China-Arab TV: U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that any country doing business with Iran will pay a tariff of 25 percent on any and all business being done with the U.S. What is China’s comment?

Mao Ning: China’s position on the tariffs issue is very clear. Tariff wars have no winners. China will firmly protect its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi just concluded his visit to Africa on the first overseas trip of this year. Could you share more information about this visit with us?

Mao Ning: After the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi shared his impression and the outcomes of the trip in detail in an interview with Chinese media. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, this is the 36th consecutive year for Chinese foreign minister to kick off the year with a visit to Africa, which reflects Chinese people’s profound friendship with African people and embodies a kind of commitment and spirit. Some people say that Africa is the “forgotten” continent. But China views Africa as a continent full of hope and takes Africa as the starting point of China’s diplomatic effort every year. The principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith proposed by President Xi Jinping has always been the guidance for China-Africa cooperation. Sincerity and equality have always been the defining feature of China-Africa exchanges. Africa and China are good partners that can rely on and trust each other.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated on the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He stressed that the recommendations not only draw the blueprint for China’s future development, but also provide a list of opportunities for all countries including those in Africa. China will continue to be an engine of global economic growth, and is ready to act as a booster for Africa’s development and revitalization. The term most frequently mentioned by the African side is zero tariff. This measure is a shining hallmark of China-Africa cooperation in the new era and an important step taken by China to voluntarily expand unilateral opening up. It demonstrates China’s willingness to shoulder more international obligations and its firm commitment to expanding high-standard opening up. China’s huge market will truly become a great opportunity for Africa. We welcome African countries to board the express train of China’s development and work together to achieve modernization.

Reuters: Also related to President Trump’s threat of the 25 percent tariffs on countries that trade with Iran, should President Trump make good on this threat, Chinese exporters could find themselves facing high tariffs at the U.S. border. Would Beijing consider this a return to a tariff war?

Mao Ning: As I just said, tariff wars have no winners. China will firmly protect its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

Anadolu Agency: The U.S. warned American citizens to leave Iran immediately. Meanwhile, the White House says military option against the country is on the table. U.S. media has reported that cyber and psychological warfare operations are also considered. What is your comment about recent developments in Iran?

Mao Ning: China hopes Iran will maintain stability in the country and supports Iran in doing so. We always oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs and oppose the use or threat of force in international relations. We hope all parties will act in ways conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East.

Bloomberg: Japan’s Prime Minister has signaled her intention to call a snap election possibly in February. Would the Ministry like to comment on this?

Mao Ning: This is Japan’s internal affair. I have no comment on this.

Bloomberg: Iran has reportedly been asked to withdraw from the BRICS war games off South Africa and accept observer status. Can you confirm this or explain why this might have happened?

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

AFP: Again on the protests in Iran, according to some reports, several hundreds of people have been killed in these protests. In this context, does China still advise its citizens to travel to Iran for tourism?

Mao Ning: We are closely following the developments of the situation in Iran. We will take all measures necessary to protect the safety of Chinese nationals.

Nippon TV: South Korea’s President today arrived in Japan and the summit meeting has begun today. Does China have a comment on this?

Mao Ning: This is the bilateral interaction between the ROK and Japan.

Nippon TV: Finance ministers from G7 countries agreed yesterday to accelerate the reduction of rare earth imports from China, since they are relying too much on China. Does China have a comment on this?

Mao Ning: On keeping the global industrial and supply chains of critical minerals safe and stable, China’s position has not changed. All parties have the responsibility to do so.