on when and where these might happen?

Lin Jian: China commends the recent positive remarks of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. China is closely watching the developments in northern Myanmar, and has been urging relevant parties of Myanmar to engage in dialogue and consultation, stop the fighting as soon as possible, settle differences through peaceful means, and avoid escalation. In particular, they should not endanger the security and safety of China’s border areas, Chinese people living in the border areas and Chinese projects, companies and personnel in Myanmar. We will continue to do what we can to assist and support the peace process in northern Myanmar.