Phoenix TV: It was reported that President Trump said at a TIME interview on April 22 that President Xi Jinping “has called.” What is China’s comment? Are there ongoing talks between China and the U.S.?

Guo Jiakun: As far as I know, there have not been any calls between the two presidents recently.

Let me make it clear one more time that China and the U.S. are not engaged in any consultation or negotiation on tariffs.

Yonhap News Agency: The DPRK and Russia have officially confirmed that the DPRK sent troops to the Russian region of Kursk. The DPRK said that they dispatched troops in accordance with the decision of their supreme leader and the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Russia, and some DPRK soldiers have been wounded or killed. Does China believe that the DPRK’s dispatchment of troops is conducive to resolving the Ukraine crisis?

Guo Jiakun: Regarding bilateral interactions between Russia and the DPRK, we’ve stated our position on multiple occasions. China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. 

TVB: The Wall Street Journal recently reported that sources said the Chinese government has told CK Hutchison that the sale of the global ports other than the Panama Canal ports was unlikely to be an issue. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: We noted relevant report. We also noted that the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said it is paying close attention to the deal and will review it in accordance with the law. SAMR also noted all parties involved in the transaction must not circumvent the review by any means or implement concentration activities without regulatory approval. Otherwise, legal responsibility will be pursued. 

China firmly opposes using economic coercion and bullying to harm other countries’ legitimate rights and interests. We hope that all parties concerned will act prudently and have thorough communication with competent Chinese authorities. Meanwhile, let me stress again that China is committed to reform and opening up and welcomes foreign companies to invest in China.

China Daily: The Preparatory Committee for the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will hold its third session at the UN Headquarters in New York from April 28 to May 9. What’s China’s expectation for the session? As we understand, China submitted a working paper to the meeting. Could you share more information on that?

Guo Jiakun: Since its entry into force 55 years ago, the NPT has all along served as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime. At present, certain country practices unilateralism, ignores international rules and seeks absolute security, which leads to continuous deterioration of the global strategic security environment and rising risks of nuclear conflict and nuclear arms race. China will actively participate in this meeting and follow the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by President Xi Jinping as the fundamental guidance, act to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative and fully advance the review of the three pillars of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy in a balanced way. China has submitted a working paper to the meeting.

China’s propositions include the following:

Uphold true multilateralism, advocate the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, reject jointly the Cold War mentality and zero-sum game, and promote the building of a global nuclear governance system that features “NPT for peace and development.” 

Advocate that one’s own security and common security are indivisible, and take a rational and pragmatic attitude and a step-by-step approach in advancing nuclear disarmament. The principles of “maintaining global strategic stability” and “undiminished security for all” should be followed. 

Uphold the inseparability of security rights and security obligation and establish a fair and just nuclear non-proliferation regime. Persist in peacefully resolving regional hotspot issues through political and diplomatic means and jointly oppose double standards. 

Uphold the inseparability of security and development, oppose the politicization of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and stress the need to earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights of all countries, especially Global South countries, to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.  

China will continue to work with other parties to maintain the authority and effectiveness of the NPT and make unremitting efforts to improve the global governance system in the nuclear area and achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.

China News Service: In a recent press release, the Ministry of External Affairs of India noted that it will organize pilgrimages to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in Xizang Autonomous Region of China from June to August this year. Does this mean that China has agreed to resume the pilgrimage? Do you have any comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: Indian pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in Xizang Autonomous Region of China is an important part of the cultural and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso are the “sacred mountain and lake” for believers of several religions, including Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. As agreed between China and India, the pilgrimage will resume this summer. The two sides are advancing relevant preparations at the moment.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic ties. China stands ready to work with India to earnestly implement the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development.

Bloomberg: I just have a question about Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchinson agreement to sell their ports overseas to BlackRock. Under what law does the State Administration for Market Regulation claim jurisdiction over companies that are listed in Hong Kong doing deals overseas?

Guo Jiakun: I just answered relevant question. I’d refer you to competent authorities for the specifics that you mentioned.

AFP: A follow-up question on North Korean troops in Russia. If China does call for a deescalation of conflict, will China apply pressure on North Korea to not add fuel to the fire by sending troops?

Guo Jiakun: I just answered relevant question. China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear.

CCTV: The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on April 26 approved the nomination by Chairman of the PLO’s Executive Committee and President Mahmoud Abbas to appoint Hussein Al-Sheikh, the committee’s secretary-general, as Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the PLO and Deputy President of the State of Palestine. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: We welcome that Mr. Hussein Al-Sheikh has become Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the PLO and Deputy President of the State of Palestine. 

China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, supports all Palestinian factions in increasing solidarity, and supports the Palestinian Authority in enhancing its authority, improving governance, and effectively controlling all of Palestine’s territory, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. 

RIA Novosti: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said in an interview with RIA Novosti that Russia and China may participate in the international investigation of the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Does China plan to do so?

Guo Jiakun: China welcomes all measures that will help cool down the current situation and supports carrying out fair and just investigations at an early date. As the neighbor of both India and Pakistan, China hopes that India and Pakistan will exercise restraint, work in the same direction, handle relevant differences properly through dialogue and consultation, and jointly uphold peace and stability in the region.

CCTV: An explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran on April 26 has killed 40 people, wounded over 1,000, and led to the missing of 6. What is China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China deeply mourns for the lives lost in the explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran, and extends sincere sympathies to the Iranian government, the bereaved families and the injured. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.

AFP: The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a television interview on Sunday suggested that China might be denying ongoing talks between the U.S. and China on tariffs because China is “playing to a different audience,” but that there’s a path forward. So would the Foreign Ministry like to respond to Mr. Bessent’s assessment of the situation?

