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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on January 22, 2025
2025-01-22 22:26

People’s Daily: The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 is being held in Davos, Switzerland. The WEF is an important platform for discussions of global economic issues. Could you share with us China’s propositions?

Mao Ning: Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang delivered a special address at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. He shared four observations: first, jointly promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization; second, jointly uphold and practice true multilateralism; third, jointly foster new drivers and strengths for global economic development; fourth, jointly tackle major global challenges such as climate change, food security and energy security.

Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang stressed that economic globalization is an inherent requirement for the development of productive forces, and an inevitable result of technological advancement. It is not a “you-lose-I-win” zero-sum game, but a universally beneficial process where all can benefit and win together. Protectionism leads nowhere. Trade war has no winners. It’s important to tackle the development challenges with universal benefit, and pool strengths with inclusive cooperation, so as to usher in a new phase of economic globalization that is more dynamic, more inclusive and more sustainable. We need to find a win-win and all-win solution, one that is based on mutually beneficial cooperation, and not only make the pie of economic globalization bigger, but also distribute it better.

Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang gave an overview of China’s economy. He shared three major trends that characterize the Chinese economy: first, high-quality development is making solid progress; second, green and low-carbon transition is accelerating across the board; third, reform and opening up is moving up to a higher level. China will further intensify macro policies, continue high-quality development, effectively pursue higher-quality economic growth and appropriately increase economic output, and inject strong and sustained impetus to global economic development. 

China News Service: Last week, the US Department of Treasury announced sanctions against relevant Chinese company and citizen that were involved with Salt Typhoon’s cyberattack. What’s China’s response?

Mao Ning: China opposes the accusations made by the Biden administration without any convincing evidence and their abuse of sanctions against China. In fact, the US has conducted large-scale and systemic cyberattacks on China for years. We have made very clear our concerns and opposition on this for many times.

When it comes to cyber issues, China and the US are countries with big influence. The two sides share similar concerns on safeguarding cybersecurity, especially the security of key infrastructure. It’s important for the two countries to follow the principle of equality and mutual respect, frankly discuss issues of respective concerns on the basis of fact and evidence, observe the same international rules, and jointly keep the cyberspace peaceful and stable. The US needs to stop abusing sanctions.

TASS: On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said that he will levy tariffs on Chinese exports to the US, with an expected start date of February 1. What is China’s comment?

Mao Ning: We have made clear China’s position on this issue multiple times. We believe that there’s no winner in a trade or tariff war, and we will firmly uphold our national interests.

Global Times: The Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation said they arrested a Chinese national and two Filipinos suspected of conducting espionage operations. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Romero Brawner Jr. said the “Chinese spy” was found near the US military bases in the Philippines, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said they would ensure an airtight case against the Chinese spy to uphold the Philippines’ sovereignty and security. What’s China’s response?

Mao Ning: The Chinese government, as always, asks Chinese nationals overseas to abide by local laws and regulations. We hope the Philippines will stick to the fact, stop shadow-chasing, stop peddling the so-called “Chinese spy,” and earnestly protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals in the Philippines.

Kyodo News: It was reported that foreign ministers of Quad met in Washington on January 21 to exchange views on issues including China’s attempt to change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. What is your comment on this?

Mao Ning: China believes that cooperation between countries should not target any third party. Engaging in group politics and bloc confrontation will not bring lasting peace and security, and is not conducive to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and the world as a whole. China’s activities in relevant waters are lawful, legitimate and completely justified. We hope that relevant parties will do more things that help enhance mutual trust and cooperation between countries.

The New York Times: Has China changed the Chinese name that it uses for Secretary of State Rubio? If so, does that have a bearing on whether or not he’s covered by China’s sanctions?