Global Times: On January 30, Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that CK Hutchison’s concession to operate two Panama Canal ports is unconstitutional. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. is “encouraged” by the ruling. Chairman of the U.S. House select committee on China John Moolenaar said that “China’s malign influence is unwelcome in the Western Hemisphere.” What is China’s response?

Lin Jian: China has made a response to the ruling of Panama’s Supreme Court on the relevant ports. The Hong Kong SAR government issued a statement as well. China will firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Let me stress that the U.S.’s words and moves has again shown its Cold-War mentality and ideological bias. It is quite clear to the world who exactly is seeking to forcibly own the Panama Canal and eroding international law in the name of the rule of law.

Sky News: Earlier this week on the campaign trail, Prime Minister Takaichi of Japan said that she wants to change the country’s Constitution to explicitly recognize the Self-Defense Force or the military in other words. The polls suggest that Takaichi is on track for majority and she’s made no secret about the fact she wants to build up Japan’s military. From China’s perspective, what does this mean for both China and the region?

Lin Jian: We noted the news. During World War II, Japanese militarism inflicted untold suffering on Asia and the world. Instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, stipulate Japan’s international obligations as a defeated country. Fulfilling these obligations is the political and legal prerequisite for Japan to be readmitted to the international community. The issue of Japan’s attempt to revise its Constitution has thus received constant attention from Japan’s neighbors in Asia and the rest of the world. We call on the Japanese side to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, heed the call for peace from its people, stick to the path of peaceful development, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through real actions.

AFP: The EU said it opened an investigation into Chinese clean energy giant Goldwind over concerns that the firm benefited from state subsidies that distorted competition within the EU. Does the Chinese Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Lin Jian: For anything specific, I’d refer you to competent authorities.  Let me stress that the EU has repeatedly resorted to unilateral economic and trade tools and taken discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese companies. This sends out a message of protectionism, hurts the image of the EU, and dampens Chinese companies’ confidence in investment in the EU. We urge the EU to honor its commitment to market openness, uphold the principle of fair competition, stop abusing unilateral economic and trade tools, and provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for companies of all countries. China firmly protects the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Bloomberg: In Washington, D.C. today, dozens of foreign ministers are set to convene and the EU is going to pitch a broad partnership plan with the U.S. to try to reduce their dependency on China for critical minerals. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on the Washington meeting in general or the EU’s proposal to the U.S.?

Lin Jian: On maintaining the stability and security of global critical mineral industrial and supply chains, China’s position remains unchanged. All sides have the responsibility to play a constructive role in this regard. On the proposal between the EU and the U.S., let me stress that China maintains that countries need to follow the principles of market economy and international economic and trade rules, step up communication and dialogue, jointly keep the industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and advance the steady growth of world economy.

Beijing Youth Daily: On February 2, Laura Fernández Delgado of the Sovereign People’s Party was elected Costa Rica’s president. What’s China’s comment on the results of the elections?

Lin Jian: China congratulates Laura Fernández Delgado on her election as Costa Rica’s president.

Costa Rica is an important country in Central America. China and Costa Rica have enjoyed smooth ties ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties 18 years ago and productive and steady exchanges and cooperation in various fields for the benefit of both peoples. China attaches great importance to its relations with Costa Rica. China is ready to work with the new government of Costa Rica to better serve the interests of the two peoples, advance practical cooperation in various fields and enrich the two countries’ strategic partnership.

Bloomberg: The Myanmar election commission reported that the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party won a landslide election. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on the election results?

Lin Jian: China supports Myanmar in following a development path that suits its national conditions, and supports the parties in Myanmar in realizing more broad-based, robust and sustainable peace and reconciliation and jointly maintaining political stability. China respects the choice of the people of Myanmar and will continue to provide constructive assistance for restoring peace, stability and development in Myanmar.