Bloomberg: It’s reported that the U.S. Ambassador to NATO said that a call from China could end the Ukraine crisis and that “this war is being completely enabled by China.” What’s China’s response?

Lin Jian: China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is China a party to it. We stand on the side of peace and dialogue and promote the political settlement of the crisis. China’s objective and just stance is widely recognized by the international community. The so-called “enabling the war” is nothing but a groundless accusation.

Reuters: President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed at a White House meeting that the U.S. would work to reduce Iran’s oil exports to China, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials briefed on the issue. What’s China’s comment? How does China view its energy trade with Iran?

Lin Jian: Countries’ normal cooperation under the framework of international law is legitimate and lawful, and should be respected and protected.

AFP: The European Commission has opened an investigation into Shein over its sales of dolls that are harmful to youngsters. Does the Foreign Ministry have a response to this?

Lin Jian: I’m not aware of the specifics that you mentioned. Let me say more broadly that the Chinese government asks Chinese companies overseas to abide by local laws and regulations, and actively fulfill their corporate responsibilities. China also hopes that relevant party will provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment to companies worldwide and avoid sapping their confidence in investing in Europe.

AFP: It’s reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. would have a new envoy to promote the protection of Tibetans living in China. What is the Foreign Ministry’s response to this?

Lin Jian: The Chinese government’s stance on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. Xizang affairs are China’s internal affairs and brook no external interference. To have a so-called “new envoy to promote the protection of Tibetans living in China” constitutes an interference in China’s internal affairs. China never recognizes it. The U.S. should honor its commitments made to China on Xizang-related issues and stop using these issues to interfere in China’s internal affairs. 

Kyodo News: Sanae Takaichi, president of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, was elected as the country’s 105th prime minister. What’s the Foreign Ministry’s comment? What’s China’s expectation on the prospects of China-Japan relations? (Similar questions from Nikkei, TBS, and NHK)

Lin Jian: Relevant elections are Japan’s internal affairs. We once again urge the Japanese side to do soul-searching, correct its wrongdoings, abide by the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and its own commitments, and take concrete actions to demonstrate the necessary sincerity to uphold the political foundation of China-Japan relations.

Yonhap News Agency: It’s reported that recently the number of Chinese fishing boats illegally operating in waters of the ROK has increased and the Korea Coast Guard plans to raise the fine to five times the current level. What’s China’s stance?

Lin Jian: China noted that. The Chinese government always asks Chinese fishermen to operate in accordance with laws and regulations. Meanwhile, China firmly protects their lawful rights and interests. China and the ROK have established mechanism of dialogue and communication on fisheries issues. China stands ready to step up communication and cooperation with the ROK to jointly safeguard the order of fisheries at sea.

TASS: On February 19, during the first meeting of the Board of Peace, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he expects that Russia and China will participate in the process of stabilizing the situation in the Gaza Strip in accordance with Washington’s plan. In China’s view, what role can the Board of Peace play? Is that true that China and Russia need to maintain close coordination on Gaza?

Lin Jian: The Chinese side has previously answered questions concerning the Board of Peace and has nothing to add.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, China has stated its position on multiple occasions. Relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the principle of the “Palestinians governing Palestine” should be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza, and any arrangements for the future of Gaza need to respect the will of the Palestinian people and dovetail with the two-State solution. China will, as always, play its role as a responsible major country, and continue to work with the international community to make relentless effort for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question at an early date.

Fuji TV: In her policy speech, Sanae Takaichi said it is the consistent policy of her cabinet to fully advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit with China and build a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship; China is an important neighboring country, and since there are various outstanding issues and challenges between the two countries, the Japanese side will continue to communicate with China and take calm and appropriate responses. What is China’s comment?

Lin Jian: China has stated its just position more than once. True communication is built on the basis of respecting each other and honoring the agreements made. If the Japanese side truly wants to develop the strategic relationship of mutual benefit with China, it needs to retract Takaichi’s erroneous remarks on Taiwan, abide by the four political documents between China and Japan and its own commitments, and take concrete actions to demonstrate necessary sincerity for upholding the political foundation of China-Japan relations.