Reuters: China has long voiced opposition to the AUKUS submarine deal. And news broke yesterday that the Pentagon is now reviewing the deal between the U.S., the UK and Australia to determine whether it should be scrapped. Does China welcome the review? And do you have any other comment?

Lin Jian: China has made clear more than once its position on the so-called trilateral security partnership between the U.S., the UK and Australia designed to advance cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies. We oppose manufacturing bloc confrontation and anything that amplifies the risk of nuclear proliferation and exacerbates arms race.

Sky News: In the Truth Social post yesterday, President Trump said that “our deal with China is done” and as part of that post, he said that magnets and any necessary rare earth will be supplied by China. He also claimed that Chinese goods would face tariffs of 55 percent with the American goods facing only 10 percent. Are you able to confirm any of the details in that post? And as far as you are concerned, does that accurately represent any deal that’s been done between the U.S. and China?

Lin Jian: Yesterday afternoon, China released a readout on the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, which you may refer to. Let me underscore the fact that the meeting was held under the strategic guidance of the Chinese and U.S. presidents. The two sides reached principled agreement on the framework of measures to implement the important common understandings between the two presidents in their June 5 call and consolidate the outcomes of the Geneva talks. It represents new progress made in resolving each other’s economic and trade concerns. China always honors its commitments. Now that an agreement is reached, both sides need to stick to that agreement. We hope the U.S. will work with China to act on the important common understandings reached by the two presidents and make good use of the consultation mechanism. Hopefully, through communication and dialogue, there will be more consensus and cooperation and less misperception.

The Paper: We noted that for quite some time, traveling in China while live-streaming has kept trending among foreign tourists, and Chinese toys have gained huge fans overseas. Foreign commentators say that Chinese technology, gaming, and culture have taken the world by storm, which makes the country cooler and burnishes its image overseas. The latest polls show that in the recent one-plus year, favorable opinions of China have been on the rise. What’s China’s comment?

Lin Jian: From “China Travel” to “China Shopping”, from DeepSeek to wildly popular collectible toys, films and TV series, more and more people from across the world have come to know about China and be familiar with our country. By breaking the “information cocoon”, they’ve discovered that there’s so much to share and connect with the Chinese people emotionally just like people elsewhere. This fully shows that the pursuit of good things and a better life knows no borders or ethnicity. It is something that no one can stop.

A true China with its multiple facets and dimensions is being discovered by more and more people around the world. This is very much a result of China’s relentless opening-up, entry facilitation policies, high-quality development, and rapid progress in promoting new quality productive forces and innovation-driven development. It is all the more a result of the fact that China has and will always be a source of stability and certainty in a turbulent and changing world, enabling global development through Chinese modernization. We will open wider, broaden our vision of innovation, and deepen cooperation to share more opportunities and benefits with the rest of the world, and let people all over the world see and experience an ever-cooler China.   

AFP: Japan said today that it has expressed serious concerns to Beijing after Chinese fighter jets flew “unusually close” to a Japanese military patrol plane in the Pacific last weekend. Does the Foreign Ministry have more details on what happened in the situation or response to the statement made by Japan today?

Lin Jian: China’s activities in relevant waters and air space are consistent with international law and international practices. On the specifics you mentioned, the two countries’ defense departments are in communication through existing channels. Let me point out that it is the close-in reconnaissance of Japan’s vessels and airplanes on China’s normal military activities that has caused maritime and air security risks. China urges Japan to stop those dangerous moves. 

Rudaw Media Network: Given China’s relationship with Iraq, can it influence the resolution of the budget and salary issue between the Kurdistan regional government and the Iraqi government? And my second question: the United States of America has ordered the departure of non-essential staff from the Middle East, especially Iraq. Do you have any comment in this regard? Additionally, is China playing a role in helping to ease these tensions, especially between the U.S. and Iran, or facilitating the dialogue between the U.S. and Iran, particularly concerning the nuclear deal?

Lin Jian: On your first question, this is Iraq’s internal affair. Let me say broadly that China supports Iraq in maintaining peace, stability and development.

