CCTV: It was reported that Hideo Shimizu, a former member of the Japanese army Unit 731, and people accompanying him visited the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army and the former site of Unit 731 in Harbin recently to testify on the crimes of Unit 731. According to the reports, Hideo Shimizu is the only living veteran of Unit 731 willing to publicly expose the crimes of the Japanese unit for bacterial warfare. What is China’s comment?
Lin Jian: During World War II, in blatant violation of international law, the Japanese army launched horrendous bacterial warfare against the Chinese people and conducted gruesome human experimentation, which were heinous crimes against humanity. There are solid proofs for the bacterial warfare launched by Japanese militarists and there’s no room for denial.
We commend the courage of Mr. Hideo Shimizu who reveal the historical truth and face it squarely. Japan needs to heed the call for justice from both home and abroad, face up to and reflect on its history of militarist aggression, respect the feelings of the people from the Asian victim countries in Asia, including China, draw lessons from history, get rid of the specter of militarism that still haunts it, and never let history repeat itself.
Reuters: According to our sources, Vietnam President and Party Chief To Lam is preparing for a possible visit to China. The sources said Lam’s visit could take place on August 18 and there would be meetings early next week and may include a meeting with Chinese leader. We are seeking to confirm this upcoming visit by President To Lam as well as the details about the visit.
Lin Jian: China and Viet Nam are a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. General Secretary Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations to To Lam recently on his election as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee. China stands ready to work with Viet Nam, under the guidance of the strategic common understandings between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, to strive for more solid progress in the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future. As for your question, I have no information to share at the moment.
Reuters: It was reported that Beijing admitted that a Chinese-owned ship flying the Hong Kong flag had damaged a Baltic Sea gas pipeline running between Estonia and Finland last October, but says it was an accident. The Chinese authorities conducted an internal investigation and recently communicated the results to governments in the European countries, which explained that the accident was the result of a strong storm. Could we confirm that Chinese authorities have conducted and concluded an investigation into this gas pipeline incident, and that the findings were as reported? Are there more details from the investigation report about what are the next steps in this matter?
Lin Jian: China stands for closer international cooperation to jointly protect the safety and security of undersea infrastructure. The investigation is still ongoing based on the facts we have gathered and in accordance with the law. We remain in close communication with relevant countries and hope that relevant parties will continue to carry out the investigation in a professional, objective and cooperative way, and work together to ensure proper handling of the incident.
AFP: It was reported that Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Romeo Brawner said on August 10 that two China air force aircraft “executed a dangerous manoeuvre” while flying over Huangyan Dao on August 8. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on Sunday condemned what he called “illegal and reckless” actions by China. Does China have a response? Can you provide more details? Will Manila and Beijing meet to try and calm tensions?
Lin Jian: Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent airspace and waters.
On August 7 and 8, Philippine military aircraft twice intruded into the adjacent airspace of Huangyan Dao, which gravely infringed upon China’s sovereignty and violated international law and the basic norms governing international relations. The Chinese military took necessary and lawful measures in response, and their maneuvers at the scene were professional and consistent with Chinese laws and international law. Considering that it sent the military aircraft to Huangyan Dao’s airspace during the joint patrol with the US, Australia and Canada in the South China Sea, what the Philippines did with its aircraft was clearly a deliberate provocation.
China urges the Philippines to stop the infringement activities and provocations at Huangyan Dao at once. Such wanton acts must stop. China will continue to act resolutely in accordance with the law to firmly safeguard our nation’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
