Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on November 22, 2021
外交部-新闻司
2021-11-22 21:36

MASTV: Recently, Chinese people in tens of thousands have closely followed the death of a Chinese student fatally shot by a thug in a robbery at the University of Chicago. The bereaved mother gave a heart-wrenching speech at the memorial saying that her "first trip abroad was not to attend her son's graduation ceremony or wedding, but his funeral. What a human tragedy!" What is the foreign ministry's comment on this?

Zhao Lijian: We are deeply shocked by the tragic death of the Chinese student and saddened by the loss of a young and innocent life. We express our deep condolences and sincere sympathy to the parents. We strongly condemn the thug's brutal acts. The Chinese government and Chinese embassies and consulates attach great importance to the safety of Chinese students overseas. We urge the US side to take concrete actions to thoroughly investigate the case and uphold justice to let the deceased rest in peace. The Chinese embassy and consulates in the US are providing consular assistance for the bereaved families.

Since the start of this year, malicious incidents including three deadly shootings against students have occurred in the University of Chicago. Two of the three victims were students from China. The repeated tragedies have a lot to do with gun violence long proliferating in the US. According to the latest data published on the Gun Violence Archive website, by November 21, up to 39,892 people died from gun violence in the US this year, making the year 2021 highly likely to record the gravest gun violence in the US for 20 years. Among the victims, as many as 1,345 are minors. Reports show after the shooting of the Chinese student, hundreds of students of the University of Chicago took to the street, shouting "We Are Here To Learn, Not To Die". Have US officials professing "freedom" and "human rights" heard these heart-breaking appeals? How will they respond? China asks the US government to take responsible measures to ensure the safety of all Chinese citizens in the US including Chinese students and protect them from malicious violent crimes, and anti-Asia and China-bashing acts.

Radio Television Hong Kong: Reports say the UK is discussing with other Five Eyes countries about whether to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics. What is China's comment?

Zhao Lijian: China has reiterated many times that the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games is a stage for all winter sports athletes around the world. It is them that should be in the spotlight. We firmly believe that, under the guidance of the Olympic spirit and with concerted efforts of all sides, we will deliver a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games for the world and promote the sound development of the international sports cause. China firmly opposes politicization of sports and all acts and words that violate the spirit of the Olympic Charter. Such hyping-up would only undermine the interests of athletes from different countries.

CCTV: Russian Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said the economic situation in Afghanistan is worsening with frozen financial assets by the US and lack of delivery of humanitarian assistance committed by the international community. China has said on multiple occasions that it has been providing support for Afghanistan's peace and reconstruction as well as economic development to the best of its abilities. Can you share with us recent help China has extended to Afghanistan?

Zhao Lijian: Freezing winter has arrived. The well-being of the Afghan people is a concern of the Chinese people. Just two days ago, a special freight train loaded with more than 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid supplies and daily necessities donated by China departed from Wuxi Railway Station in Xinjiang and will be delivered to Afghanistan by railway and road transport. It is the third special freight train from China's Xinjiang to Afghanistan. The supplies include cotton-padded clothes, cotton shoes, blankets, Nang (traditional flatbread in Xinjiang) and milk tea powder, all of which are urgently needed by the Afghan people during the winter.

As you mentioned, Afghanistan still faces grave economic situation at the moment. The international community should strengthen solidarity and cooperation, promptly lend a helping hand and support Afghanistan in improving people's livelihood. Unilateral sanctions, especially Afghanistan's frozen assets overseas, are collective punishment on all Afghans and are worsening the humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan. The frozen assets should be returned to the real owners as soon as possible instead of being used as a tool for threats and coercion. 

As Afghanistan's friendly neighbor and sincere friend, China has been providing Afghanistan with help for peace and reconstruction as well as economic development to the best of its abilities. To help the Afghan people overcome difficulties, China has donated large amounts of humanitarian supplies. China is following through on the 200 million yuan worth of emergency humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan, among which winter supplies have been delivered to Afghanistan. More than 5,000 tonnes of grains and 3 million doses of COVID vaccines will be shipped in batches. We will continue to heed the appeal and need of the Afghan people and play a bigger and constructive part in helping Afghanistan tide over difficulties. 

