CGTN: Yesterday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, together with Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism, issued a joint communiqué on the China-Brazil Cultural Year 2026. Can you share more information and your comment on this?

Lin Jian: China and Brazil are a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. Celebrating the China-Brazil Cultural Year 2026 is an important common understanding between the two presidents as part of the effort to strengthen the building of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, and it is another major cultural and people-to-people exchange program following the successful series of cultural events marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil in 2024. A wide range of activities will be organized by both countries in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, music, and intangible cultural heritage. For more details, I’d refer you to the cultural authorities of the two countries.

Through marking the cultural year, China stands ready to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges with Brazil to enhance mutual understanding, build closer bond, and unleash the dynamism of the China-Brazil community with a shared future.

Global Times: At a press conference on Friday, Japan’s defense minister said maintaining discipline is crucial within the Self-Defense Forces, which are a powerful organization, and it was deeply regrettable that a Self-Defense Forces officer, who should be complying with the law and maintaining discipline, had been arrested for breaking into the Chinese embassy. Meanwhile, there have been reports from the Japanese media that the person had no intention to hurt others. Do you have any updates on the incident?

Lin Jian: There are now more details about the incident. The perpetrator is a lieutenant of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. He chose a time when the embassy staff were commuting to work, scaled the wall, broke into the embassy in clear violation of the law, carrying a 31cm sharp knife, and hid in the bush for a long time. We have to ask, who is he waiting for in hiding, and what did he intend to do? The Japanese side has not given any explanation about this by far.

When this incident was first known to the public, Japanese far-right forces tried to deny that the perpetrator is an SDF officer, but now the facts are crystal clear. It is far from sufficient that the Japanese side only expressed regret to the Chinese side. We once again urge the Japanese side to have a thorough investigation into the incident as soon as possible and fully account for it.

China News Service: On March 26, a British think tank and the China Development Institute in Shenzhen jointly issued the Global Financial Centres Index 39. Hong Kong’s overall rating increased further, maintaining third place globally and first place in Asia Pacific. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Lin Jian: We noted the report. It represents yet another vote of confidence from the international community in Hong Kong’s unique status and strengths and in the prospects of One Country, Two Systems.

Hong Kong is now at a new stage where it is set to thrive. Its status as a center in international finance, shipping, and trade has been consolidated. Hong Kong remains the world’s freest economy, ranks third in the world competitiveness ranking, and has leapt markedly to fourth globally and to first in Asia in the world talent ranking. In 2025, initial public offerings on the Hong Kong stock exchange increased two-fold year on year, beating all the other capital markets in the world. This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong SAR government is set to dovetail with the 15th Five-Year Plan, boost new quality productive forces based on local conditions, and accelerate high-quality development in economy and finance.

We believe that with the institutional safeguards of the One Country, Two Systems policy, the unique advantage of affinity to the motherland and connection to the world, and high-quality development underpinned by high-level security, Hong Kong will enjoy a brighter future.

AFP: Yesterday U.S. officials said that the chipmaker SMIC has been sending chip-making tools to Iran’s military. Does the foreign ministry have a comment on this?

Lin Jian: I’m not aware of what you mentioned. I would just like to say that lately we have seen certain media outlets churning out dubious news, which all turned out to be false upon verification.

CCTV: We’ve learned that recently, a Chinese postdoctoral scholar took own life a day after being subjected to hostile questioning by U.S. law enforcement personnel. What’s the Foreign Ministry’s comment?

Lin Jian: China is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking death and has protested to the U.S. China’s diplomatic missions swiftly got in touch with the researcher’s family and actively assisted them in handling relevant matters.

For some time now, the U.S. has overstretched the concept of national security for political manipulation and groundlessly interrogated and harassed Chinese scholars and students. These moves infringe on Chinese citizens’ legitimate and lawful rights and interests, poison the atmosphere of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the U.S., and create a serious chilling effect. China calls on the U.S. to carry out a full investigation, give the family of the victim and the Chinese side a responsible explanation, stop any discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese scholars and students in the U.S., and stop imposing wrongful convictions. China will continue to take what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese citizens’ legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

Folha de S.Paulo: Yesterday Brazilian President Lula during a visit to a factory in Brazil, where he referred to household spending on pets in Brazil, said that in China “they probably do not have this problem.” The comment drew attention. Does the Chinese side have any comment on President Lula’s remarks? How was the statement viewed?

Lin Jian: We have noted that President Lula stressed during the event that China is Brazil’s best partner and he’s confident that the partnership is thriving. I just shared with you some information about the 2026 China-Brazil Year of Culture. It will surely be a great opportunity for Brazilian journalist friends to conduct better news coverage in China to deepen mutual understanding and promote the friendship between our two peoples. I hope you will play a more active role in this cause.

AFP: The U.S. also said yesterday that China has been detaining Panama-flagged container ships. It said it was doing this to punish Panama after it canceled CK Hutchison’s contract to operate ports on the Panama Canal. Can you confirm this is happening and do you have a response?

Lin Jian: China’s position on issues related to the Panama Canal ports is clear. The U.S.’s repeated wrongful allegations only reveal its attempt to take control of the canal. For your specific question, I’d refer you to competent authorities.

Beijing Youth Daily: It’s reported that Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s new prime minister today. What’s China’s comment? 

Lin Jian: China expresses congratulations on that. As a traditional friend and neighbor, China always supports Nepal in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and in realizing solidarity, stability, development and prosperity. China stands ready to work with the new Nepalese government to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and advance the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.

AFP: The FBI has said that a man suspected of planting an explosive device at a military base in Florida earlier this month has fled to China. And I wondered if you had a comment on this? If I may just add a second question, I just wondered if you have any further information on Donald Trump’s expected visit to China? Is it going to take place on May 14 and 15?

Lin Jian: On your first question, I’m not aware of what you mentioned. On your second question, China and the U.S. remain in communication on President Trump’s visit to China.