AFP: Today, Australia and ASEAN released a joint declaration, encouraging all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the South China Sea. The declaration comes after a series of incidents involving Chinese and Philippine ships. The Philippines has also accused China of deliberately stirring up trouble in the South China Sea and maliciously inciting hype about the situation. Does the Foreign Ministry view the Australia-ASEAN statement as being targeted at China? And what is China’s response to the Philippines? Will any of these statements stop China from aggressively asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea?
Mao Ning: Concerning the joint declaration issued following the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, we noted relevant reports but have not yet seen the full text of the declaration. The situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. China’s position on the South China Sea issue is very clear and consistent. We will stay committed to properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation with countries concerned, and would like to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), advance the consultation on a code of conduct in the South China Sea and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.
On the incident that happened at Ren’ai Jiao on March 5, I offered information yesterday and elaborated on China’s stern position. The reason behind the incident is that the Philippines broke its promise and infringed on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China took necessary measures in accordance with the law, and our operations are professional, restrained, justified and lawful. The responsibility for the incident lies completely with the Philippines. What the Philippines should do is immediately stop its infringement and provocation in the South China Sea. China will continue firmly safeguarding its own legitimate sovereignty, rights and interests in accordance with domestic and international law.
On China’s claims in the South China Sea that you mentioned, we’ve elaborated on them on multiple occasions, which you may refer to. I want to stress that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Ren’ai Jiao. This is established in the long course of history, and complies with international law, including the UN Charter.
CCTV: After sitting in on the two sessions, many foreign diplomatic envoys received CCTV’s interview yesterday and said that they attached great importance to China’s opening-up policy and thought that China’s high-quality development and high-standard opening-up will benefit the world. What’s the Ministry’s response?
Mao Ning: The two sessions are an important political event in China and a window for the rest of the world to observe and understand China. We welcome foreign diplomatic envoys to sit in on the two sessions.
When delivering the Report on the Work of the Government, Premier Li Qiang sent an important message that China will pursue higher-standard opening up and promote mutual benefits.
First, we will do more to attract foreign investment and further shorten the negative list for foreign investment. All market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing will be abolished, and market access restrictions in service sectors, such as telecommunications and healthcare, will be reduced. We will strengthen services for foreign investors and make China a favored destination for foreign investment. We will make it easier for foreign nationals to work, study, and travel in China.
Second, we will strive for solid progress in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We will carry out the eight major measures for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We will steadily advance cooperation on major projects and implement a number of “small yet smart” projects for improving people’s wellbeing. We will promote cooperation in fields such as digital development, green development, innovation, health, culture, tourism, and poverty reduction.
Third, we will deepen bilateral, multilateral and regional economic cooperation, promote the implementation of free trade agreements that have entered into force, negotiate and sign high-standard free trade agreements and investment agreements with more countries and regions, comprehensively and deeply participate in WTO reform, foster an open world economy and deliver more benefits generated from win-win cooperation to people of all countries.
Openness brings progress and cooperation opens up a brighter future. China will not waver in our resolve to open wider at a high standard and our determination to share development opportunities with the rest of the world. China will uphold openness and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries for common development.
Reuters: Vanuatu police and officials say six Chinese fishing boats were found to be violating the country’s fisheries law after being inspected by local police who were patrolling waters on board a US Coast Guard boat. Vanuatu officials told Reuters that it was the first time in several years that police could inspect Chinese boats that fish in the country’s exclusive economic zone and then offload their catch in other countries. What are the measures China will take in light of this event?
Mao Ning: I am not aware of the specifics. Let me say more broadly that China respects the sovereign rights and exclusive jurisdiction that coastal states enjoy in their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in accordance with international law, fully fulfills flag state’s obligations, exercises strict supervision over distant-water fisheries, and carries out cooperation on the conservation and use of fisheries resources with relevant countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
China News Service: On the incident that happened at Ren’ai Jiao yesterday, the Spokesperson of the US Department of State said that the provocative actions by China demonstrated disregard for the safety of Filipino personnel and international law. He commented that the US stands with its Philippine allies in the face of these dangerous and unlawful actions. The US called on China to observe the arbitral award on the South China Sea and stop its dangerous and destabilizing actions. The Pentagon Press Secretary said that the dangerous actions by China resulted in injuries to Filipino crew members and demonstrated disregard for international law. What’s your response?
Mao Ning: Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Ren’ai Jiao. This is established in the long course of history, and complies with international law, including the UN Charter. China Coast Guard took necessary law enforcement measures in accordance with the law against the infringement and provocative moves by Philippine vessels at Ren’ai Jiao. The measures are justified, lawful, professional, restrained, and beyond reproach.
Who is the troublemaker making provocations behind this incident? Who breaks international law and endangers peace and stability in the South China Sea? The facts and truth is crystal clear. The US Department of State who disregards facts and confuses right with wrong has made baseless attacks against China’s legitimate and lawful actions to safeguard our rights. It has arbitrarily threatened China by resorting to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to embolden the Philippines and endorse its acts of infringement and provocation. We firmly oppose it. The so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea arbitration that the Philippines and a handful of countries regard as a benchmark goes against international law including UNCLOS and it is completely illegal, null and void.
Ren’ai Jiao is a bilateral issue between China and the Philippines. The US or any third party should not exploit the issue to sow discord, still less make interventions. China has unwavering determination and will in safeguarding its legitimate rights. The Philippines’ attempt of making infringements and provocations will not succeed. China urges the US to refrain from using the Philippines as a pawn to destabilize the South China Sea. The Philippines also needs to refrain from being manipulated by the US. Lessons from history tell us that a pawn will only end up being abandoned.
Reuters: Russia’s space agency said Russia and China are considering putting a nuclear power plant on the moon from the years 2033-35, which the agency’s chief said could one day allow lunar settlements to be built. Are there any details from China on this plan and its ambition?
Mao Ning: I’m not aware of the specific information and would like to refer you to competent Chinese authorities.
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The second session of the 14th National People’s Congress will invite Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to hold a press conference on “China’s foreign policy and foreign relations” at the Press Conference Hall, Media Center at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 7. There will be no regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tomorrow. The press conference will resume on March 8.