People's Daily: The permanent missions of China and Russia to the UN Office at Geneva co-hosted the "Webinar on Democracy & Human Rights: Common Goals with Diversified Approaches". Why did the two sides held this above-mentioned event at this particular time?

Zhao Lijian: This event was well attended by more than 130 people, including members of over 60 permanent missions to the UN Office at Geneva and representatives from NGOs, academia and media.

Many panelists said that the goal of democracy should be to meet the needs of the people, and promote national development and progress. The effectiveness of democracy should be gauged by results-based standards, and the key to judging the success of state governance is whether it can benefit the people. What is the point of elections, freedom of speech and personal rights if such elections fail to select leaders with outstanding competence, if the freedom of speech only leads to social division, and if millions of people die of the virus as a result of indiscriminate measures to protect so-called personal rights?

Many attendees believe that diversity is a reality of the world we live in. No one shall monopolize the right to define democracy. The international community should put an end to certain countries' monopoly over defining democracy and allow various forms of democracy to flourish. There is no such thing as a supreme model of democracy in the world. States should be free to choose the political systems and development path suited to their respective national conditions.

Some representatives also noted that a handful of countries are only concerned about whether a certain country meets the Western "democratic standards", but care nothing about whether the international system is democratic or not. This is unsustainable in an era of globalization. Some states pretending to be "bastions of democracy" and holding the Cold War mentality are drawing lines based on their own democratic standards. This will further deepen divisions between nations, which is totally undesirable.

As we said many times, unilateral sanctions, external military intervention and the imposition of democracy are harmful. Democracy is the right of people of all countries, not a patent held by a few countries. Democracy is a value shared by all mankind, not a tool used by a few countries to interfere in other countries' internal affairs. Whether a country is democratic or not should be judged by its people. This webinar shows that these viewpoints of the Chinese side have been recognized by more and more countries.

Xinhua News Agency: A recent report by well-known African pollster Afrobarometer shows that China ranks first in terms of external influence in Africa, with 63 percent of Africans saying the economic and political influence of China in their country is "somewhat positive" or "very positive", and 66 percent perceiving China's economic and political influence in Africa as positive. We also noticed that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized other countries' cooperation with African countries in a recent speech at the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). I wonder if you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: The figures you mentioned from the report are some examples illustrating the positive significance of China-Africa cooperation.

China-Africa cooperation is mutually-beneficial in nature and has been welcomed by African countries. Here are some examples. In terms of trade, China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 12 years in a row. In terms of infrastructure, Africa has become China's second largest market for overseas contract projects. At the request of local governments, Chinese enterprises have conducted a large number of infrastructure and livelihood projects. Since the founding of FOCAC, Chinese companies have built or upgraded more than 10,000 kilometers of railway and nearly 100,000 kilometers of highway, creating a total of over 4.5 million jobs. In terms of investment cooperation, the stock of Chinese direct investment in Africa has exceeded $43.4 billion, making China the fourth largest investor in Africa.

China has long been engaging in practical cooperation with African countries in various sectors guided by the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. At present, the African Continent faces the same task of conquering COVID-19 and realizing economic recovery. The people of African countries need sincere and true cooperative partners who will honor their commitment with pragmatic actions. China has no objection to the various means in which Africa's international development partners offer it support. China will support anything as long as the African people welcome it. We hold that countries, when interacting and cooperating with Africa, should all respect the African people's choice, listen to the voice of our African friends, and play a truly constructive role in Africa's economic recovery and development through more concrete actions benefiting the local people.

China is the African people's old friend, true friend and good friend. In conducting cooperation with Africa, we always proceed from the African people's welfare and the African side's needs and interests, and never attach any political strings. It is the sincere hope of the Chinese people that African countries will achieve development and grow stronger. We always support African countries in enhancing their capability for endogenous development, which has been widely recognized and commended by African countries. The eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference will be held soon in Senegal. China stands ready to build on the momentum and work for greater progress in forging a China-Africa community with a shared future.