On your second question, we noted relevant reports. China always believes the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through political and diplomatic means. China supports Iran in maintaining dialogue and negotiation with relevant parties and achieving a solution that accommodates the legitimate concerns of all parties through consultation. China is willing to continue having communication and coordination with all relevant parties, play a constructive role in promoting the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, earnestly safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

Global Times: In a statement issued on June 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan expressed concerns over the introduction of a partial entry ban by the United States for citizens of seven countries, including Turkmenistan. Do you have any comment?

Lin Jian: China noted the statement of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan. China believes that mobility of people is what makes exchanges and cooperation possible between countries. It is what the people want and creates benefits for all. As Turkmenistan’s comprehensive strategic partner, China stands ready to work with Turkmenistan to jointly promote people-to-people exchange between countries.

PTI: China is in talks with different sides, including the U.S. and the EU over the rare earth metals. There were concerns in India, too. Reportedly, India has taken it up with China in this regard. And recently, India’s envoy Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat had talks with Vice Minister Mr. Sun Weidong. And the statement issued by the Ministry said that they had discussed mutual concerns. Have these issues been discussed between the two countries? Is China looking at or is it holding talks with India on lifting the restrictions on the rare-earth metals? It is a matter of public concern back home. Probably you can elaborate a bit more about any kind of discussion in this regard that’s going on between the two countries.

Lin Jian: China released a readout on Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong’s meeting with Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat. On the export controls on rare earths, I’d refer you to competent authorities. We are willing to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries and regions to jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains stable.

Sky News: And another question if I may on the potential deal between the U.S. and China. Can I ask if you have any comments on the way that President Trump made the announcement, an inadvertent comment on his Truth Social post, perhaps before any deal has been officially agreed? And does this serve to undermine the relationship in any way?

Lin Jian: I have stated China’s position on the issue.

Beijing Youth Daily: We’ve learned that Sun Linjiang has taken up the post of Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs. Can you confirm that?

Lin Jian: The Chinese government has appointed Ambassador Sun Linjiang as the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs, succeeding Ambassador Li Hui.

Since the post was established, the Special Representative has been committed to strengthening the friendship and cooperation in various fields between China and Eurasian countries, and has engaged extensively people on the international scene, which has contributed to greater understanding and friendship and regional peace and development.

Ambassador Sun Linjiang is a seasoned diplomat well-versed in Eurasia. We are confident that he will actively fulfill his mission, establish sound working relations with various parties and make strong efforts for China’s traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with Eurasian countries and the region’s shared prosperity.

Bloomberg: The European Union has proposed sanctioning two small Chinese banks for apparently helping Russia get around the bloc’s trade restrictions. Under those proposed restrictions, EU-based financial institutions will be banned from conducting any transactions with the two lenders. Would the Ministry like to comment on that?

Lin Jian: China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. Most countries, including those in Europe and the United States, continue to trade with Russia. The normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies are consistent with WTO rules and market principles. They do not target any third party and should not be disrupted or affected.

Ukrinform News Agency: The head of Ukraine’s military intelligence said that intelligence has information about Russia’s transfer of a number of modern military technologies to North Korea and, in particular, about agreements on the creation of capabilities to produce the Russian drone types on the territory of North Korea. It will for sure bring changes in the military balance in the region and between North Korea and South Korea. I’d like to ask whether the Chinese side sees such military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow as challenges or maybe threats to stability on the neighboring Korean Peninsula and for China in particular.

Lin Jian: I’m not familiar with what you mentioned. Regarding bilateral interactions between Russia and the DPRK, we’ve stated our position on multiple occasions. China’s positions on the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula issue are consistent and clear.

Sky News: One more question if I may on that Truth Social post. In that post, President Trump described the relationship between the U.S. and China as “excellent.” Do you agree?

Lin Jian: China views and handles its relationship with the U.S. by following the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. China’s position remains consistent on its relations with the U.S.

EFE: How does the Foreign Ministry view the recent appointment of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, reportedly the first Chinese bishop agreed by Pope Leo XIV under the provisional agreement between the Holy See and China?

Lin Jian: In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained communication and increased mutual understanding and trust through constructive dialogue. With the joint efforts of both sides, the provisional agreement regarding the appointment of bishops is smoothly implemented. China stands ready to work with the Vatican for continued improvement of China-Vatican ties.