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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on February 22, 2022

2022-02-22 21:13:43

AFP: China has always supported the principle of non-interference and respect for state sovereignty. Has Russia’s recognition of “separatist regions” violated the sovereignty of Ukraine?

Wang Wenbin: This morning, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken upon invitation. State Councilor Wang Yi expounded China’s position on the Ukraine issue in the conversation.

China is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Ukraine. China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent. The legitimate security concerns of any country should be respected, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be jointly upheld. What has happened on the Ukraine issue has much to do with the long delay in the effective implementation of the Minsk-2 agreement. China will continue to engage all parties based on the merits of the matter itself. The situation in Ukraine is getting worse. China once again calls on all parties to exercise restraint, appreciate the importance of implementing the principle of indivisible security, and de-escalate the situation and resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation.

China Daily: During his visit to Africa at the beginning of 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China will appoint a special envoy for the Horn of Africa affairs. Do you have any update on that? 

Wang Wenbin: According to work arrangement, Mr. Xue Bing is appointed as the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Special Envoy Xue Bing is a veteran diplomat who served as the Ambassador to Papua New Guinea and was posted in various countries in Africa, the Americas and Oceania. 

As a common friend to countries in the Horn of Africa, China has always been committed to promoting peace, stability and development in the region. During his visit to Africa at the beginning of this year, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi put forth the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa, which is aimed at supporting regional countries in achieving lasting peace and security and embracing development and prosperity. China is ready to play a constructive role in this regard. 

The Special Envoy will establish work relationship with colleagues from relevant parties as soon as possible and maintain close communication and coordination on advancing the implementation of the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa.

Reuters: Does China recognize the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic as two new independent states?

Wang Wenbin: I just stated China’s position on the Ukraine issue. There is a complex historical context and complicated factors at play on this issue. China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear and remains unchanged. China maintains that disputes should be peacefully resolved in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. We call on relevant parties to exercise restraint, resolve differences through negotiation and avoid further escalation of tension. 

AFP: Does China believe that Russia’s latest actions violate the Minsk-2 protocol?

Wang Wenbin: China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent. We believe that all countries’ security interests should be respected and upheld. True security should be common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable.

The New York Times: Does China see any parallels between Russia’s assertion that Ukraine is not a separate state and Beijing’s assertion that Taiwan is a part of China?

Wang Wenbin: I just made clear China’s position on the Ukraine issue.

Since you mentioned the Taiwan question, I would like to stress that there is but one China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. This is an indisputable historical and legal fact. The one-China principle is a universally-recognized norm governing international relations. The Chinese people have the strong resolve, determination and capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

People’s Daily: According to reports, over the past few days, the Canadian police used pepper spray, stun grenades as well as batons to violently disperse “Freedom Convoy” demonstrators that had dominated downtown Ottawa. The Canadian government called the demonstrators “a threat to democracy”. Does China have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: I won’t comment on this as it is Canada’s domestic affair. But it reminds me of something. Back in 2019, when radical elements assaulted the police and wantonly disrupted public order in Hong Kong, the Canadian side asserted that it will “stand up loudly and clearly for human rights all around the world” and wantonly criticized, maligned and smeared the Hong Kong Police Force. Why the difference?

In the eyes of some people in Canada, similar protests and demonstrations should be referred to differently in different places. In Hong Kong, they are “human rights movement”, but in Canada they are “a threat to democracy”. Such stark double standard is unacceptable. Canada should seriously reflect upon itself.

RIA Novosti: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the other day that if Ukraine’s security is not guaranteed, it can pull out of the Budapest Memorandum. Does the Chinese side have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: We are closely following the latest developments in eastern Ukraine. We call on all sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through negotiation, and avoid continued escalation of the situation.

O Globo: Has China attempted to have coordination with the BRICS countries to have a common position on Ukraine? Secondly, last year’s summit of the BRICS countries stressed the importance of sovereign equality of all states and respect for their territorial integrity. How does that in China’s eyes apply to latest Russian movements in Ukraine?

Wang Wenbin: Respect for all countries’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is a basic norm governing international relations. It embodies the purposes of the UN Charter and should be complied with by all sides. This is also China’s consistent and principled position.

NHK: Also on Ukraine. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of two Ukrainian regions is inconsistent with the principles of the UN Charter. China has always said that it supports the UN-centered international system. Does China support Russia’s decision this time or not? 

Wang Wenbin: China will continue to communicate with all parties based on the merits of the matter itself and act accordingly. Our position on the Ukraine issue is consistent. All countries’ security interests should be respected and upheld. True security should be common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable.

We once again call on all sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through negotiation, and avoid continued escalation of the situation.

Dragon TV: In 2021, 61,000 foreign-funded enterprises were newly set up in China, up 23.3 percent year on year, and the tertiary industry accounted for 91.2 percent of those newly established foreign-invested enterprises. Do you have any comment on that?