The Paper: Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released information on November 19 that the IAEA will send a team of experts to Japan in mid-December to review the radiological characterization of the nuclear contaminated water from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, the safety-related aspects of the water discharge process, and the assessment of the radiological environmental impact. What does China expect from the IAEA review mission?

Zhao Lijian: China hopes that the IAEA technical working group will undertake their tasks conscientiously and follow the objective, just and science-based principle to conduct independent assessment, monitoring and verification before, during and after the disposal of the Fukushima nuclear contaminated water to ensure absolute safety. Japan should cooperate fully with the IAEA including by conducting thorough consultation on all possible means of disposal, and accepting monitoring and verification on data accuracy and efficiency of the means of disposal. China will keep following the progress of the technical working group, and hopes it will keep the international community and all stakeholders informed in a timely manner.

The disposal of the Fukushima nuclear contaminated water bears on global marine environment and public health. It is not Japan's private matter. The Japanese side should face up to international concerns and revoke its wrong decision to discharge the nuclear contaminated water into the sea. Unless it reaches consensus with stakeholders including neighboring countries and relevant international organizations through full consultation, the Japanese side mustn't wantonly start the ocean discharge.

Radio Television Hong Kong: The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that said it regrets China's decision to downgrade the diplomatic relations with Lithuania to the chargé d'affaires level. The Vice Foreign Minister noted in an interview that the "Representative Office" in Lithuania established by Taiwan does not have diplomatic status and that Lithuania hopes to normalize relations with China. What is your comment?

Zhao Lijian: Lithuania, in disregard of China's strong protest and repeated representations, allowed the Taiwan authorities to set up a "Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania". This act openly creates the false impression of "one China, one Taiwan" in the world, creating an egregious precedent. Lithuania blatantly renounces the political commitment made by Lithuania in the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, which is an erroneous act in bad faith. Given the fact that the political foundation for an ambassadorial-level diplomatic relationship has been damaged by Lithuania, the Chinese government, out of the need to safeguard national sovereignty and basic norms governing international relations, has no choice but to downgrade its diplomatic relations with Lithuania to the chargé d'affaires level. The Lithuanian government must bear all the ensuing consequences. 

The quibble that the representative office does not have diplomatic status by the Lithuanian side is purely cover-up. The Taiwan authorities claimed that the establishment of "Taiwanese Representative Office" in Lithuania is Taiwan's so-called "major diplomatic breakthrough" and so-called "major diplomatic outcome". This is a confession of the Taiwan authorities and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and a solid evidence for their "Taiwan independence" separatist acts. 

The Lithuanian side should immediately put right its mistake. It should not underestimate the Chinese people's strong resolve to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also have this stern warning for the Taiwan authorities that no matter how "Taiwan independence" forces try to misrepresent facts and confound black and white, the historical fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China cannot be changed. Attempts to seek foreign support for political manipulation will prove a dead end.

Finally, I want to stress that Lithuania has got to where it is today obviously at the instigation of certain major country, but what has been hurt is Lithuania's own interests. We call on other countries to act in light of their own fundamental interests and international justice, and refrain from being a pawn in senseless confrontation. 

Dragon TV: The White House released on its website information on November 19 showing that the US President has approved the memorandum on the proposed Agreement between the Government of the United States of America, the Government of Australia, and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information. The President also stated that the Agreement will make substantial and material contributions to the mutual defense and security and enhance trilateral security partnership among the three Parties known as "AUKUS". Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: China has expressed grave concern over the nuclear submarine cooperation between the US, the UK and Australia, which deliberately escalates regional tensions, stimulates arms race, threatens regional peace and stability, and undermines international nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Many countries have expressed serious concerns over the possible negative consequences of the cooperation. 

