Beijing Youth Daily: The 17th UN Chinese Language Day is approaching. The theme this year is “Chinese Language, Shining Civilizations”. Celebrations have been held at UN headquarters and cultural institutions around the world. The “Becoming Chinese” trend on social media has made learning Chinese even more popular. What’s your comment?

Guo Jiakun: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the designation of Chinese as UN official language. The UN Secretariat, together with Chinese missions overseas, held events in New York, Geneva, Vienna and so on to celebrate the occasion. As one of the oldest language in the world, Chinese dates back thousands of years and is spoken across the world. It embodies the oriental wisdom of harmony and diversity, and has witnessed the UN’s pursuit for its ideal for peace over the past 80 years. Language is the vehicle of civilization. All civilizations are humanity’s treasures. They are all absolutely essential and deserve equal respect and joint protection.

You mentioned the popularity of learning Chinese. At our press briefings, for instance, more foreign journalists are raising their questions in fluent Chinese, which is appreciated and welcomed. We look forward to seeing more foreign friends learn Chinese, which will open for them the window on modern China and the Chinese civilization.  

RT: Two questions regarding recent remarks by Donald Trump. First in an interview, he said that he and the Chinese side communicated on the situation in Iran. Can you confirm that? Second, Mr. Trump said his planned visit to China would not be affected by the war in Iran. But at the same time, the United States is imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, including vessels bound for China. So does China view this as a potential risk to the high-level meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi?

Guo Jiakun: On the Iran situation, China has made its serious position clear more than once. As to the specifics you asked about, I have no information to provide.

On President Trump’s visit to China, the two sides maintain communication on the matter.

Reuters: Another question about U.S. The U.S. yesterday said it believed China would not stop purchasing Iranian oil, and it also said it would sanction buyers of Iranian oil. Do you have any comment regarding that issue?

Guo Jiakun: China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council.

AFP: In Sri Lanka today, nine Chinese nationals were arrested at an airport while attempting to smuggling communication equipment that was allegedly intended for cyber scamming operations. This is according to Sri Lankan customs authorities. Does the Foreign Ministry have more information or comments on this case?

Guo Jiakun: I’m not familiar with what you mentioned. The Chinese government always asks our fellow citizens to observe local laws and regulations and not engage in any illegal or criminal activities while they are abroad. China stands ready to promote international cooperation with relevant countries and jointly combat criminal activities including cyberscam.