Wang Wenbin: Against the backdrop of COVID-19 flare-ups and a struggling global economic recovery, China’s economy continues to recover and develop; its high-quality development has achieved new outcomes; its business environment continues to improve and the appeal of the super-large Chinese market becomes fully evident. Besides the significant growth of the number of the newly established foreign-funded enterprises you mentioned, foreign businesses in China also expressed readiness to expand investment in China. This is a vote of confidence cast for China’s economy, which fully indicates that the continuous improvement in China’s business environment has further strengthened foreign companies’ confidence in investing in China. China will unswervingly pursue high-quality development, deepen reform and opening-up, and foster a business environment that is based on market principles, governed by law and up to international standards. We will make the Chinese market a shared market for the world and for all, share China’s development opportunities with other countries, and make China’s contributions to promoting the recovery of world economy. 

Reuters: Is the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine operating at full capacity? Are all staff still working in the embassy? And if China has any other offices in Ukraine, is the situation likewise, all staff are present?

Wang Wenbin: With the major change in the situation in eastern Ukraine, the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine has released a consular notice to remind Chinese citizens and enterprises in the country to take stronger security precautions. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine will continue to stay in close contact with Chinese citizens and enterprises in Ukraine to provide them with timely consular protection and assistance, and earnestly protect their safety and legitimate rights and interests.

Market News International: If Western countries impose economic sanctions on Russia for what happened in Ukraine, how will China see those sanctions?

Wang Wenbin: We call on all sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through negotiation, and avoid continued escalation of the situation.

Hubei Media Group: On February 20, a ceremony was held in Cairo to mark the beginning of delivery of COVID-19 vaccines jointly donated by China and Egypt to the Gaza Strip of Palestine. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: A couple of days ago, China and Egypt jointly donated to the Gaza Strip of Palestine 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which come from a local production program of Chinese vaccines in Cairo. This is China’s latest effort to help Palestine combat COVID-19, develop the economy and improve people’s welfare. Earlier, the Chinese side has provided Palestine with assistance by various means including several batches of anti-epidemic supplies, vaccines and cash. Besides, China has also offered emergency donation and vaccine assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These steps have been highly appreciated with heartfelt thanks by the Palestinian government and people.

The Palestine question is at the core of the Middle East issue. China consistently and firmly supports Palestinian people’s just cause to restore legitimate national rights, supports strengthening the authority of the Palestinian National Authority, and supports various factions in Palestine in enhancing solidarity and realizing internal reconciliation. We call for a UN-led international peace conference participated by permanent members of the Security Council and stakeholders of the Middle East peace process. We encourage Palestine and Israel to resume peace talks on the basis of the two-state solution. China will continue to work tirelessly with the international community for the comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestine question at an early date and for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Reuters: The UK has decided to impose sanctions on Russia because it believes the invasion of Ukraine has already begun. When will China start pulling out its citizens from the country?

Wang Wenbin: As I said just now, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine will continue to stay in close contact with Chinese citizens and enterprises in Ukraine to provide them with timely consular protection and assistance and earnestly protect their safety and legitimate rights and interests.

O Globo: Regarding sanctions, is China ready to help Russia against sanctions?

Wang Wenbin: We call on all sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through negotiation, and avoid continued escalation of the situation.

AFP: Has there been any recent communication between China and Ukraine? And specifically, has Ukraine asked China to use its influence with Russia to prevent further incursions into its territory?

Wang Wenbin: I have already stated China’s position on the Ukraine issue.

Reuters: You spoke of how China hopes for a peaceful resolution. What’s China doing to help achieve such a peaceful resolution?

Wang Wenbin: China will continue to engage all parties and communicate with them based on the merits of the matter itself. We call on all sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through negotiation, and avoid continued escalation of the situation.

Reuters: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Australia’s military planes had a right to watch China’s navy vessels in its waters when they were put under threat by Chinese vessels. What’s your comment? And also, can you confirm that China did indeed direct a military-grade laser at an Australian aircraft?

Wang Wenbin: I elaborated on China’s position yesterday. The spokesperson of China’s Ministry of National Defense also spoke on the relevant situation already. The content in the Australian statement runs counter to facts and is pure disinformation. On February 17, an Australian P-8 anti-submarine maritime patrol aircraft conducted activities in the airspace near the Chinese fleet with the closest range of only 4 kilometers, and dropped sonobuoys near China’s vessel. In the whole process of the encounter with the Australian aircraft, the Chinese vessel operated in a safe, standard and professional manner and acted in accordance with international laws and international practice.

I want to stress that Australia has sent its reconnaissance planes to take provocative actions against China on many occasions. In November last year, Australia’s P-8 military aircraft intruded into China’s airspace over the Xisha Islands, which seriously undermined China’s sovereignty. We firmly oppose this, and urge the Australian side to reflect on itself, refrain from maliciously spreading disinformation and starting deliberate provocation.

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