CCTV: It’s reported that the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku agreed on the new collective quantified goal. How does China view the results of the meeting and what role will China play in the implementation of the outcomes?
Mao Ning: On November 24, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) was concluded in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. After two weeks of tough negotiations, parties reached consensus on the new collective quantified goal, the operationalization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and other issues. The outcomes of the meeting embody the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and demonstrate global effort and aspiration for climate response.
The Chinese government attaches great importance to COP29. President Xi Jinping’s Special Representative, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang attended and addressed the World Leaders Climate Action Summit held during COP29. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang also attended events hosted by China, including the High-Level meeting on “Early Warnings for a Climate-Resilient Future” and the Launch Conference of the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative. The Chinese delegation shared information on the Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and China’s achievements in climate actions, participated in consultations on various topics in a comprehensive and in-depth manner, contributed constructive plans for negotiations on key issues, and promoted all sides to expand common ground while resolving differences, making important contributions to reaching the outcomes of the meeting.
The new collective quantified goal reached at COP29 requires developed country Parties to take the lead in providing and mobilizing at least US$300 billion per year by 2035 for developing country Parties for climate action. It is a continuation of the commitment of mobilizing US$100 billion per year made by developed countries in 2009. The COP29 meeting also called on all actors to work together to enable the scaling up of financing to developing country Parties for climate action from all sources to at least US$1.3 trillion per year by 2035.
Climate finance is crucial to supporting developing countries’ climate response. China calls on developed countries to earnestly fulfill their obligations and responsibilities of providing funding support to developing countries to boost global climate actions. China will continue to enhance South-South cooperation and provide as much support as we can for the climate response effort of fellow developing countries.
Reuters: What is the latest update on the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 that was anchored between Denmark and Sweden? Are you able to tell us whether the ship is staying voluntarily or if it is being detained and if the crew is being questioned?
Mao Ning: As I have learned, China maintains smooth communication with relevant parties of the incident through diplomatic channels. As for specifics about the Chinese vessel, I have no more information to share and would like to refer you to competent authorities.
KBS: In accordance with China’s criminal law, the South Korean citizen detained for violating the anti-espionage law must stand trial within this year. Can you update us on the investigation progress?
Mao Ning: I’m not familiar with what you mentioned. On the specifics about how the case is being handled, I’d refer you to competent Chinese authorities.
TV Asahi: Last Friday, China issued its unilateral 30-day visa-free policy for Japan. Previously, China’s stance was to jointly facilitate cross-border travel and require reciprocal visa exemption measures. Why did China change its stance?
Mao Ning: The Chinese government always attaches high importance to the facilitation of cross-border exchanges. We hope that Japan will work with us in the same direction and jointly facilitate cross-border travel between our two countries.
Rudaw Media Network: Iraq is an important economic and trade partner for China. Israel is threatening to attack regions in Iraq. Do you believe such an action could harm China’s interests there? Has China taken any steps through the United Nations Security Council or other diplomatic channels to prevent such attacks on Iraq?
Mao Ning: China opposes infringement upon other countries’ sovereignty and security and opposes arbitrary use of force. As tensions in the Middle East are running high, relevant parties need to avoid further increasing the overall security risks in the region. The recent series of incidents once again highlight the urgency of realizing a ceasefire. The international community, major countries with influence in particular, need to play a constructive role and create necessary conditions for cooling down the situation in the region. China will continue to leverage its influence and contribute to keeping the region peaceful and stable.
AFP: A spokesman for Afghanistan’s foreign ministry posted on X today about an apparent meeting between top Taliban diplomat Amir Khan Muttaqi and China’s special envoy for Afghan affairs Yue Xiaoyong. Can you tell us more about the content or outcomes of this meeting?
Mao Ning: Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yue Xiaoyong visited Afghanistan recently and met with high-level officials of the Afghan interim government, including Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, to exchange views on the bilateral relations and practical cooperation in various areas.
Shenzhen TV: The Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit was successfully held from November 18 to 20 in Hong Kong. The annual meeting of the International Financial Forum was also held for the first time in Hong Kong from November 22 to 23. The two important meetings had the participation of senior financial officials as well as heads of financial institutions from a good number of countries and regions, and received widespread attention. What’s the Foreign Ministry’s comment?
