China Daily: It’s reported that U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation Christopher Yeaw accused China of conducting nuclear explosive tests, and said the U.S. will return to testing “on an equal basis” with other countries. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization said on its website that they detected two very small seismic events in China on June 22, 2020, but with this data alone, it is not possible to assess the cause of these events with confidence. What’s China’s comment?

Mao Ning: The U.S. accusation is unsubstantiated and entirely groundless. China has reiterated on multiple occasions that it all along firmly supports the purposes and objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and honors the moratorium on nuclear testing—a commitment made by the five nuclear-weapons states.

Shirking arms control obligations by vilification harms the U.S.’s own reputation. China urges the U.S. to abide by the moratorium on nuclear testing, uphold the global consensus on nuclear test ban, and stop finding false justification for resuming nuclear testing.

RIA Novosti: Yesterday, the UK authorities have expanded the sanctions lists against Russia, adding around 250 individuals and companies, including legal entities from China and the UAE. I wonder what’s China’s comment on this?

Mao Ning: China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. China strongly deplores relevant moves of the UK side. On the Ukraine crisis, China has all along promoted talks for peace and strictly controlled the export of dual-use articles. The normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia should not be disrupted or affected. China will do what is necessary to firmly defend its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

DPA: Chancellor Friedrich Merz before departing for Beijing laid out five guidelines for his trip to China. This time, unlike the previous government, Merz didn’t speak of China as a systemic rival, a term the previous administration included in its so-called China strategy. What is China’s comment on this?

Mao Ning: China and Germany are all-round strategic partners. There are successful practices of sound competition and integrated development between the two countries. China-Germany cooperation is mutually beneficial, bringing tangible benefits to our two peoples. Both sides should uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, achieve greater progress in China-Germany relations, and jointly make greater contributions to world peace and prosperity.

RIA Novosti: The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said yesterday that the UK and France are preparing to transfer nuclear weapons to Kiev, because they believe Ukraine should be supplied with an atomic or at least a “dirty” bomb to claim more favorable conditions for the end of the conflict. What’s China’s comment on this statement?

Mao Ning: I’m not familiar with the specifics. China always believes that nuclear weapons must not be used, a nuclear war must not be fought, and international non-proliferation obligations should be earnestly observed. Dialogue on the Ukraine crisis has started and it’s hoped that parties can seize the opportunity and reach a comprehensive, durable and binding peace agreement. We call on relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid any moves that may lead to misunderstanding and miscalculation and even escalation.

RIA Novosti: U.S. Republican Senator Ted Cruz on Tuesday claimed that the governments in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran could be replaced with regimes friendly to the United States within the next six months. What’s China’s comment on this statement given that Beijing has close relationships with those three countries?

Mao Ning: China stands against interference in countries’ internal affairs under any pretext and any violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and other countries’ sovereignty.

Nippon TV: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has approved the proposal calling the government to ease the rules of limiting defense equipment exports, making it possible to export lethal weapons that were previously not permitted. Does the Ministry have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: We noted the report and have serious concern over the move. Due to Japan’s history of aggression, its moves in military and security areas have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. In recent years, Japan has been revamping its security and defense policies, its officials clamored for the possession of nuclear weapons, and the country sought to revise the three Non-Nuclear Principles and lift restrictions on the export of weapons. The latest move has once again laid bare the Japanese right-wing forces’ ambitions to breach the postwar international order, break free from domestic laws and remilitarize Japan. The international community needs to stay on high alert, jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory in WWII and the postwar international order, and firmly reject reckless moves of Japanese neo-militarism.