Guo Jiakun: China’s position on the tariff war is abundantly clear. Tariff and trade wars have no winners. If a negotiated solution is truly what the U.S. wants, it should stop threatening and blackmailing China, and seek dialogue based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.

Shenzhen TV: Recently, with “China Travel” increasingly easier and the rolling out of departure tax refunds, shopping in China has become a new buzzing trend among foreign tourists. It’s reported that the number of foreign tourists’ travel orders for the Labor Day holiday in China is already up 173 percent year-on-year. A lot of foreign tourists arrive in China with large suitcases to stuff them with their purchases in China. At the recent Canton Fair, the number of foreign buyers grew by over 20 percent compared with previous years. The China International Consumer Products Expo attracted over 60 thousand professional buyers worldwide. Chinese diplomatic and consular missions overseas also actively promoted relevant events. What message does China hope to send? What’s your comment on foreign travelers’ shopping boom in China?

Guo Jiakun: Just like “China Travel,” shopping in China has gained popularity among foreign travelers. From the large numbers of foreign buyers who gathered at Chinese trade fairs to consumers from around the world exploring trendy stores, from local delicacies to souvenirs of intangible cultural heritage, from famous international brands to chic local products, and from high-quality Chinese goods to top-notch Chinese services, you can find a glimpse of the great appeal and vitality of China’s consumer market.

Statistics show that last year, inbound tourists spent US$ 94.2 billion in total, up by 77.8 percent. This is thanks to a series of policies, such as visa-free transit, convenient payment and departure tax refunds, and reflects China’s sincerity to open wider and benefit the rest of the world. On April 26, the government announced new measures of departure tax refunds, and further expanded “Buy Now, Refund Now” to ensure easy shopping and more tangible benefits for foreign consumers. As the Labor Day holiday approaches, we welcome more foreign friends to visit and have a delightful stay in China. Hope more households and people around the world will enjoy Chinese-made products of high quality and favorable prices.

Bloomberg: In mid-April, the Chinese coast guard landed on Sandy Cay, which is an island between China and the Philippines. On the news program on the weekend, it said that the coast guard was asserting China’s sovereignty over the island. Does China claim it is territorial land of the Chinese state and will China be announcing the base lines around that territorial claim?

Guo Jiakun: Tiexian Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. It is uninhabited. China’s rights-defending law enforcement activities in accordance with the law are aimed at countering the Philippines’ illegal landing and other infringement and provocation activities, firmly upholding China’s national territorial sovereignty, ensuring Tiexian Jiao’s state of hosting no personnel or facilities and firmly upholding the sanctity of the DOC.

NHK: It’s reported that the investigation launched by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) exposes Chinese authorities’ transnational suppression activities. Could you confirm it? China’s Embassy to the U.S. said there is no such thing and it is a groundless accusation. What’s your response?

Guo Jiakun: We oppose groundless accusation, vilification and smears by some ill-intentioned forces on China’s normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation.

China carries out international law enforcement and judicial cooperation in strict accordance with the law, fully respects the laws and judicial sovereignty of other countries, and protects the lawful rights and interests of the persons concerned in accordance with the law.

AFP: Talks between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Vatican this weekend as they attended Pope Francis’ funeral were hailed by both sides as historic. Trump said after that he wants Vladimir Putin to stop shooting and sign a deal and the next couple of weeks are critical. What is China’s reaction to the meeting and has China been in touch with the U.S. or Ukrainian side since?

Guo Jiakun: China’s position on the Ukraine issue is crystal clear. We hope relevant parties will continue to solve the crisis through dialogue and negotiation.

PTI: You said just now answering a question on the recent terrorist attack that you call for swift and fair investigations. Can there be a possibility of fair investigation, especially when the allegations are that there’s state-sponsored terrorism across the border into Jammu and Kashmir? Can there be a fair investigation and how can it be? Can you elaborate?

Guo Jiakun: I answered relevant question. Let me reiterate that both India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia. Their harmonious coexistence is vital to the peace, stability and development of the region. As the neighbor of the two countries, China calls on the two sides to exercise restraint, solve differences through dialogue and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable.

Bloomberg: Last week, PBOC governor and also Finance Minister were in Washington DC. There have been some various announcements about the people they met, but there’s been no announcement that they met or anyone from their teams met anyone from the U.S. side. There were reports that some low-level officials on both sides did meet. Even if it is not trade talks or trade conversations, were there any meetings or discussions between the U.S. and the Chinese generally last week when the Chinese delegation was at the IMF?

Guo Jiakun: China has released information on the Chinese delegation’s attendance at relevant meeting, which you may refer to. On the specifics that you mentioned, I am not aware of it.

Reuters: Did China send any delegation to the funeral mass held for the Pope or were there any Chinese representatives who attended? 

Guo Jiakun: I have no information to share. On the issue of China-Vatican ties, China’s position is consistent.

AFP: Can the Foreign Ministry share any details about Wang Yi’s trip to Brazil for the BRICS meeting, including any deals that he hopes to land with other countries on how to respond to tariff tensions?

Guo Jiakun: China previously shared Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s attendance at the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations and other relevant meetings. Readouts on Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s activities in Brazil will be released in due course. Please stay tuned.

AFP: Another follow up on North Korean troops in Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said that if China is sincere in its position that the war shouldn’t expand, it needs to exert influence on North Korea. So what is China’s next move?

Guo Jiakun: China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is amply clear and consistent. We have been actively working for a ceasefire and promoting peace talks.