People’s Daily: It is reported that the Home Ministry of India made a statement in which it claimed that the standardized names of 28 places have been identified and marked on the official map after the consultation with the local government of Ladakh. Some press mentioned that some of the places lie in the disputed region under China’s actual control. What is China’s comment?
Mao Ning: China has never recognized the so-called “Union Territory of Ladakh” unilaterally and illegally established by India, and firmly opposes the so-called “standardized names” publicized by India. This move by India is illegal and void and does not change the fact that the western sector of the China-India boundary belongs to China.
The Paper: It is reported that at a ceremony held by the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry and the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park to launch Chinese-backed mining downstream projects, President Prabowo thanked Chinese investors for the partnership and trust, and emphasized that the Indonesian government considers those who believe in Indonesia, those who dare to collaborate in new areas with Indonesia, as brothers and sisters. Indonesia will protect its partners as brothers. What’s China comment?
Mao Ning: China appreciates the remarks made by the Indonesian leadership. Over the years, China and Indonesia have deepened mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, mining and other areas by drawing on each other’s strengths, which have brought tangible benefits to our two countries and peoples. The success of Chinese companies in Indonesia is Indonesia’s success too. China will work with Indonesia to follow through the strategic common understanding of the two presidents and continue to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in relevant fields, so as to better support Indonesia in transforming its resource advantages into momentum for development and contribute to Indonesia’s prosperity. We are confident that the Indonesian government will continue to protect Chinese companies’ legitimate rights and interests and provide an open, fair, transparent and friendly business environment.
AFP: The International Monetary Fund lowered its forecasts for China’s economic growth this year to 4.5% on Tuesday. This comes as higher energy prices due to the Middle East conflict and a domestic spending slump weigh on activity. I wonder if the foreign ministry has a comment on the IMF’s assessment and forecast?
Mao Ning: I’d refer you to competent authorities. Let me say that the fundamentals sustaining China’s sound economic growth in the long run remain unchanged, and we are confident in China’s economic prospect.
CCTV: Following the moving reunion of Ms. Yin Yuzhen and her American friend Mr. Ronald Sakolsky who worked together to combat desertification, which touched many people in both China and the United States. Recently, we have also read about an American named David Victor Plymire and his connection to Huangyuan County, Qinghai Province. His story has gained a lot of attention as well. Can you share more information on that?
Mao Ning: People-to-people friendship between China and the United States is jointly forged by ordinary people from both countries. The 95-year-old Mr. Plymire you mentioned lived in Huangyuan County, Qinghai Province for 17 years, and regards the place as his hometown. Mr. Plymire has helped donate medical equipment to Huangyuan County, provided financial aid for local education, and facilitated training opportunities in the U.S. for the county’s English teachers. He once humbly said that all he has done is simply “fulfilling my duty to my own family.” His story has touched many people.
People-to-people friendship holds the key to state-to-state relations. The exchanges between the Chinese and American people are like small streams that ultimately converge to form the vast river of China-U.S. friendship. China will continue to support people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and contribute to building a constructive relationship of strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness and reciprocity.
Reuters: The U.S. embassy in Fiji said on Monday that hackers linked to China compromised a regional organization’s network based in Fiji. Does China have any comment on that?
Mao Ning: I’m not familiar with the specifics. Let me say that China firmly opposes and combats hacking activities in accordance with the law. That said, we reject vilification against China under the pretext of cybersecurity.
Beijing Youth Daily: It’s reported that Professor Colin Mackerras, renowned Australian sinologist who received the Chinese Government Friendship Award, passed away a few days ago after illness. Do you have any comment?
Mao Ning: Professor Colin Mackerras was long committed to the friendly ties between Australia and China, and made important contribution to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Australian people. We deeply mourn for the passing of Professor Mackerras and our thoughts are with his family.
Bloomberg: President Donald Trump said that he does not believe Russia and China are helping Iran. Could you comment on that?
Mao Ning: China has made clear its position on this issue more than once. We will continue working with relevant countries and the international community to make constructive efforts for restoring peace, stability and development in the Middle East.
Reuters: The Trump administration via the U.S. State Department recently said that it opposes “coercion and aggression” by China against countries for exercising their sovereign rights. It said this in response to Beijing sanctioning ministers from Belize and Paraguay over their ties to Taiwan. Do you have any comment?
Mao Ning: The one-China principle is a basic norm in international relations and prevailing international consensus. It is also the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. The U.S. needs to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, handle the Taiwan question prudently, and stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.
