CCTV: A senior official of the Peruvian government said that in a world where economic globalization faces challenges from rising unilateralism and protectionism, China has played a leading role in the development of APEC, and become an important advocate, champion and participant of international cooperation. Political leaders and scholars of many countries also said that economies in the Asia-Pacific should promote the building of an open and inclusive world economy and prevent the world from falling into division. Do you have any comment on this? As the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting approaches, how does China view the prospects for high-quality development and economic integration in the Asia-Pacific?
Lin Jian: The Asia-Pacific is the most dynamic region and a vital engine driving global economic growth. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for one third of the world’s population, over 60 percent of the global economy and nearly half of global trade. According to the IMF, economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to reach 4.2 percent in 2024, higher than the expected global growth rate of 2.9 percent.
China is an engine and propeller for regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. It is the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies, and contributes 64.2 percent of the region’s economic growth, 37.6 percent of the growth in goods trade and 44.6 percent of the growth in services trade. We have actively advanced the building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Belt and Road cooperation, applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, and promoted opening up and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.
It is because of the endeavor of countries in this region to follow the prevailing trend of peaceful development and stand against bloc confrontation and zero-sum game that the Asia-Pacific has been able to create the remarkable “Asia-Pacific Miracle” and become an anchor for global development and stability. This hard-won outcome should thus be all the more cherished. Taking the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting as an opportunity, China stands ready to remain committed to upholding true multilateralism and open regionalism, create more opportunities for Asia-Pacific partners with high-quality development and high-standard opening up, and work with others to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future featuring openness and inclusiveness, innovative growth, connectivity, and win-win cooperation.
Reuters: An attack in Zhuhai that killed 35 people and injured 43 others has become a global news story. This attack follows a spate of recent high-profile violent attacks in Chinese cities. Is the Foreign Ministry worried that these events will impact on China’s attractiveness to foreign investors and tourists?
Lin Jian: On the case you mentioned, competent authorities have released police statements. It is learned so far that no foreign national was injured or killed in this incident. Let me point out that China is one of the safest countries with the lowest crime rate in the world. The Chinese government has always taken and will continue to take effective measures to fully protect people’s safety and uphold social stability. We will also, as always, effectively protect the safety of all foreign nationals in China and provide a market-oriented, law-based and world-class environment for Chinese and foreign businesses.
China-Arab TV: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince yesterday warned Israel against attacking Iran, denouncing its actions in Gaza as a massacre. Since China brokered the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year, we have seen the relationship between the two countries getting better and better. What is China’s comment on the current relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran?
Lin Jian: Over the past one year and more since the historic reconciliation, the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have continued to make progress. China welcomes it and commends the efforts made by both countries in this regard. The recent sound interactions between Saudi Arabia and Iran at various levels have consolidated the momentum of their reconciliation, and contributed to regional peace and stability. China will, as always, support both countries in working together to enhance mutual trust and achieve lasting good-neighborliness and friendship.
The Paper: At this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) which you touched upon yesterday, we noted that Peruvian alpaca toys became one of the hot items and were lovingly called “warmpaca.” Peruvian craftsman Oswaldo Mamani said in an interview that China is a blessing for himself and his fellow villagers because the country enabled them to earn more income and live a better life. What’s your comment?
Lin Jian: We also heard about the story of Peruvian craftsman Oswaldo Mamani. The cute alpaca wool products enchanted many Chinese consumers and are indeed a best seller at the CIIE. Mamani once only had a one-story workshop with annual sales of a little over 100 items. Now the workshop occupies three stories and hundreds of craftsmen joined him to earn more income. As they said, China, the country “on the other side of the world,” completely changed their life.
China and Latin America have all along prioritized major livelihood projects in their cooperation. The list of uplifting and touching stories such as “warmpaca” goes on and on. The Belo Monte UHV transmission project which creates an “electricity expressway” linking north and south of Brazil has not only provided adequate power to industrial hubs there but also solved the power shortage problem for over 22 million Brazilians. China also implemented a good number of small and beautiful livelihood projects in Latin America. For example, China-aided water supply projects in two cities of Costa Rica have given nearly 40 thousand local people access to safe drinking water, and jumpstarted the local economy that was stymied for years due to water pollution.
China will follow the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith and the principle of pursuing greater good and shared interests, focus on people’s livelihood, the overarching priority in its relations with Latin America, continue to enhance solidarity and cooperation with Latin American countries, and deliver a stronger sense of fulfillment and happiness to the peoples of both sides.
AFP: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has called the presence of Chinese research vessels in its economic zone a violation of its sovereignty, saying it has raised flags, but China keeps sending these vessels. So does China have any comment?
Lin Jian: I am not aware of the situation you mentioned. Let me stress that China is a responsible country and has been carrying out offshore fishing and marine scientific research activities in accordance with laws and regulations.
China-Arab TV: Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement this morning that the Houthis attacked a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea as a response to the US’s continuous invasion of Yemen’s territory. How do you comment on the US’s continuous invasion of territories of Middle East countries?
Lin Jian: The Red Sea has vital international trade routes for goods and energy going through it. Parties should jointly safeguard the security of sea lanes in the Red Sea in accordance with the law, and earnestly respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of littoral states including Yemen. The tension in the Red Sea is a prominent manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict. It is now imperative for the international community to make joint efforts. Major countries in particular should play a constructive role, fully implement the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and immediately stop the fighting.
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