Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong’an) on October 23 and deliver a keynote speech.

CCTV: Premier Li Qiang yesterday attended the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tajikistan. Could you share more details?

Mao Ning: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO and the beginning of the implementation of the SCO development strategy for the next decade. Premier Li Qiang attended the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, and had in-depth exchange of views with various parties on implementing the strategic blueprint of the SCO Tianjin Summit and the outcome consensus of the SCO Bishkek Summit.

As Premier Li stressed in his remarks, China is ready to work with fellow member states to push for higher-quality development of the SCO by boosting the efficiency of its operation, striving for concrete and robust outcomes in cooperation projects, and leading by example. All parties are encouraged to jointly implement the four global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping and build a community with a shared future for humanity. Facing increasingly stronger calls for enhancing multilateralism and reforming and improving global governance in the international community, the SCO should bring together more international partners and shoulder its responsibility on the global stage. In doing so, it is crucial to lay greater stress on seeking common ground and resolving differences, so as to pool wisdom and strength to the largest extent.

Pakistan has officially assumed the chairmanship of the SCO. China will work with all parties to fully support Pakistan’s chairmanship and continuously improve the quality and efficiency of the SCO development. 

CGTN: Could you share more information on Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s attendance at the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong’an)? What’s China’s expectation for the event?

Mao Ning: The theme of the forum is “Rebuilding Confidence and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Transforming World.” Dignitaries from various countries are invited to Xiong’an to discuss the reform and improvement of global governance.

At the opening ceremony, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will put forward practical measures to further implement the Global Governance Initiative and build a more just and equitable global governance system. He will also meet with representatives from foreign countries.

We are confident that the forum will provide an opportunity for participants from home and abroad to contribute insights to the global effort to tackle challenges together and reform and improve global governance.

Belteleradio Company: On Monday at the summit in Tajikistan, Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang held a bilateral meeting. How does the Chinese foreign ministry assess this meeting ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries?

Mao Ning: Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Aleksandr Lukashenko, the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership has enjoyed robust development. Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Alexander Turchin had a successful meeting in Dushanbe, where they had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Belarus relations, practical cooperation and issues of mutual interest. The two sides agreed that head-of-state diplomacy plays an important role of providing strategic guidance. The two sides will fully deliver on the important common understandings of the two heads of state for new outcomes in bilateral ties. Next year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Looking ahead, we are fully confident in the development of bilateral relations and stand ready to work with Belarus to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continue advancing bilateral ties at a high level.

Reuters: Has China been involved in any further correspondence between the U.S. and North Korea about a possible meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un? Also, North Korea experienced a series of disruptions to its internet routing infrastructure on Tuesday for several hours. Is China aware of what was behind the outage?

Mao Ning: On U.S.-DPRK bilateral engagement, I do not have information on that.

Regarding what you mentioned about the internet in the DPRK, I’m not familiar with that.

AFP: President Zelenskyy of Ukraine said yesterday that his country must be included in any possible meeting about the war in Ukraine between the leaders of China, Russia and the United States. Does the foreign ministry have a comment on this, including on whether China is willing to participate in a meeting about the war with Russia and the United States if Ukraine is not included? 

Mao Ning: China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent. We will continue to actively promote peace talks and facilitate a political settlement. 

As to the possibility of a summit meeting between China, Russia and the United States, I have no information to offer at the moment. 

AFP: According to a report yesterday by the Financial Times, Japan is months away from running out of supplies of the critical rare earth yttrium, and has asked the United States for help with encouraging China to ease related export controls. Does the foreign ministry have comments on this?

Mao Ning: China implements export controls on Japan in accordance with the laws and regulations. The aim is to thwart Japan’s remilitarization and attempt to possess nuclear weapons. China’s position of keeping the global industrial and supply chains of critical minerals safe and stable has not changed. All parties have the responsibility to play a constructive role to this end.

Global Times: It’s reported that on October 19 local time, State Attorney General of Florida issued an arrest warrant for Cuban revolutionary leader Raul Castro. What’s China’s comment?

Mao Ning: Comrade Raul Castro is a venerated Cuban revolutionary leader held in high international esteem. We note the response of Cuban president and foreign minister who condemned the move a “pathetic circus.”

China opposes abuse of judicial measures to pressure Cuba, and firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and opposing external interference. We urge the U.S. to immediately stop its blockade and any other form of coercion and pressure against Cuba, and stop infringing on Cuban people’s right to survive and thrive.