CCTV: We noted that China extended condolences and provided disaster relief assistance to Myanmar right after the country was stricken by an earthquake. Could you share more information?
Guo Jiakun: China is closely following the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar. President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing, expressing deep condolences over the loss of lives and sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones, those who are injured and people in the quake zone.
Immediately after the earthquake, China launched an emergency response with an all-out rescue and consular protection operation. A rescue and medical team from Yunnan Province arrived in Myanmar within 18 hours — the first international rescue team to arrive on the scene. Working with local rescuers, the team successfully pulled a survivor from under the rubble. The China Search and Rescue Team (CSAR), the China International Search and Rescue Team (CISAR), a rescue team sent by the Hong Kong SAR and the International Emergency Rescue Team of the Red Cross Society of China traveled to Myanmar overnight. Non-governmental rescue groups from China are also arriving in Myanmar. As we speak, around 400 Chinese experts, rescuers and medical workers are working against the clock on the ground. They have rescued six survivors so far. China has announced 100 million yuan worth of emergency humanitarian aid and urgently needed supplies including tents, first-aid kits, food and drinking water to Myanmar. The first shipment of aid has already arrived. The Red Cross Society of China delivered the relief supplies.
A merciless disaster can bring out the best of humanity. China, in the spirit of “pauk-phaw” friendship, will continue to stand with Myanmar and work closely with the country as it emerges from the disaster. The Chinese teams will do everything they can to fully seize the 72-hour golden window for search and rescue, treat the injured and deliver the aid supplies to the people in need. We believe that with the support of the international community, the government and people of Myanmar will stand together, and recover from the disaster and rebuild better.
Reuters: Is the Foreign Ministry able to provide an update on the number of Chinese nationals and businesses affected by the Myanmar earthquake? What does the death and injury toll stand at now?
Guo Jiakun: So far, it has been found that one Chinese national was killed and 15 injured in the massive earthquake in Myanmar. The Chinese embassy and consulate-general in Myanmar are assisting the family of the deceased in their handling of related matters. Chinese diplomatic missions in Myanmar will continue to do everything we can to assist Chinese nationals who are injured or affected by the disaster.
China Daily: We noted that President Xi Jinping met with representatives of the international business community last week, which received high attention and triggered heated discussion. Recently chief executives of foreign businesses have attended events such as the China Development Forum and the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and had in-depth discussion with people of various sectors in China. Some say that China is rolling out a charm offensive to foreign investors and will bring “warmth” to the world economy. What is China’s comment?
Guo Jiakun: Foreign businesses can benefit from China’s development and vice versa, and together we can create a win-win future. China is committed to deepening reform and advancing high-standard opening up. With an enormous market, stable policy outlook and a sound development environment, China is a favored choice for foreign investment. In the first two months of this year, China’s economy has rebounded notably, continuing to unleash the potential of the world’s second largest consumer market and foster new quality productive forces at a faster pace. From putting forward 20 new measures for stabilizing foreign investment to proposing to roll out more policies in the Report on the Work of the Government, China has kept lowering the threshold of market access, aligning with high standards, upgrading efforts to attract foreign investment, and fostering a sound environment, so as to share growth opportunities of our mega-size market with the world. Foreign investment is now found in 20 industrial categories and 115 major sectors in China. A total of 1.24 million companies have been set up and close to USD 3 trillion has been invested by foreign investors.
As President Xi Jinping noted, embracing China is embracing opportunities, believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future. We welcome more foreign businesses to cultivate the Chinese market, share in China’s development opportunities and jointly create a better future.
Reuters: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth describes “warrior country” Japan as “indispensable for tackling Chinese aggression” on Sunday. Does the Chinese Foreign Ministry have any comment on his remarks?
