CCTV: Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing had a group meeting with African diplomatic envoys in China to jointly commemorate Africa Day. Ambassadors from African countries noted China always stands with Africa, and they expressed hope for China-Africa solidarity and common prosperity. How does China view the current China-Africa relations? What’s China’s expectation for China-Africa cooperation?
Mao Ning: To jointly celebrate Africa Day is an annual tradition between China and Africa. This year’s theme is “China-Africa Solidarity for a Better Future.”
Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a group meeting with diplomatic envoys from over 50 African countries and representatives of the African Union in China. Foreign Minister Wang stressed that enhancing solidarity and cooperation with Africa will remain a priority in China’s diplomacy. China will continue to support African countries—and vice versa—on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, do more to deliver tangible benefits for African people, and be Africa’s most sincere friend and reliable partner.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of FOCAC. The relationship between China and Africa has experienced leapfrog development and is at its best in history. At the FOCAC Beijing summit last September, President Xi Jinping made six propositions on modernization and proposed ten partnership actions that China and Africa can pursue together. This has laid out a new blueprint and injected fresh impetus into the high-quality cooperation between the two sides. In about two weeks, the ministerial coordinators’ meeting on the implementation of FOCAC outcomes will be held in Changsha, Hunan. We hope that this meeting will further boost our effort to implement the common understandings reached by the leaders of both sides and accelerate modernization in both China and Africa.
Bloomberg: Regarding the Port of Darwin, an American private equity firm is preparing a bid for the strategically important Port of Darwin in Australia, which is currently owned by the Chinese firm Landbridge Group. This is according to the Australian newspaper. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this new development regarding the Port of Darwin?
Mao Ning: The Chinese company got the lease of Port Darwin through market means. The company’s lawful rights and interests should be fully protected.
China Daily: The 20th Western China International Fair is being held in Chengdu. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 20th Western China International Fair. The theme of the Fair is “Deepen Reform for More Momentum, Expand Openness for Greater Growth”, attracting the participation of over 3,000 companies from over 60 countries and regions. Guests from abroad said it is hoped that the Western China International Fair can be the channel for enhancing communication and cooperation with China and other countries and regions, so as to achieve win-win cooperation. What’s China’s take on the role of the Fair in China’s opening up?
Mao Ning: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Western China International Fair and also the 25th anniversary of China’s implementation of the strategy for large-scale development of China’s western regions. Over the past 25 years, especially in the new era, China has opened its door wider to the world, and the western regions have turned from the “fullback” to the “forward” of opening up, continuously bursting forth with new vitality in technological innovation and fully demonstrating new prospects in green development. In this process, the WCIF has played a significant role as a vital window in promoting trade, investment, and opening up in China's western regions, becoming a “shining brand” showcasing the development of western China to the world.
Just as President Xi pointed out in his letter, unity fosters shared success and cooperation drives common progress. We are willing to take the fair as an opportunity to further enhance understanding, strengthen friendship, and deepen cooperation with friends from all countries, and work together to uphold the multilateral trading system and ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, injecting new impetus into the prosperity and development of the world economy.
Reuters: The Ukrainian foreign intelligence chief said they have confirmed information that China is supplying a range of important products to 20 Russian military plants. The supplies include special chemical products, gunpowder and components specifically to defense manufacturing industries. Is this accurate? How does the Ministry comment on this?
Mao Ning: China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. We’ve been committed to bringing about a ceasefire and promoting talks for peace. China has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and strictly controls dual-use items. Ukraine understands that well. China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation.
Kyodo News: Yesterday, the Japan Coast Guard confirmed a Chinese maritime research ship appeared in Japan’s exclusive economic zone around Okinotorishima. The Japanese side told it to stop its activities. What’s China’s comment? What’s the purpose of this vessel sailing in the waters?
Mao Ning: According to UNCLOS, Okinotori is a reef, not an island. As such, it is not entitled to an EEZ or continental shelf. Japan’s claim of an EEZ around the reef violates international law. China’s research vessel was exercising the freedom of the high seas with regard to its activities in the waters, and Japan has no right to interfere.
AFP: According to a report by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, developing nations face enormous financial strain as debt payments to China reached record highs this year. The report also raised that China could seek to use developing nations’ debts as a “geopolitical leverage.” Does the Foreign Ministry wish to comment on how China’s shift from a major lender to a major debt collector might impact its relationship with developing nations?
Mao Ning: I do not know the basis of the report. But I can tell you that China’s cooperation on investment and financing with developing countries follows international practice, market principles, and the principle of debt sustainability. A handful of countries are spreading the narrative that China is responsible for these countries’ debt. However, they ignore the fact that multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors from developed countries are the main creditors of developing countries and the primary source of debt repayment pressure. Lies cannot cover truth and people can tell right from wrong.