Under the current safeguards mechanism, the IAEA is unable to effectively monitor the nuclear power reactors and weapons-grade nuclear materials that the US and the UK are planning to provide to Australia, so as to ensure that relevant nuclear materials and technologies will not be used to develop nuclear weapons. Therefore, this move by the US, the UK and Australia will pose a huge risk of nuclear proliferation, clearly violate the object and purpose of the NPT and seriously impact the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

It is extremely irresponsible for the three countries to forge the so-called agreement on the exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information, advance nuclear submarine cooperation in disregard of international rules and opposition of parties. What information will the three countries share? Is it consistent with the respective international obligations of the three countries? Will it lead to nuclear proliferation? How can the three countries ensure that relevant nuclear materials and nuclear technology will not be used to develop nuclear weapons? How to prevent its wrongdoings from provoking others to follow suit? The three countries have the obligation to make clear explanations to the international community on these issues.

CGTN: On November 21, Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan signed a political agreement with former Transitional Government Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, reinstating the latter, who will form a cabinet of technocrats. Does the Chinese side have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: China welcomes the political agreement signed by relevant Sudanese parties. It is conducive to maintaining national solidarity, peace and stability in the country. China will continue to work together with the international community to provide positive energy for Sudan's efforts to advance the political transition.

Phoenix TV: A European Commission spokesperson said on November 21 that the EU does not regard the opening of a representative office from Taiwan in Lithuania as a breach of the EU's one-China policy. "We have made clear in contacts with China and in public statements that this is predominantly a bilateral matter between China and Lithuania, but also since the summer, the EU has stood by Lithuania in the face of sustained coercive measures from China", added the spokesperson. I wonder if China has any comment.

Zhao Lijian: The merits of the Taiwan-related issue concerning Lithuania are plain and clear. Lithuania, in disregard of the Chinese government's solemn position, the broader interests of bilateral ties and the basic norms governing international relations, has allowed the establishment in Lithuania of the "Representative Office" bearing the name of Taiwan. This act openly creates the false impression of "one China, one Taiwan" in the world and renounces the political commitment made by Lithuania in the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. This act in bad faith has created an egregious precedent internationally. The Lithuanian government must bear all the ensuing consequences.

The remarks by the EU side disregard facts and obviously run counter to the commitment it made to the People's Republic of China upon establishing diplomatic relations in 1975. Sir Christopher Soames, then vice-president of the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC), visited China in 1975. It was during this visit that China and the EEC agreed to establish official relations. On the Taiwan question, Sir Soames stated that "all the Member States of the Community recognized the government of China and had taken positions with regard to the Taiwan question acceptable to the People's Republic". He also confirmed that "the Community does not entertain any official relations with Taiwan or have any agreements with it". The EU side should honor its word instead of breaking faith.

We urge Lithuania and the EU to truly abide by the one-China principle and fulfill their political commitment on Taiwan-related matters with actions in good faith. Those who think they can use Taiwan as a handy card to undermine China's interests have completely miscalculated. Such acts can never change the fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China. They will only further strengthen the Chinese people's resolve to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity and realize the complete reunification of the motherland.

Hubei Media Group: Reports show that the Lithuanian military violently pushed away refugees stranded in the Lithuania-Belarus border area with dogs. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: We express grave concern over and strongly condemn the Lithuanian government's deployment of the military along with dogs to deal with the situation involving refugees. This fully exposes the shocking hypocrisy of "freedom" and "democracy" Lithuania and some other countries claim to champion. We strongly urge Lithuania to stop using violence and take effective measures to protect the human rights and fundamental rights of the refugees.

AFP: Will China sever diplomatic ties with Lithuania?

Zhao Lijian: I just stated China's principled position on relations with Lithuania. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement and informed the Lithuanian side that bilateral diplomatic relations have been downgraded to the chargé d'affaires level. According to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomatic relations can be categorized based on three classes of heads of mission, namely, ambassadors or nuncios; envoys, ministers and internuncios; chargés d'affaires. China has fully demonstrated its solemn position with its decision. We will take all necessary measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity and safeguard core interests. 

