Yonhap News Agency: This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the DPRK and China, and the “DPRK-China Friendship Year” jointly announced by the two countries. In April this year, the opening ceremony of the “DPRK-China Friendship Year” was held in Pyongyang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji attended the event representing China. When will the closing ceremony of the “DPRK-China Friendship Year” be held?
Mao Ning: We will release timely information when it’s available.
Reuters: US President-elect Donald Trump has pledged big tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. Trump said that the US would impose an additional 10 percent tariff above any other additional tariffs on China on the reason that Beijing has not taken strong enough action to stop the flow of fentanyl crossing into the US from Mexico. Does the ministry have any comment?
Mao Ning: I just noted what you mentioned and we will respond to that later.
The Wall Street Journal: Following up on that previous question, I understand if you don’t have any comment yet specifically on the announcement, but could you confirm has China reached out to the Trump transition team to try to talk about this issue yet? And if so, is there any plans for talks before Donald Trump takes office in January?
Mao Ning: I have no information to share. Let me say more broadly that we are open to dialogue and communication.
The Paper: Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa is on a visit in China. The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said a few days ago that the two sides will take this visit as an opportunity to build an even closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific Island countries. We also noted that the Australia-based Lowy Institute issued a report recently, saying that China has regained its place as the Pacific Island region’s second-largest bilateral donor, with a more competitive, politically targeted model of aid engagement. Can you share more information on that?
Mao Ning: Samoa is one of the first Pacific Island countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China, and to sign the MOU on Belt and Road cooperation with China. China-Samoa cooperation has left its footprints everywhere in Samoa. The Faleolo International Airport, renovated with the support of a Chinese company, is one of the most modernized international airports in the South Pacific, and the China-aided government building, depicted on the new banknotes of Samoa, has become a popular spot for the locals to visit and take photos.
The friendly ties between China and Samoa epitomize China’s cooperation with Pacific Island countries. China develops its relations with Pacific Island countries under the principle of respecting the Pacific Island countries’ sovereignty and independence, and their will, cultural traditions and effort to seek strength through unity, and provide economic and technology aid with no political strings attached. We have rolled out close to 500 projects with various kinds of aid and concessional loans to help Pacific Island countries build roads, bridges, ports, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure, and trained over 10,000 professionals, bringing tangible benefits to the local people. China has made active effort to support Pacific Island countries in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, built new platforms according to their national conditions for climate response, agricultural cooperation, poverty alleviation and development, and kept exploring new areas for cooperation. We will continue carrying out all-round cooperation with Pacific Island countries on the basis of equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness to support Pacific Island countries’ development.
China Daily: In her morning press conference on November 22, Mexican President Sheinbaum said that the idea that Chinese products are entering the United States and Canada through Mexico is false. Mexican government will show to the US and Canadian governments that Chinese products are not entering the two countries through Mexico, and that they enter through all channels in terms of trade. She also noted that they have a plan with the aim of substituting these imports that come from China, and producing the majority of them in Mexico. What’s China’s comment?
Mao Ning: China noted President Sheinbaum’s remarks. China carries out trade cooperation with other countries in accordance with international rules and market principles, and mutual benefit is a defining feature of such cooperation. We always believe that politicizing economic issues serves no one’s interest.
China and Mexico are good friends that trust each other and good partners seeking common development. Imports from China have played an important role in boosting the development of Mexico’s manufacturing industry and improving its competitiveness in foreign trade, and brought about tangible benefit to the Mexican people. Maintaining steady and sound economic and trade ties meets the common aspirations of both China and Mexico and serves the long-term interests of all sides. China stands ready to work with Mexico to uphold the sound momentum of our bilateral trade and economic cooperation to boost the development of both countries.
Bloomberg: In his social media posts, Trump seemed to complain that China hadn’t done enough to stem the flow of fentanyl to the US. Would the ministry like to comment on this? Does China believe that it has done enough to stop the flow and done enough with the agreements made with the US on this?
Mao Ning: We’ve shared on multiple occasions what has been achieved in China-US counternarcotics cooperation. On your specific question, we will respond to that later.
AFP: Denmark said yesterday that it is in talks with China over a ship that may be linked to cutting of cables in the Baltic Sea. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm that the talks are happening and provide any update on the discussions?
Mao Ning: As I have learned, China maintains communication with relevant parties, including Denmark, through diplomatic channels.
Bloomberg: The EU is proposing that it’ll sanction several Chinese firms that it says helped Russian companies develop attack drones that were deployed against Ukraine. Would the ministry like to comment on this?
Mao Ning: China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. On the Ukraine issue, China is committed to promoting talks for peace. China has never provided weapons to parties to the conflict and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles, even drones for civilian use, and opposes using civilian drones for military purposes. The normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies do not target any third party, and should not be disrupted or interfered with by any third party. As we speak, most countries, including European countries and the US, carry out trade with Russia. We urge the EU to refrain from applying double standard and stop listing Chinese companies, smearing China and shifting the blame to China without providing any factual basis. China will do what is necessary to firmly defend the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.
AFP: In Myanmar, the rebel group, the TNLA, said yesterday that they are ready to reenter talks with Myanmar’s military junta to end the fighting there. Since China has previously brokered talks between the TNLA and the military, can you tell us if there are any new talks scheduled or if there’s been any progress towards talks?
Mao Ning: As a friendly neighbor, China has been paying close attention to what is happening in Myanmar and the situation in northern Myanmar. We firmly oppose wars and turbulence in Myanmar and sincerely hope that stability will be restored soon in the country. We have been urging all parties to the conflict in northern Myanmar to stop the fighting, resolve issues through dialogue and consultation, and jointly bring about a soft landing of the situation in northern Myanmar. China will continue to actively promote talks for peace and provide support and assistance to Myanmar’s peace process to the best of our capability.
