Beijing Daily: On January 8, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf chaired the ninth China-AU Strategic Dialogue at the AU headquarters. Could you share more details? How does China view its current relations with the AU?

Mao Ning: The AU is a banner for Africa to seek strength through unity. China always develops relations with the AU from a strategic height and long-term perspective. The dialogue is an important strategic communication between China and the AU after the newly elected leadership of the AU Commission took office. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Africa relations, China-AU cooperation and international and regional issues of mutual interest, which deepened strategic mutual trust, enhanced mutual support, and consolidated solidarity and cooperation.

Both sides agreed that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and African leaders, China-Africa relations have grown by leaps and bounds and entered a new stage of jointly building the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Both sides agreed to continue firmly supporting each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns and to enhance communication, coordination and mutual support in respective major initiatives. The two sides will jointly uphold the international order based on international law and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South. The AU side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle and firm support for all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

We stand ready to work with the AU to implement the outcomes of the dialogue and continue to explore the full potential for practical cooperation between the two sides to deliver more tangibly for the Chinese and African people.

Reuters: U.S. President Donald Trump told The New York Times he would be “very unhappy” if China sought to change the status quo over Taiwan during his presidency, as analysts draw comparisons between the U.S.’s strike on Venezuela and what lessons China might take from it. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on President Trump’s remarks?

Mao Ning: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. How to resolve it is a matter for the Chinese ourselves and brooks no external interference.

The Paper: The launching ceremony of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was held yesterday at the AU Headquarters. Can you share more information of the event?

Mao Ning: Designating this year as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges is an important initiative agreed by President Xi Jinping and African leaders at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the launching ceremony, expressing the hope that through marking the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the two sides can carry forward traditional friendship, strengthen mutual learning among civilizations, expand people-to-people exchanges, especially among the youth, deepen exchanges of experience in governance and jointly advance modernization. Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the launching ceremony where he spoke highly of the achievements of China-Africa people-to-people exchanges and together with guests from the African side unveiled the logo of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Throughout the year, the two sides plan to hold nearly 600 people-to-people exchange activities under the theme of “Consolidate All-Weather Friendship, Pursue Shared Dream of Modernization,” in an effort to step up exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese and African civilizations and bring the two peoples closer.

China-Arab TV: Seven people were killed and over 50 were injured during Israel’s sudden air strikes against Gaza yesterday. What’s China’s comment on Israel’s violation of the ceasefire agreement?

Mao Ning: China is deeply concerned over the current situation in Gaza. We oppose any act that harms civilians and violates international law. China hopes that the ceasefire agreement will be effectively implemented in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis will be eased, and stability will be restored in the region as soon as possible. Relevant parties, Israel in particular, should exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.

NHK: Venezuela’s Acting President Rodríguez posted on social media that she met with the Chinese ambassador to Venezuela. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this event occurred and tell us what was discussed during the meeting?

Mao Ning: China attaches importance to its relations with Venezuela and maintains sound communication and cooperation with the Venezuelan government. China will continue to firmly support Venezuela in upholding its sovereignty, dignity, national security and lawful rights and interests. No matter what political changes may take place in Venezuela, it will not change China’s will of deepening practical cooperation in various fields with Venezuela and promoting common development.

AFP: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is visiting Japan next week for talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi right after his visit to China. So how does China view this visit and the South Korean President’s effort to expand cooperation with Japan, especially as China has taken measures against Japan like tightening trade restrictions and warning citizens against traveling there?

Mao Ning: ROK President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Japan is a matter between the ROK and Japan, and I have no comment on that. The interactions between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability.

NHK: Former Japanese ambassador to China Niwa Uichiro died. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: Mr. Niwa is a dear old friend of the Chinese people. He is a renowned Japanese entrepreneur, and the first person from the private sector to serve as Japan’s ambassador to China. He has worked actively to promote the improvement and development of China-Japan relations and the economic cooperation between the two countries, and devoted enormous effort to the friendship between the Chinese and Japanese people. China speaks highly of this. We express deep condolences over Mr. Niwa’s passing and extend heartfelt sympathies to his family.

DPA: According to German media reports, Co-chair of the AfD Tino Chrupalla started his visit to China on Monday. Before the visit, he said he would meet with high-level officials of the Chinese government. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm the meetings? Who would Tino Chrupalla meet? What is China’s position on its relations with the AfD?

Mao Ning: China and Germany have long been maintaining broad and in-depth exchanges in political, economic, cultural and other areas, which include interactions between legislatures and political parties. China stands ready to continue the constructive exchanges and cooperation with various sectors in Germany and work for sustained and in-depth development of China-Germany friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.