Beijing, 11 February 2022 (TDI): China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian held a regular press conference in Beijing and answered the questions asked by international media.
Spokesperson’s remarks on Beijing Olympics Winter Games
In a question asked by CCTV about his comments related to the Beijing Olympics Winter Games and China’s responsible role appreciated by leaders of many countries and heads of international organizations to promote humanity’s solidarity and friendship with a slogan of shared future in a new era, Lijian said China is accomplishing its commitment of hosting an advance, safe and impressive Olympic Games.
Many political leaders of the world have expressed that Beijing 2022 stands as a bright example of the Olympic spirit of “togetherness”. The successful opening of Beijing 2022 during COVID-19 is the result of China’s strong organizational capabilities.
He shared about some leaders such as the IOC President Thomas Bach, President Abdulla Shahid of the United Nations General Assembly, King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov of Turkmenistan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE, Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan appreciated China’s successful efforts for hosting Olympics Winter Games 2022. He wished all athletes to win the competition and realize their dreams in Beijing.
Remarks on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement
A question by Bloomberg about US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement about China’s aggressive attitude both at home and in the region and his concerns over a conflict in the indo-pacific region was answered by Lijian as a political lie by the US politician and China strongly condemns it.
Remraks on US Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to Fiji
The Shenzhen TV asked about US Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to Fiji on February 12, and that can the relations between China and Pacific island countries pushed back by Blinken’s visit.
Lijian replied that this will be the first visit of a US Secretary of state to Fiji in 37 years while more than 20 Chinese leaders and senior officials have visited Fiji since 1985 with strategic partnership and friendship between China and Pacific island countries. China is committed to building a community with a shared future with Pacific island countries.
Remraks on Australian media accusations
Reuters asked about Australian media accusing Chinese spies to fund opposition Labor Party in an upcoming federal election. Zhao Lijian replied that these media reports are not true and that even people in Australia have criticized this fake news.
He reaffirmed that China is committed to developing relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
Political repercussions of AUKUS
The Hubei Media Group asked about China’s comment on a Spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) who confirmed in an interview that the Department has been complaining Canberra and Vienna to work on the response to the legal, regulatory, and political repercussions of AUKUS and the nuclear-powered submarine cooperation.
The three countries involved have reiterated their respective commitment to non-proliferation. Lijian answered that China has expressed its deep concern and strong opposition to nuclear-powered submarine cooperation under the AUKUS framework announced by the US, the UK, and Australia on multiple occasions.
He said that China has suggested that the IAEA make a special committee that is open to all member states to seek a solution acceptable to all parties.
Attack on Chinese student in South Korea
The Phoenix TV asked about China’s response to an incident of a Chinese student studying in the ‘Republic of Korea’ (ROK) who was attacked by ROK citizens.
Lijian updated that the Chinese Consulate General in Busan, RoK, has contacted the Chinese student to know the details and provide active assistance.
Remarks on Quad Alliance
While answering the AFP’s question regarding the US, Australia, Japan, and India’s deepening their Quad alliance, Lijian said China believes that the so-called Quad group was patched together by the US, Japan, India, and Australia is a tool for besieging China to maintain US hegemony. It aims to stoke confrontation and undermine international solidarity and cooperation.
Remarks on Japan Russia regional issue
Beijing Youth Daily asked about China’s comment on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida seeking persistent consultations with Russia to resolve the regional issue.
The newly-appointed US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel emphasized that the US supports Japan on the regional issue while the Russian Foreign Ministry immediately criticized the US statement on the issue of the southern Kuril Islands.
Zhao Lijian said that the issue of the southern Kuril Islands is a bilateral issue between Russia and Japan that should be resolved by the two sides.
Remarks on Taiwan
Phoenix TV again asked two questions about a phone conversation between Taiwan’s politician Tsai Ing-wen and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to thank Abe and the Japanese government for supporting Taiwan.
Lijian replied that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. He said China firmly opposes official interaction in any form between countries having diplomatic ties with China and Taiwan.
Remarks on Sado Island Issue
The second question was about, the ROK President expressing regret over Japan’s bid to have a group of gold mines on Sado Island registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
On the second question, Lijian said that Japan should learn from history, adopt an honest and responsible attitude, and take concrete actions to properly handle issues left over from history and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.
Remarks on Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Interview
The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) asked about China’s comment on Prime Minister Imran Khan who in an interview with the Director of the Advisory Committee of China Institute of Fudan University, said that the Belt and Road Initiative can help Pakistan lift its people out of poverty.
He also said that CPEC and Gwadar are a great opportunity for Pakistan’s geo-economy which should also be extended to other countries for investment. Lijian replied that China appreciates Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks.
As an important pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) supports the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. China is ready to work with Pakistan to strengthen CPEC’s development and make it a memorable program of high-quality development under the BRI.
He said that China and Pakistan welcome all countries and international organizations that support the BRI and CPEC for mutually beneficial cooperation with China and Pakistan.
Remarks on US Secretary of State’s statement about China’s trade sanctions on Australia
Beijing Daily asked about China’s response to US Secretary of State Blinken’s statement about China’s trade sanctions on Australia. Lijian answered that China always proceeds from the lawful rights and interests of domestic industries and the safety of consumers and adopts appropriate measures on imported products in strict compliance with Chinese laws and regulations as well as WTO rules. Read More here.
