At the invitation of President Luis Lacalle Pou of Oriental Republic of Uruguay, President Xi Jinping’s special envoy and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun will visit Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, and attend Uruguay’s new President Yamandú Orsi’s inauguration on March 1.

CCTV: We noted that a panel discussion themed on “commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women” was held at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. China’s female astronaut Liu Yang delivered remarks via video link at the panel discussion. Can you share more details?

Lin Jian: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the World Conference on Women in Beijing. On February 24, according to the resolution jointly proposed by China and relevant countries, a panel discussion themed on “commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women” was held at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Several female heads of U.N. agencies delivered remarks as panelists. Liu Yang, China’s first female astronaut in space, delivered a keynote speech via video link as a representative of outstanding women in the world, sharing China’s visions and achievements in the high-quality development in women’s cause in the new era. In her speech, Liu Yang noted that she is a beneficiary and practitioner of the spirit of Beijing Declaration, and as well as a witness of women empowerment through technology. When the engine of the Shenzhou spacecraft was ignited, she felt not only the shock of 600 tonnes of thrust, but also the power of hundreds of millions of Chinese women backing it up. The idea that “standards know no gender in the selection and training of Chinese astronauts” reflects the core logic of women’s cause in China, that is to institutionalize a fair and equitable competition environment for both men and women. This is also a concrete realization of the spirit of the Beijing Declaration.

The adoption of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action marks a milestone in the development of women’s cause globally and has had a positive and profound influence on the protection and advancement of women’s rights. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, China will work with the international community to inject strong new impetus to the development of women’s cause globally at this new historical starting point.

Bloomberg: Ukraine has agreed with the U.S. on a deal to jointly develop its natural resources. This is according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. This move is considered as a possible easing of tension or could give way to easing of tension between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine and help him to advance his administration’s goal of a ceasefire with Russia. So my question would be, how does China view this deal?

Lin Jian: China noted relevant reports.

Reuters: The U.S. on Tuesday announced an investigation which could lead to new tariffs on copper imports. As part of the decision, a White House official said China was using state subsidies and excess capacity to undermine competition and gain control of global copper production. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment on this remark?

Lin Jian: I’d like to refer you to the competent authorities for the specific question you asked. Let me stress that trade and tariff wars have no winners and undermine the interests of people from all countries. We firmly oppose the U.S. unilateral tariff hikes. The two sides need to address each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect. China will continue to do what is necessary to firmly safeguard our legitimate rights and interests.

Reuters: The Taiwan authorities say that China’s mainland has set up a drill zone for “shooting training” without prior notice around 40 nautical miles off the island’s southwest coast. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment?

Lin Jian: This is not a question related to foreign affairs.

Reuters: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown survived a vote of no confidence in parliament today brought by the opposition over deals he struck with China that strained relations with New Zealand. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Lin Jian: We stated our position on relevant issue the other day. Let me stress once again that China stands ready to, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, grow friendly and cooperative ties with the Cook Islands and other Pacific island countries and pursue common development.

Beijing Youth Daily: It’s reported that the Trump administration has released US$5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, including US$870 million designated for military assistance to Taiwan. What’s China’s comment?

Lin Jian: We are deeply concerned over relevant reports. China has all along opposed U.S. military assistance to China’s Taiwan region, which has severely violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, undermined China’s sovereignty and security interests, and sent a gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. We urge the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan and undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China will closely follow the situation and firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

AFP: Taiwan’s coast guard said it detained a cargo ship crewed by eight Chinese nationals yesterday after a subsea telecom cable was severed off the island. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this and give any more details?

Lin Jian: I answered this question yesterday. This is neither a question related to foreign affairs.