Shenzhen TV: Hong Kong police announced on December 24 that it exercised the powers to specify seven wanted persons who absconded overseas as absconders, including Kwok Fung-yee, and put six persons engaging in destabilizing activities, including Lau Ka-man, who have absconded overseas and are suspected to have committed offences under the law on wanted list. A few countries have pointed fingers at this. What is China’s comment?

Mao Ning: We strongly deplore and firmly oppose individual countries blatantly attacking and vilifying the legitimate law enforcement activities of the Hong Kong police.

The persons you mentioned have absconded overseas and long engaged in destabilizing activities seeking to disrupt and undermine Hong Kong’s development and social stability. What they did gravely undermines national security and Hong Kong’s fundamental interests and has a serious impact on One Country, Two Systems which is a bottom line that must not be crossed. The Hong Kong police took law enforcement actions in accordance with the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. These are just acts that uphold the rule of law and meet people’s aspirations. They are necessary acts to defend China’s sovereignty and security and legitimate acts to uphold long-term stability in Hong Kong. They are also in line with international law and customary practice.

Let me reiterate that Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs and there is no place for foreign interference. Relevant countries need to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law and stop emboldening anti-China rioters. Spreading pessimistic or slanderous rhetoric against Hong Kong will end up nowhere and any attempt to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs under the pretext of human rights and freedom is doomed to fail.

AFP: Brazilian officials said on Tuesday that more than 160 Chinese workers have been saved from poor conditions in Brazil where they have been building an electric car factory for BYD. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this and comment on this?

Mao Ning: China’s embassy and consulates general in Brazil maintain communication with the Brazilian side to verify the situation and handle the issue properly. 

Let me stress that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the legitimate rights and interests of workers, and asks Chinese-invested companies to do business in accordance with laws and regulations.

Beijing Youth Daily: The organizing committee for the Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 has recently held a press conference and announced the shift to the Games operation mode from the planning stage. Harbin, the host city, set the Games as the topic of this year’s winter tourism, which has trended online again. It’s reported that the number of foreign tourists will rise by 20 percent year on year. What’s your comment?

Mao Ning: I also noted relevant reports. The Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 is another major comprehensive international sports event that China hosts after the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. It’s also another opportunity for Chinese and people elsewhere to deepen exchanges and enhance friendship. Harbin is among the top winter destinations in China. We welcome friends from other countries to visit Harbin, the city of ice, watch the athletes bring out their best, enjoy winter sports, and learn about a diverse China through the charm of ice and snow.