AFP: Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the military to “take control” of Gaza City. What is China’s comment to this? 

Guo Jiakun: China is gravely concerned about Israel’s decision, and urges Israel to stop the dangerous move at once. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of the Palestinian territory. The right way to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and realize the release of people being held is an immediate ceasefire, and the key to fully settling the conflict in Gaza is also a ceasefire. This is the only means to pave the way for ending the conflict and uphold security in the region. China stands ready to work with the rest of the international community to stop the fighting in Gaza as early as possible, ease the humanitarian disaster, implement the two-State solution and ultimately realize the full, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question. 

AFP: According to Indian media reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China upon invitation on August 31 and attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit. Can you confirm that and what is your comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China will host the SCO Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1 this year. Leaders of over 20 countries including all member states of the SCO and heads of 10 international organizations will attend relevant events. The SCO Tianjin Summit will be the largest summit in scale since the establishment of the SCO. 

China welcomes Prime Minister Modi to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit. We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness.

Bloomberg: Donald Trump has said imposing secondary tariffs on China for Beijing’s purchase of Russian oil was a possibility, without giving details. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this threat of secondary tariffs? 

Guo Jiakun: China’s position on this issue is consistent and clear. It is legitimate and lawful for China to engage in economic, trade and energy cooperation with other countries, including Russia. We will continue to take energy supply measures that are right for China based on our national interests.

Antara: The Indonesian President has instructed the evacuation and treatment of around 2,000 wounded Gaza residents on one of Indonesia’s islands. Does the Ministry have any comment on this, and would it consider cooperating in a joint humanitarian effort on this matter?

Guo Jiakun: We are not aware of the specifics you mentioned. The fighting in Gaza has caused a grave humanitarian disaster. The pressing priority is to realize a lasting ceasefire in Gaza at once and ensuring the access of humanitarian aid. China stands ready to make active effort together with the international community to send a stronger message and play a bigger role on the Palestinian question, and promote the full, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.

Financial Times: It is said that China COSCO Shipping Corporation is seeking to acquire a 20 percent to 30 percent stake in CK Hutchison’s global port deal. The details of the negotiations have not been finalized yet, but one option is allowing COSCO to take a stake in ports excluding the two Panama ports. What is the Foreign Ministry’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: On CK Hutchison’s sales of its assets overseas, the Chinese government will conduct lawful regulation, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and uphold justice and fairness in the market.