CCTV: We noted that the General Administration of Customs yesterday released an announcement on conditionally resuming seafood imports from some regions of Japan. Could you share more details on that? 

Mao Ning: At the strong request of China and the international community, Japan accepted the international monitoring of the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water and China’s independent sampling and monitoring, and promised to ensure the continuous implementation of the above-mentioned monitoring activities. On this basis, China held multiple rounds of consultations with Japan on the resumption of Japanese aquatic product exports to China. Japan promised to take a series of credible and visible measures to guarantee the quality and safety of its aquatic products to China and strengthen regulation.

In accordance with China’s laws and regulations and international trade rules, and on the basis of scientific evidence, including data collected from monitoring by all parties to date, and prudent analysis and research, competent authorities released an announcement yesterday to conditionally resume aquatic product imports from some regions of Japan that meet China’s regulation requirements and standards. The competent authorities will continue to step up regulation and ensure people’s food safety. Once any risks are identified, necessary import restrictions will be taken immediately in accordance with the law.

Hubei Media Group: Does China’s resumption of Japanese aquatic product imports suggest its recognition of the safety of the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water?

Mao Ning: China’s opposition to Japan’s discharge remains unchanged. Due to China’s firm position and active effort, the international oversight on the discharge is effectively strengthened. We will continue to work with the international community to urge Japan to honor its commitments by taking long-term actions and to effectively control the risks that come with the discharge.

China-Arab TV: Japanese and Russian media reported that China, the U.S. and Russia will jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Is this true?

Mao Ning: At last week’s press conference of the State Council Information Office, relevant authorities shared the arrangement about inviting foreign leaders to the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which you may refer to. As for your specific question, I have no information to share at the moment.

Shenzhen TV: At the recently held 20th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair, we noted quite some eye-catching new materials, technologies and products that incorporate advanced technologies on exhibition, making “innovation-driven development” the latest catchword. Representatives from the UN Industrial Development Organization noted that the fair can help companies from developing countries access the global market and innovation outcomes. What is your comment? As the outcomes of China’s scientific and technological innovation are shared by the world, what impact do you think this will have globally?

Mao Ning: I also noted that in recent years, new products of cutting-edge areas, such as humanoid robot, smart glasses and brain-computer interfaces, have made their debut at platforms including the China Import and Export Fair, the International Consumer Goods Fair, and the China International Supply Chain Expo. These fairs and expos not only provide a panoramic view of China’s new quality productive forces, but also serve as important bridges for international exchange in science and technology. They vividly display China’s vision of seeking open, inclusive and win-win scientific and technological innovation.

The innovation-driven development of China serves the interest of not only China itself but also the whole world. We stand ready to work with various countries to advance scientific and technological progress in open cooperation and, through such progress, drive global development and modernization.

Bloomberg: U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he had identified a group of wealthy people as buyers for TikTok, but he didn’t reveal their identities and said that the deal still needs China’s approval. My question for the Chinese Foreign Ministry: Are you aware of this proposed deal, and the identity of the people involved? And if so, could you provide some details? Would this be a deal China would be agreeable to approve?

Mao Ning: On TikTok, China has stated its principled position more than once. 

PTI: The Indian Defense Minister recently held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart. He made certain observations that India and China should solve the “complex issues” under a structured roadmap comprising steps to deescalate tensions along the frontiers and rejuvenate the existing mechanisms to demarcate the borders. He also stressed the border management and having a permanent solution to border demarcation by rejuvenating the established mechanisms. He also said “It is incumbent on both sides to maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in the bilateral relationship.” How does China view his remarks and what’s your response to that?

Mao Ning: On the specifics of the meeting between Chinese and Indian defense ministers, I’d refer you to competent Chinese authorities. What I can tell you is that China and India have established the Special Representatives mechanism on the boundary question and reached the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the China-India Boundary Question. The two sides have diplomatic and military communication mechanisms at various levels. China stands ready to maintain communication with India on issues including delimitation negotiation and border management, jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil, and promote cross-border exchange and cooperation.

PTI: That’s precisely the issue that the border mechanisms have been established. You have all 20 rounds of special representative talks. There is some kind of sense of awareness back in India that it is getting prolonged. Probably, that is in that context that the defense minister of India has made those remarks. Are we looking at some kind of solutions that the two countries are probably coming up with in a specified period in the future?

Mao Ning: The boundary question is complicated, and it takes time to settle it. The two countries have already established mechanisms at various levels for communication. We hope that India will work with China in the same direction, continue to stay in communication on relevant issue and jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil.

AFP: Taiwan’s “vice president” Hsiao Bi-khim said that she would not be intimidated by Beijing after the government accused Chinese Embassy staff of planning to “ram” her car during an official visit to the Czech Republic in March last year. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Mao Ning: First of all, Taiwan is part of China and there is no such thing as “vice president” of the Taiwan region. Chinese diplomats always observe the laws and regulations of host countries. No matter how the DPP authorities seek independence by soliciting foreign support and sow discord between China and countries with diplomatic ties with us, they cannot cover up their ill intentions, still less succeed in their attempts. 

Bloomberg: With Foreign Minister Wang Yi visiting Europe this week, is China prepared to finalize a tentative deal on minimum import prices for French cognac entering the Chinese market or does progress depend on the EU’s stance on Chinese EVs? So the question is about the willingness to arrive at a deal in terms of the French cognac entering the Chinese market or is that linked in some way to Chinese EV discussions?

Mao Ning: On Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Europe, we will release timely information. Let me say more broadly that we stand ready to work with the EU to step up cooperation, properly handle differences, and uphold the international trade order in the spirit of open cooperation.

Kyodo News: China announced the resumption of Japanese aquatic product imports, excepting those from the 10 prefectures, including Fukushima. When will the aquatic product imports from these 10 prefectures be resumed?

Mao Ning: On the issue of food safety, China has a strong sense of responsibility toward its people and makes relevant policy based on the principle of safety and science. 

Bloomberg: Just to go back to something earlier about the military parade in September in Beijing. Kyodo News is reporting that China is planning to invite U.S. President Donald Trump. Can you confirm that is an accurate report or can you offer some more details?

Mao Ning: As I just said, last week, the press conference of the State Council Information Office shared relevant arrangement about inviting foreign leaders to the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. As for your specific question, I have no information to share at the moment.

AFP: Yesterday, Chinese state media posted a video of Chinese fighter jets apparently driving away a foreign aircraft intruding in China’s airspace. The video seemed to be very similar to another video posted in September last year of a Chinese jet’s apparent intercept with an Australian defense plane. Can the Foreign Ministry provide any more details about this video over the weekend? And if this was an Australian plane and when this incident took place?

Mao Ning: I didn’t notice the video that you mentioned and have no information to offer.

AFP: President Donald Trump said yesterday that a group of buyers had been found for TikTok, but he will likely need China’s approval for the sale. I know that a reporter from Bloomberg just asked this question, but I’m just wondering if the Foreign Ministry has anything else to add? 

Mao Ning: We have made clear China’s principled position on the issue more than once. I have no information to add.