Guo Jiakun: China always believes that military and security cooperation between the U.S. and Japan should not target any third country, or endanger regional peace and development. By calling China a “threat” and using it as a pretext, the U.S. has been instigating ideological antagonism, stoking division and confrontation, and even inciting certain countries to be the cannon fodder of U.S. supremacy. Regional countries need to stay on high alert and guard against such practice. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War. Japan in particular needs to learn from history and be prudent in military and security areas.
The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese ourselves that no one can interfere. We urge certain people in the U.S. to give up the illusion of “using Taiwan to contain China”, abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués with concrete actions, and honor the commitment made by the U.S. on Taiwan-related issues. Japan committed aggression against Taiwan and exercised colonial rule over the island. It bears serious historical responsibilities to the Chinese people. Japan should abide by the principles of the four political documents between China and Japan, act prudently on the Taiwan question, and refrain from sending wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.
AFP: Three Chinese citizens went missing over the weekend off the coast of Ghana after their vessel came under a suspected pirate attack, according to the Ghanaian military. Has China been in touch with Ghanaian authorities regarding this incident and does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have an update on the whereabouts of the three Chinese sailors?
Guo Jiakun: After learning about the incident, our embassy in Ghana immediately activated emergency response mechanism and has been in close contact with Ghana since then. The crew members are physically safe now. China will work with Ghana to earnestly protect the safety and security of Chinese nationals and institutions in Ghana.
The Australian: Right now there is a Chinese research vessel on the south of the Australian coast. It has caused a bit of controversy in Australia today. There are some Australian defense analysts who say that this Chinese scientific ship also can be used for dual purposes, so it could give information to the PLA navy, for example. And the Australian Prime Minister was asked about the ship today and what the Australian government was doing. He said the Australian government is monitoring the ship and that he would prefer it wasn’t there. But he said that it’s not breaching any international law. So I wanted to know what do you think of the Australian reaction to the ship?
Guo Jiakun: I’d refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. Let me say more broadly that China carries out normal activities at sea in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. We hope Australia will have a right understanding of this and stop the groundless suspicion and speculations.
Shenzhen TV: According to reports, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said it will review CK Hutchison’s planned ports sale to BlackRock. What’s your response?
Guo Jiakun: We noted relevant reports. The State Administration for Market Regulation said it has noted the deal and will review it in accordance with the law to ensure fair market competition and protect public interests.
Let me stress again that China firmly opposes using economic coercion and bullying to harm other countries’ legitimate rights and interests.
The Australian: Just following up on that question about the boat. One of the reasons it’s got a lot of attention is because the Australian election is about to begin. I wonder does the Chinese government take into account elections in Australia when ships like this, scientific vessels or maybe future PLA navy ships, come. Australia’s elections are gonna be on May 3. Do you think there will be more ships coming around Australia ahead of that date?
Guo Jiakun: I just answered your question. Let me stress again that China carries out normal maritime activities in relevant waters in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. At the same time, China always upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs.
Reuters: Are you able to confirm whether the Chinese leader will visit three countries in Southeast Asia in the middle of April?
Guo Jiakun: I have nothing to read out at the moment.
Reuters: U.S. President Trump said yesterday he might consider putting secondary tariffs on any country who buys Russian oil. China is a major purchaser. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this statement?
Guo Jiakun: China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. We always believe that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis. Cooperation between China and Russia does not target any third party and will not be affected by any factor from any third party.
The Australian: Another question on trade. It’s some new research by an economics professor at Peking University that found last year in the WTO, almost half of all the cases were against China. Quite a number were from developed countries like Europe and Japan, but lots and lots, the most ever, were also from developing countries like India, Türkiye, Pakistan, Brazil. Some say it’s evidence of a clear stress that China’s huge exports are putting on the rest of the world’s economies. So the problems are not just ones America is having with China, but the whole world is having. I wonder what are your responses.
Guo Jiakun: The WTO is an international organization based on rules. China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core and build an open world economy. Let me also stress that the formation of the landscape of world trade also needs full market competition. We stand that relevant trade disputes should be settled through the dispute settlement mechanism in the WTO and in accordance with WTO rules.
