China MOFA briefing

(8 Dec 2023)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Beijing - 08 December 2023
Spokesperson: Wang Wenbin
Duration: 5:16

1. The scope of mutual visa exemptions between China and neighboring countries is being further expanded. Do you have any comments?

China welcomes measures to facilitate people-to-people exchanges with other countries, and we are willing to work with the relevant countries to create favorable conditions and provide more convenience for smooth cross-border travel.

2. The Taiwan defense ministry said today that a Chinese weather balloon had crossed the Taiwan Strait medium line on Thursday. Does the foreign ministry have anything to offer regarding the balloon’s location or purpose? And Taiwan’s foreign ministry also said that China has failed to live up to the promises it made to Latin American countries when asking them to end ties with Taiwan in favor of China, does the foreign ministry have any comment on that as well?

First of all, I want to remind you that Taiwan is part of China and there is no such thing as a foreign ministry of defense ministry of Taiwan. Regarding your first question, I’m not aware of the situation, and it is not a diplomatic question. As to your second question, China and Latin American countries have been deepening their normal and friendly relations and advancing pragmatic mutually beneficial cooperation. No matter what the Democratic Progressive Party said or did, they will never change the good momentum of the development of our relations.

3. Bloomberg today published a story reporting that suggests that Chinese authorities in recent years have placed curbs on the ability of ethnic Mongolians in Inner Mongolia to express their ethnic identity, such as the ability to study in schools using the Mongolian language or celebrate festivals associated with Mongolian figures. Given that China's policies about ethnic minorities have been a point of contention in the past between it and the U.S. EU and others. Does the Foreign Ministry expect such findings to have an impact on future diplomatic relations?

The Chinese government maintains the equality of all ethnic groups and guarantees the freedom of all ethnic groups, including the Mongolians, to study, use and develop their own languages in accordance with the law. You mentioned whether China's relevant regulations would affect China's relations with other countries. I think that as long as other countries adhere to the principle of mutual respect and the policy of non-interference in other’s internal affairs, their relations with China will not be affected.

4. According to reports, the House of Representatives of the Philippines passed a resolution on Wednesday condemning China's illegal actions in the South China Sea. What’s your comment? (Questions 4 and 5 are the same)

China's construction and deployment of necessary defense facilities on its own territory in the Spratly Islands, the patrol of Chinese military vessels in waters under China's jurisdiction, the scientific research activities carried out by relevant Chinese departments in waters under China's jurisdiction, and the production and operation of China's fishing vessels in waters under China's jurisdiction are entirely legitimate and lawful, and beyond reproach.

5. According to reports, the House of Representatives of the Philippines passed a resolution on Wednesday condemning China's illegal actions in the South China Sea. What’s your comment? (Questions 4 and 5 are the same)
9. Yesterday, the 24th China-EU leaders' meeting was held in Beijing. Could you give us more information on the meeting?
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