What we should all be watching for next is whether Lithuania intends to go further down the wrong path to the point of no return or to mend its ways before it's too late.

China Review News: Kidnapping of Chinese citizens has reportedly happened in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nigeria recently. Can you share more information?

Zhao Lijian: In the early morning of November 21 local time, the site of a mining company in South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was attacked by a group of "unknown" gunmen. One police died and five Chinese nationals were kidnapped. Upon learning the incident, the Foreign Ministry assigned the Chinese embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to trigger the contingency mechanism at the first instance, urgently contact competent authorities of the DRC to spare no efforts to rescue and ensure the safety of the hostages, and ask the company to relocate eight other Chinese citizens at the site to safe areas. On November 19 local time, three Chinese citizens were kidnapped by armed robbers at a private Chinese company in Kogi State, Nigeria. An armed guard police at the site was injured. A task force formed by Nigeria is carrying out the rescue.

Since the beginning of this year, kidnapping of Chinese citizens in the DRC and Nigeria happens from time to time, raising the security risk. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassies and consulates have issued multiple warnings to Chinese citizens, dissuading them from traveling to regions of high risks for the time being, and advised companies and personnel in high-risk areas to relocate or evacuate as soon as possible. Here, we would once again remind Chinese businesses and citizens abroad to closely follow security risks in countries concerned and safety alerts issued by the Foreign Ministry and embassies and consulates concerned. Chinese citizens should voluntarily touch base with the embassy and consulate, better protect themselves and step up contingency preparations. To those who are in regions of high risks, please relocate or evacuate as soon as possible.

Global Times: In response to the Chinese Embassy to Australia's remarks regarding Australia's nuclear-powered submarine deal, Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton on November 19 called Chinese official's remarks provocative, silly and funny. Do you have any comment on that?

Zhao Lijian: Mr. Dutton's remarks are extremely absurd and irresponsible. As a senior official of the Australian government, he is obsessed with the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices. Driven by selfish political gains, he has repeatedly made provocations, sensational and astonishing statements on China-related issues. He wouldn't scruple to hijack Australia onto the chariot in confrontation with China. His real intention has been exposed to all.

For a while, some Australian politicians have been hyping up "China threat", wantonly criticizing and attacking China, provoking tension and inciting confrontation and making all sorts of trouble. On issues relating to Taiwan, they grossly interfere in China's domestic affairs and bolster and embolden "Taiwan independence" forces. Its nuclear submarine cooperation with the US and the UK undermines international nuclear non-proliferation efforts, aggravates arms race, and has caused grave concern among regional countries. Such acts run counter to the trend for peace, development and cooperation in today's world and is detrimental to Australia's own interests and its international image.

Certain Australian politicians should discard the Cold War mentality and ideological bias and not to erect any "imaginary enemy" when it's completely uncalled for. If they attempt to pocket selfish political gains by singing the anti-China tune, they will end up shooting themselves in the foot and becoming a laughing stock in the world.

CNA: China and ASEAN held a special commemorative summit today, but this took place with no representative from Myanmar. Could you share more on the reasons for this?

Zhao Lijian: This morning, the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations was successfully held and was attended by leaders of China and ASEAN countries. China already released a readout. With joint efforts of all ASEAN countries including Myanmar, the meeting produced fruitful outcomes and has become a key milestone in the development of China-ASEAN relations. Myanmar is an important member of the ASEAN family. China always supports ASEAN's solidarity, supports ASEAN in implementing the five-point consensus on Myanmar, and stands ready to work with ASEAN to jointly strive for new progress of China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership.

Reuters: On the summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations, the President of the Philippines mentioned a recent altercation between Chinese and Philippines vessels in the South China Sea, and said problems can only be settled under the rule of law. The Philippine side also referred to the Award in the South China Sea Arbitration, noting that the arbitral tribunal found China's maritime claims have no legal basis. Does China have any comment on this? 

