Today, June 25, is National Low-Carbon Day and this week is the 35th National Energy Conservation Week. In recent years, we’ve witnessed rigorous effort made by the Chinese government in advocating energy conservation and a low-carbon lifestyle. Green transportation, saving water and electricity, the “Clean Plate” initiative and garbage sorting have become prevailing trends in the society. Energy conservation and environmental protection starts with the effort of you and me, but thrives when it becomes our lifelong habit. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. China is always a staunch doer and important contributor to global green development. Working toward peaking carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality is our solemn commitment to the international community. China will work with all parties to actively respond to climate change and jointly protect Planet Earth that we all call home.

CCTV: Brazil, the BRICS Chair, released the BRICS Joint Statement on the Escalation of the Security Situation in the Middle East Following Military Strikes on the Territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. What’s China’s comment? 

Guo Jiakun: BRICS is a force for progress that champions global peace and stability and defends international fairness and justice. Following the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, BRICS released a joint statement calling for ceasefire, dialogue and consultation, which played a constructive role for deescalation in the region. 

At last year’s BRICS Summit in Kazan, President Xi Jinping said BRICS should be “committed to peace” and “act as defenders of common security.” China stands ready to work with other BRICS countries to continue working for a peaceful and stable Middle East.

AFP: Just a follow-up on BRICS, according to some media reports, Chinese leader will not attend the BRICS Summit in Brazil. Can the Foreign Ministry share the reason for this or any details of the situation?

Guo Jiakun: China and Brazil are two major countries in the world and representative members in the Global South. China supports Brazil’s BRICS presidency and will jointly move forward greater BRICS cooperation. On China’s attendance at the BRICS Summit, we will release information in due course. Please stay tuned.

Rudaw Media Network: What is China’s position on the ceasefire between Israel and Iran? The second question is what role will China play with Iran to prevent the region from falling back into war?

Guo Jiakun: On your first question, China is following closely the developments in the Middle East. We hope to see a lasting and effective ceasefire and will work to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. 

On your second question, China and Iran enjoy traditional friendship between our peoples. China stands ready to maintain the friendly cooperation with Iran for the benefit of the two peoples and provide positive factors for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Reuters: U.S. President Trump said yesterday that China can continue to purchase oil from Iran and that he also hoped China would buy plenty of it from the United States. The White House has clarified that there was no change or relaxation of U.S. sanctions. How should China interpret Trump’s comment? How much of Iranian crude oil is China importing?

Guo Jiakun: China will take energy supply measures that are right for China based on our national interests.

Kyodo News: Japan’s government on Tuesday said China is installing new structure in the East China Sea and has lodged protest with China, asking Beijing to stop unilateral resource development activity. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China’s oil and gas exploration activities in the East China Sea are conducted in undisputed waters under China’s jurisdiction. The matter falls completely under China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction. China does not accept Japan’s unwarranted remarks. China upholds and remains committed to the comprehensive and effective implementation of the principled consensus on the East China Sea issue. We hope Japan will work in the same direction with China and make an effort to resume the intergovernmental negotiation between the two countries at an early date.

AFP: A report by the UK government found that Chinese spying has risen in recent years and Foreign Minister David Lammy has told parliament that his administration is investing US$800 million into the investigation as a result. Does China have a comment in the context of China-UK ties?

Guo Jiakun: Both China and the UK are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world. To grow bilateral ties and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation is in the interest of the two countries and the rest of the world. Let me stress that China is committed to the path of peaceful development. We never pose a threat to any country, nor do we interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. China stands ready to grow its ties with the UK based on mutual respect and proper management of the differences, but we never accept any smear or groundless accusation.