Mao Ning: We congratulate Hong Kong on successfully hosting these two important meetings in international finance, which represents a vote of confidence from the international community for Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center, its business environment and development outlook. Facts prove that with the safeguards of One Country, Two Systems, the strong support of the nation and concerted efforts of all sectors, Hong Kong will maintain lasting prosperity and stability and it will better leverage its role as an international financial center. China welcomes companies and talents from across the world to invest, do business and tap full potential in Hong Kong. They will surely benefit from Hong Kong’s development and One Country, Two Systems.
Reuters: The Biden administration is set to unveil new export restrictions on China as soon as next week, the US Chamber of Commerce said on Thursday. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this?
Mao Ning: China is firmly opposed to the US overstretching the concept of national security, abusing export control measures and making malicious attempts to block and suppress China. Such moves seriously violate the laws of market economy and the principles of fair competition, disrupt international economic and trade order and the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and will eventually harm the interest of all countries. China will take resolute measures to firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.
China News Service: It’s reported that on November 24, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko told TASS in an interview that “Naturally, the issue of Taiwan is in the exclusive competence of our Chinese colleagues. However, we see that Washington, in violation of the one-China principle, is strengthening military-political contacts with Taipei under the slogan of maintaining the ‘status quo’, and increasing arms supplies. The goal of such obvious US interference in the region’s affairs is to provoke China and generate a crisis in Asia to suit its own selfish interests.” What’s China’s comment?
Mao Ning: We noted the reports. The one-China principle is a prevailing international consensus and a basic norm governing international relations. China highly commends Russia’s just position of staying committed to the one-China principle and opposing the attempt of using Taiwan to contain China.
AFP: According to Japanese media, the United States is working with Japan on contingency plans for a possible future emergency involving Taiwan. These plans would see the United States deploy missile units on Japan’s Nansei Islands as well as in the Philippines. Is China aware of such plans and does it have any comments on the report?
Mao Ning: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. The key to upholding cross-Strait peace and stability is to remain committed to the one-China principle. China firmly opposes relevant countries using the Taiwan question as an excuse to strengthen military deployment in the region, heighten tensions and confrontation, and disturb regional peace and stability.
Bloomberg: Lithuania’s incoming Prime Minister Paluckas said he is open to restoring diplomatic relations with China three years after a trade dispute led to Beijing downgrading its ties. The incoming Prime Minister signals support for repairing ties by returning envoys to both capitals, but he stressed that his administration won’t reverse course on current policies that include maintaining trade links with Taiwan. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?
Mao Ning: We noted relevant statement from the Lithuanian side. As is widely known, Lithuania’s wrongful acts on issues concerning Taiwan are the root cause of the fraught relations between China and Lithuania. China’s door remains open to dialogue and we hope that Lithuania will return to the right path of upholding the one-China principle, abide by the political commitments in the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Lithuania, and accumulate enabling conditions for the normalization of bilateral relations.
Kyodo News: A follow-up to the question raised by TV Asahi. Has China asked Japan to offer visa exemptions for its nationals?
Mao Ning: We hope that Japan will work with us in the same direction and further facilitate cross-border travel between the two countries.
AFP: Taiwan defense ministry said today that it had detected a Chinese balloon passing over waters yesterday northwest of the island. This is the first such balloon it has reported since April. Can you provide details about the situation or do you have any comment?
Mao Ning: First of all, there is no such thing as “Taiwan defense ministry” and the question is not related to foreign affairs.
Global Times: Yamandu Orsi, candidate for the Frente Amplio (Broad Front), a coalition of major opposition parties was reportedly leading in the second round of votes in Uruguay’s presidential election. The candidate of the ruling National Party conceded defeat and the incumbent Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou has sent a congratulatory message to Yamandu Orsi on his election. Do you have any comment?
Mao Ning: We express congratulations for this smooth and successful presidential election in Uruguay and congratulate Mr. Yamandu Orsi on his election as the new president. China attaches high importance to growing relations with Uruguay and stands ready to work with Uruguay to further strengthen mutual political trust, deepen cooperation and exchanges in various fields, have closer communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, and work for the sustained and in-depth development of our comprehensive strategic partnership to the benefit of the two peoples.
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