Zhao Lijian: China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are supported by a solid historical and jurisprudential basis. The so-called South China Sea arbitration and ruling are illegal, null and void. All attempts at challenging China's sovereignty and interests are doomed to fail. The relevant sea areas in the South China Sea are in general tranquil. China and the Philippines are maintaining close communication. 

CCTV: US media revealed that US forces had an airstrike on an ISIS pocket in Baghuz, Syria in March 2019, which killed at least 64 civilians, including women and children. But the US forces deliberately covered up the case. After investigation for several months, the media revealed that the US military drone hunting for military targets saw a large crowd of women and children huddled against a river bank, and, without warning, dropped a total of 2500 pounds of bomb in two strikes against the crowd. But US forces downplayed the death toll, delayed the report and bulldozed the blast site. What is China's comment?

Zhao Lijian: Syrian lives matter. The brutality and bloodiness of the US moves is outrageous. What angers people even more is that, as reported by US media, the US had never publicly admitted civilian casualties caused by airstrikes in Baghuz, Syria. For almost three years, US forces have been deliberately and systematically hiding the incident. It was not until media raised suspicion over the description of the attack that US forces were forced to admit civilian deaths. In the "assessment reports", the US military still described the incidents as "errors" and "mistakes" instead of taking responsibility for what had happened. What the US did amounts to utter disregard for human life. 

The revelation about the Baghuz airstrike is only a tip of the iceberg of US belligerence across the world for years. Not long ago, US troops carried out a counterterrorist airstrike at a civilian residence in Afghanistan, which killed ten civilians, including two-year-old toddlers. In the shocking incident that happened in the Iraqi city of Haditha in 2005, the US military indiscriminately shot and killed 24 Iraqi civilians, including the elderly, women and children, following the killing of one US soldier. 

Over the past two decades, military operations the US carried out in the name of counterterrorism in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan killed over 800,000 people, including about 335,000 civilians. But the US military and government have been hiding facts about civilian deaths killed by US troops time and again. Is this the US so-called efforts "to promote democracy, protect human rights and defend international justice"? The US side should seriously look into these grave humanitarian crimes and hold people concerned accountable to offer a responsible explanation to the people of victim countries and the international community.

AFP: A report from the Financial Times wrote that China conducted hypersonic weapon test in August this year, and that this weapon could fire a missile while flying. What is China's comment?

Zhao Lijian: I have answered similar questions before. As we understand, this was a routine test of spacecraft to verify the technology of spacecraft's reusability. After separating from the spacecraft before its return, the supporting devices will burn up when it's falling through the atmosphere. 

Associated Press of Pakistan: In Pakistan, around 95 percent of the work of the first hydropower project under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been completed. It can provide three billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy to around five million people each year. Do you have any comment on that?

Zhao Lijian: On November 20, the Karot hydropower project, the first of its kind under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), successfully closed the gates of the diversion tunnels, starting reservoir impoundment. I would like to extend congratulations. While working in the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, I paid many visits to the Karot hydropower project. Now around 95 percent of the project has been completed. Once put into operation, the hydropower project is expected to generate some 3.2 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, reducing 3.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. It will not only provide stable and affordable energy and help optimize Pakistan's energy supply structure, but will also help the country on its way to realize sustainable development.

CPEC is a flagship project of the BRI, and energy cooperation is an integral part of it. China stands ready to work with the Pakistani side to implement our leaders' important consensus on jointly building a high-quality CPEC, deepen cooperation in various sectors including energy, continuously release the project's positive effect on growth and livelihood, and turn it into a demonstration project of high-quality BRI development.

Radio Television Hong Kong: According to Japanese media, this year's trilateral summit meeting among China, the ROK and Japan may be canceled again. What is China's comment?

Zhao Lijian: China, Japan and the ROK are close neighbors and important partners for development. China-Japan-ROK cooperation meets the common interests of the three parties and is conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of Northeast Asia. China attaches great importance to China-Japan-ROK cooperation, and is in communication with the ROK and Japan on the trilateral cooperation agenda.