Vice President Han Zheng will attend the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France and visit Spain upon invitation from June 7 to 13.

The Paper: Today is the World Environment Day. Commentators say in recent years, China has set the pace in global green transition, made notable achievements in renewable energy exploration and other fields, and contributed to the energy transition programs in other developing countries. What’s your comment? 

Lin Jian: China has been a staunch doer in green development. Over the past 20 years since the “green is gold” philosophy was put forward, China has found ways to tackle many of the challenges in ecological governance. China has properly handled the relations between development and conservation. China has witnessed the fastest energy intensity reduction and most visible improvement in air quality. China accounts for a quarter of the world’s newly-added area of afforestation, and has built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system and the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain.

China is also an important contributor to the global green transition. China has green energy cooperation projects with over 100 countries and regions, and actively supports the free flow of high-quality green technologies and products. China provides over 80 percent of the photovoltaic components and 70 percent of wind power equipment in the world and has enabled the world’s LCOE of wind and PV power to drop by more than 60 percent and 80 percent respectively. As a result, countries in the world, especially the developing countries, have affordable and better access to clean energy.

We all share one planet and are one humanity. China is committed to green development that prioritizes eco-conservation, and will continue acting responsibly as an “enabler” and working with the rest of the world to implement the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and build a clean, beautiful and sustainable world.

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new travel ban on Wednesday, targeting 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran and Yemen, reviving one of the most controversial measures from his first term. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Lin Jian: We noted the reports. Mobility of people is what makes exchanges and cooperation possible between countries. 

Reuters: Also on U.S. President Donald Trump. The United States on Wednesday suspended for an initial six months the entry into the United States of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in programs at Harvard University. What is the Ministry’s response to this?

Lin Jian: China-U.S. education cooperation benefits both sides. China opposes politicizing education cooperation. What the U.S. did will damage its own image and reputation. We will firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars.

Reuters: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission voted unanimously to call for public comment on possible new regulations for foreign companies listed on American stock markets. They say that Chinese firms in particular have benefited from having to make fewer regular disclosures to investors. How does the Ministry view the move towards tougher regulations in the U.S.?

Lin Jian: The U.S. needs to follow the market principle of fair competition, stop politicizing economic and trade issues, and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese and other foreign businesses. China will do what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese businesses’ legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

NHK: It is reported that due to China’s export controls on rare earth, Japanese automaker Suzuki has suspended production of its main small cars in Japan because of delays in procuring parts. It has been reported that that is the first case in Japan. So what is the Foreign Ministry’s response to this?

Lin Jian: China’s export control measures are consistent with universal practices. Such measures are non-discriminatory and not targeted at any particular country. I’d refer you to competent authorities on your specific question.

Bloomberg: We’re wondering if you have any information on any potential call between President Trump and President Xi Jinping. The second question is that the SCMP has reported that Australian Prime Minister Albanese will visit China this summer. I wonder if you can confirm this.

Lin Jian: On your first question, I have nothing to read out.

On your second question, China’s position on developing its relations with Australia is consistent and clear. We stand ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Australia and work for a more mature, stable and productive comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia. I have nothing to share on the specific visit you mentioned.