China News Service: Large-scale demonstrations and protests in Jakarta and other places in Indonesia ramped up and caused casualties. President Prabowo Subianto canceled his planned trip to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit and other events. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: We noted the latest developments in Indonesia and believe that under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian government has the ability to properly handle the domestic situation and restore stability at an early date. China hopes Indonesia will take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese institutions and personnel in Indonesia.

China understands and respects the Indonesian government’s decision, in light of its domestic needs, regarding participation in the SCO Tianjin Summit and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China welcomes Foreign Minister Sugiono to attend the Summit and commemoration events as the representative of President Prabowo. 

CCTV: On August 31 local time, an earthquake rocked eastern Afghanistan, causing heavy casualties and property loss. What’s China’s comment? Will China offer the country assistance?

Guo Jiakun: China is closely following the deadly earthquake in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Kunar. We mourn for the lives lost in the earthquake in Afghanistan and our hearts go out to the bereaved families and the injured. We believe that under the leadership of the Afghan government, the Afghan people will recover and rebuild from the disaster. China will do what it can to provide help in light of Afghanistan’s needs.

China Daily: Recently, some Pacific Island countries have suffered from the largest and severest dengue fever outbreak in 10 years. Has China offered assistance to them? Could you share more details?

Guo Jiakun: Health cooperation is an important part of China’s cooperation with Pacific Island countries. China is closely following the latest dengue fever outbreak there and has taken measures to actively help the countries fight the disease. Right after the outbreak, we provided supplies and financial support to Tonga, Samoa, and other worst-affected island countries. We offered testing reagents and products for mosquito control to Tonga, and protective suits, face masks and gloves to Samoa. Not long ago, Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of the GX Foundation, visited Vanuatu and Fiji. He launched a program in Vanuatu to fight dengue fever and donated mosquito and fly control products and rapid testing reagents to communities in the two countries. China has also sent medical teams on long-term missions to seven Pacific Island countries, actively contributing to the improvement of public health and the development of healthcare services there. During this outbreak, the Chinese medical teams have stayed on the front line, worked with local medical staff to save patients, and shared knowledge on how to prevent and control the disease.

China’s selfless assistance is appreciated and widely recognized by the local governments and people. In light of the developments of the disease, China will continue to do its best to provide support and assistance to the Pacific Island countries in need. 

Reuters: What time will the military parade on Wednesday start?

Guo Jiakun: I’d refer you to the press center for detailed arrangement of the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.