Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on September 24, 2021
2021-09-24 20:12

CCTV: Today, China's foreign ministry published on its website the Fact Sheet: US Interference in Hong Kong Affairs and Support for Anti-China, Destabilizing Forces. Do you have further comments?

Zhao Lijian: The Fact Sheet: US Interference in Hong Kong Affairs and Support for Anti-China, Destabilizing Forces gave a systematic review of the misdeeds of US interference in Hong Kong affairs and other China's internal affairs since the turbulence over the amendment bill in Hong Kong in 2019, which includes enacting Hong Kong-related bills, blatantly imposing sanctions, making unfounded charges against HKSAR affairs, shielding and supporting those anti-China, destabilizing forces and colluding with some countries to exert pressure.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, in which no country has the right to interfere. The enactment and implementation of the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR has improved the rule of law in Hong Kong, restored security and stability in Hong Kong, protected the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents, and helped Hong Kong to achieve the turnaround from chaos to stability. The US attempt to play the "Hong Kong card" to undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and contain China's development is doomed to fail.

The US side should earnestly respect China's sovereignty, abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs, stop undermining the rule of law in Hong Kong, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs. It must refrain from supporting and emboldening anti-China, destabilizing forces. Otherwise, it would only shoot itself in the foot and end up severely hurting its own interests in Hong Kong. China will make firm and strong reactions to US interference in Hong Kong affairs.

Hubei Media Group: According to reports, on September 21, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in his statement at the general debate of the UN General Assembly denounced US willful withdrawal from the JCPOA and its sanctions on Iran amid COVID-19. He also said all parities should faithfully implement the JCPOA and UN Security Council Resolutions. What is China's comment?

Zhao Lijian: China noted that President Raisi declared in his statement that "nukes have no place in our defence doctrine", called for all parties to stay true to the JCPOA, and said that dialogues aimed at removing all sanctions on Iran are beneficial. China appreciates this, and believes it shows Iran's constructive attitude of upholding the JCPOA and supporting negotiations to resume compliance.

China always believes that resuming full and effective implementation of the JCPOA meets common interests of all parties. As the one that started the new round of tensions in the Iranian nuclear situation, the US should redress its wrong policy of maximum pressure on Iran, lift all illegal sanctions on Iran and measures of long-arm jurisdiction on third parties, and work to resume negotiations and achieve outcomes at an early date. China will work with all parities and continue to make relentless efforts to bring the JCPOA back onto the right track.

MASTV: Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga mentioned the issues of the East China Sea, the South China Sea and economic coercion in a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some media say these remarks seem to be hinting at China. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: "Lying diplomacy" and "smearing diplomacy" are not constructive at all and must be put to a stop. China is firmly committed to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China is ready to continue to properly handle differences with countries concerned through consultation and negotiation. The origin and headquarters of the so-called "economic coercion" are in Washington D.C.. China does not wantonly bully others and impose sanctions, exercise long-arm jurisdiction, or arbitrarily oppress foreign companies. China can by no means be accused of "economic coercion".

The Paper: The High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was held on September 22. We noticed the US and a few other Western countries were absent from the meeting. What is China's comment?

Zhao Lijian: The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is a banner for the global anti-racism movement and a shared commitment of all countries. The US and a few Western countries blatantly rejected and were absence from the meeting. This invites suspicion over their will to oppose racism and participate in international anti-racism cooperation.

It was exactly these countries that committed genocide against indigenous people, and adopted colonist, invasive and exploiting policies overseas. In the 21st century, severe racial discrimination, hate crime, judicial injustice, wealth gap and other problems still plague these countries. Tragedies of "I can't breathe" is heartbreaking. These countries should face the inglorious history squarely, take real actions to eliminate racism and fundamentally improve the living conditions of minorities. They should not stay evasive, or even be afraid of making a gesture.

Eliminating racism in all its forms and ensuring that everyone is equal in dignity and rights is the spirit of the UN Charter and a manifestation of international fairness and justice. The international community should adopt a zero-tolerance attitude toward racism, break the vicious cycle of social inequality and racism, and leave no individual and no country behind.

China supports the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and will continue its implementation. China will work with all countries in unrelenting efforts to eliminate racism and build a world of equality for all.

NHK:The US, Japan, Australia and India will hold a security dialogue in the US and discuss issues including a response to China's growing impact in the Asia-Pacific. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: China always believes that any regional cooperation mechanism should not target or harm the interests of a third party. A closed, exclusive clique targeting other countries runs counter to the trend of the times and the aspirations of regional countries. It will find no support and is doomed to fail.

China has always been an advocate of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public goods. The growth of China's strength means the growth of force for world peace. As a responsible major country, China's contribution to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world is there for all to see. Relevant countries should view China's development in a correct light and do more to promote solidarity and cooperation among countries in the region.

Associated Press of Pakistan: On September 23, the 10th Joint Coordination Committee meeting of China Pakistan Economic Corridor was held via video link. Senior officials from Pakistan and China attended it. I wonder if you have any comment on it?

Zhao Lijian: On September 23, the 10th meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on the Chi