At the invitation of the government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, President Xi Jinping’s Special Envoy and Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli will attend the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt on November 1.

Shenzhen TV: It was reported that, according to the latest poll in Paraguay this month, 58.3 percent of Paraguayans believe that establishing diplomatic ties with China is very important, and 29.8 percent believe it is important. The two combined accounts for nearly 90 percent of the respondents. Several Paraguayan MPs urged the Paraguayan government to establish diplomatic relations with China and sever the so-called “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan authorities. What is China’s comment on it?

Guo Jiakun: We noted the reports. In recent years, we have heard time and again the strong call of people from various sectors in Paraguay to develop relations with China. The poll once again demonstrates the keen desire of the Paraguayan people for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Paraguay.

We would like to stress again that China’s reunification is unstoppable. Maintaining so-called “diplomatic relations” with the Taiwan authorities does not serve the fundamental and long-term interests of Paraguay and its people, and also goes against the prevailing consensus of the international community on upholding the one-China principle. We urge the Paraguayan government to heed the call of its people, embark on the right course as early as possible, come to the right side of history, and make the right decision to recognize the one-China principle and sever so-called “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan authorities.

AFP: Following his meeting with Chinese president earlier today in Busan, South Korea, Donald Trump said he would visit China in April of next year. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this as well as a possible timeline for Chinese leader to visit the United States next year at Trump’s invitation?

Guo Jiakun: Regarding the meeting between the Chinese and U.S. heads of state, China has released a readout which you may refer to. The two presidents agreed to maintain interactions on a regular basis. President Trump looks forward to visiting China early next year, and invited President Xi to visit the United States.

JoongAng Ilbo: ROK and U.S. leaders discussed nuclear-powered submarines when they met yesterday, and President Trump said today he will give approval to build it in the Hanwha shipyard in Philadelphia. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China noted the developments. China hopes that the ROK and the U.S. will earnestly fulfill their nuclear non-proliferation obligations, and do what is conducive to regional peace and stability, not otherwise. 

Reuters: The U.S. has said that China has agreed not to implement its proposed rare earths controls. Could you give us more details about what was agreed? Will China just be pausing the new rules that were implemented in October or were the controls introduced in April also included in the recent deal?

Guo Jiakun: You may refer to China’s readout on the meeting between the two presidents. President Xi Jinping noted during the meeting that the two teams had an in-depth exchange of views on important economic and trade issues, and reached consensus on solving various issues. They should work out and finalize the follow-up steps as soon as possible, and ensure that the common understandings are effectively upheld and implemented.

RIA Novosti: U.S. President Donald Trump has said he has ordered nuclear weapons tests to be conducted “on equal basis” with other countries that allegedly have nuclear testing programs. He added that the United States has the largest nuclear arsenal now, but China can catch up with the U.S. in five years. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China hopes that the U.S. will earnestly abide by its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and its commitment to a “moratorium on nuclear testing”, and take concrete actions to uphold the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, as well as global strategic balance and stability.

Bloomberg: It’s reported that the G7 nations are set to announce a critical minerals production alliance to counter China’s dominance of the market. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Guo Jiakun: China took steps to standardize and improve the export control system. This is consistent with international practice and aimed at better upholding world peace and regional stability and performing non-proliferation and other international obligations. We urge the G7 to earnestly observe the principles of market economy and international trade rules, stop disrupting the international trade order with the self-made rules of a group, and jointly work for a stable global economy.

RIA Novosti: U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier that the U.S. and Russia are discussing denuclearization and if the two sides make any progress on the issue, China could be added to the discussion. What’s your comment?

Guo Jiakun: On the issue of nuclear disarmament, China’s position is consistent and clear.