CCTV: It was reported that China provided humanitarian supplies to Gaza again recently. Can you share more information? What is your view on the second phase of negotiations on Gaza?

Guo Jiakun: As Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed at the U.N. headquarters in New York, the Gaza conflict should not be sidelined and requires adequate international attention. China believes that the pressing priority is to encourage parties involved to implement the ceasefire agreement in a continued and effective manner and advance the following negotiations with a constructive attitude. It is important to uphold the principle of “the Palestinians governing Palestine” in the post-conflict governance of Gaza and let the Palestinian people rebuild their homes on their own territory. In the long run, the ultimate solution to the Palestinian question lies in returning to the right track of the two-State solution and realizing the peaceful coexistence and common development of Palestine and Israel.

Meanwhile, the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza also needs greater and continuous attention and support from the international community. Recently, the Chinese government has provided Gaza with humanitarian emergency aid, consisting of 60,000 food parcels, which will be transported from Jordan. The initial shipment, which includes about 12,000 food parcels, was sent out. As a responsible major country, China will continue to work with the international community to make relentless efforts for the deescalation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the lasting peace and security in the Middle East.

AFP: Viet Nam’s Parliament today approved plans for a US$8 billion railway link from its largest northern port city to the border with China, potentially boosting links between the two countries and making trade easier. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this project?

Guo Jiakun: Since last year, China and Viet Nam have exchanged views on multiple occasions on enhancing railway connectivity between the two countries. The two sides agreed to accelerate the feasibility study of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong standard gauge railway, speed up the plan compilation of the Dong Dang-Hanoi standard gauge railway and the Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong standard gauge railway, and advance the work of building a standard gauge railway connection point between Hekou (China) and Lao Cai (Viet Nam). For anything specific, I’d refer you to competent authorities.

Reuters: Barque Canada Reef in the Spratly Islands that China claims as part of its territory has been occupied by Viet Nam since the 1980s. A study showed that Viet Nam is engaging in reclamation there. So our question is, is the possibility of China taking control of this reef becoming less and less likely?

Guo Jiakun: Nansha Qundao has always been part of China’s territory. Bai Jiao is part of Nansha Qundao. China opposes relevant countries’ construction activities on islands and reefs they have illegally occupied.

Shenzhen TV: It’s reported that Malaysian Prime Minister Yab Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim said recently that China has been ASEAN’s most significant economic partner, and this relationship will continue to be a cornerstone of regional stability. Malaysia will promote greater cooperation between ASEAN and China and drive sustainable growth. He also said that to handle and solve the South China Sea disputes, the Code of Conduct negotiations should be concluded sooner rather than later. What’s your comment?

Guo Jiakun: We noted relevant reports. Under the strategic guidance of leaders of China and ASEAN countries, the vision of building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future is well received and great progress has been made in building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home. China and ASEAN have been each other’s largest trading partners for years running. Our negotiations with ASEAN to upgrade to free trade area 3.0 have been substantially concluded. The visa-free arrangement between China and other countries, including Malaysia, has produced remarkable results, and the “Lancang-Mekong visa” policy was officially launched. China and Malaysia have always been the key players in upholding peace in the Asia-Pacific and promoting development there.

China supports Malaysia in assuming the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN. We stand ready to work with Malaysia to bring about more bright spots in China-ASEAN cooperation in economy and trade, digital transformation, industrial and supply chains, green development, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, among other fields, strive for coordinated advances in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the three global initiatives, and ASEAN community building in a mutually reinforcing way, and help regional cooperation produce more outcomes.

What China takes away from growing its relations with ASEAN countries is to properly handle and solve differences through the Asian Way of friendly consultation. China stays committed to resolving the relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation with the states directly concerned in the South China Sea. We stand ready to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC), strive to conclude the COC at an early date, and jointly keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable.

Bloomberg: Donald Trump Junior, the son of the President of the U.S., wrote a commentary yesterday, I think, pushing for Elbridge Colby to be confirmed in the position of Defense Department. And in that, he said Colby believed that “we must focus our military” on China, but at the same time, “the American people would benefit most from a balance of power with China that avoids war.” Does the Ministry have any comment first on Donald Trump Junior’s comments about “the U.S. military should focus on China,” but also in this call for a new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region?

Guo Jiakun: On the China-U.S. relations, China’s position is consistent and clear. We stand ready to work with the U.S. to address each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation under the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. In the meanwhile, we will firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope the U.S. will work with China in the same direction, jointly implement the important common understandings between the two presidents, and promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of the bilateral relations.

Bloomberg: The FT reported earlier today that three Chinese warships are sailing about 150 miles off the east coast of Australia and that puts them within the Australian exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Last year, when an Australian warship sailed through China’s EEZ and the Taiwan Strait, China called that a violation of Chinese sovereignty. Do you see the Chinese ships being within the same area that the Australian ship was in last year as a violation of Australia’s sovereignty?

Guo Jiakun: I’m not familiar with what you mentioned. I’d refer you to the competent Chinese authorities for relevant question.