Xinhua News Agency: July 5 marks the 65th anniversary of China-Ghana diplomatic ties. How does China view its relations with Ghana?

Mao Ning: Ghana is among the first sub-Saharan countries to establish diplomatic relations with China. It’s also the first sub-Saharan country that Chinese leader visited. The two countries enjoy a time-honored and enduring friendship. Over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady growth, political mutual trust has been deepened, and practical cooperation has borne fruitful results in various areas. Last year, the two countries established a strategic partnership.

On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of China-Ghana diplomatic ties, China stands ready to work with Ghana to further deepen traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation in various areas, have closer coordination and collaboration in international affairs, solidify the China-Ghana strategic partnership, and deliver more tangibly for the two peoples.  

Bloomberg: My colleagues reported that the Chinese side has canceled some events of the two-day EU-China summit. Can you please confirm it and offer comments?

Mao Ning: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic ties. Bilateral ties face new opportunities for development. Both sides agree to make full preparations for the next China-EU Summit and maintain communication on the specific arrangement.  

El Pais: It’s reported that Beijing doesn’t want to see a Russian loss in Ukraine because it fears the United States will turn or shift its whole focus towards China, according to several people familiar with the exchange. I would like to know your comments on this.

Mao Ning: China is not a party to the Ukraine issue. China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is objective and consistent, that is, negotiation, ceasefire and peace. A prolonged Ukraine crisis serves no one’s interests. China supports a political settlement to the crisis as early as possible. Together with the international community and in light of the will of the parties concerned, we will continue playing a constructive role towards this end.

AFP: The Afghan government said yesterday that Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban’s government. What’s China’s comment and does China also have the same plan to make that recognition?

Mao Ning: We welcome the new development in the relations between Russia and the Afghan interim government. As a traditional friend and close neighbor of Afghanistan, China always believes that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community. China supports the international community in enhancing engagement and exchanges with the Afghan interim government. We encourage the Afghan interim government to actively respond to concerns of the international community, help Afghanistan in realizing reconstruction and development, and support its effort of combating violence and terrorism and making positive contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

No matter how Afghanistan’s domestic and external situation has changed, the diplomatic ties between China and Afghanistan have never been interrupted. Since the Afghan interim government has been established, the two sides’ diplomatic missions in each other’s country have kept normal operation and played a positive role in the development of bilateral ties. China will stay committed to a foreign policy of friendship toward all Afghan people and support exchanges and cooperation in various areas with Afghanistan. 

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that he would soon start sending letters to countries to identify the tariff rates they would face on imports to the United States. What’s China’s comment?

Mao Ning: I’d refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. There’s no winner in a tariff war. We hope the U.S. will work with China in the same direction to uphold and act on the important common understandings reached between the presidents of the two countries during their phone call and jointly promote the sound, steady and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade ties.

Reuters: The U.S. told GE Aerospace on Thursday that it can restart jet engine shipments to China’s COMAC, according to sources. Would the Foreign Ministry be able to confirm this?

Mao Ning: I’d refer you to competent authorities on that.