Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji will attend upon invitation the plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in Hainan on March 26 and deliver a keynote speech.

CCTV: This week is the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Week 2026. Can you share the highlights of the events and expectations for LMC development in the future?

Lin Jian: Today marks the 10th anniversary of the first LMC Leaders’ Meeting. Over the past decade, under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and leaders of Mekong countries, China has forged a community with a shared future with all Mekong countries bilaterally, and trade between the two sides has exceeded US$500 billion, up by 150 percent compared with that of 10 years ago. Thousands of small and smart projects, such as the LMC Bumper Harvest projects and the Lancang-Mekong Sweet Spring Action, have been implemented and delivered tangibly for the people. The six countries have jointly carried out the Safe Lancang-Mekong operations to uphold security in the region. Today, a reception will be held in Beijing to mark the 10th anniversary of the first LMC Leaders’ Meeting. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will attend the reception to talk with friends from various sectors about the future of LMC.

This year’s LMC Week is themed on “jointly forging Lancang-Mekong Cooperation 2.0.” Relevant Chinese ministries, local governments and diplomatic missions will hold over 170 celebration events. First, on development, we will hold industrial seminars and experience sharing events on topics including green and low-carbon development and poverty alleviation through agricultural development. Second, looking to the future, we will carry out innovation cooperation and brainstorming through youth innovation contests and youth exchange camps. Third, aiming at serving the people, we will hold events such as the brightness project, non-profit medical activities, film week and art festival. You are welcome to follow and report on these events.

The world today is fraught with transformation and turbulence. Peace and development face severe challenges. China will follow the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness on neighborhood diplomacy, and work with the five Mekong countries to build LMC 2.0, open up a new LMC golden decade, and make new contribution to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

China-Arab TV: It’s reported that online comments made by Japanese citizens on videos about Takaichi’s visit to the U.S. are mainly negative, criticizing her for her dramatic expression and obsequious manner which undermined national dignity. Some even described the videos as bad as AI-generated. What’s China’s comment?

Lin Jian: We noted the comments made by some Japanese media, experts and citizens on Takaichi’s visit to the U.S., including on her response when Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was mentioned and when she visited the Presidential Walk of Fame. I’ll make no comment on online criticism on the visit made by Japanese citizens. The U.S. and Japan developing bilateral relations should be conducive to regional peace and stability rather than target any third country or harm their interests.

Beijing Daily: It’s reported that 14 people were killed and 60 injured in a fire at an auto parts factory in Daejeon, the Republic of Korea. Would you like to comment on this? 

Lin Jian: We have noted the fire that broke out a couple of days ago in Daejeon, the Republic of Korea, which has caused casualties. We express deep condolences for the lives lost and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday gave Iran 48 hours until 11:44 pm GMT today to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, threatening to obliterate Iranian power plants if they do not. What’s the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s comment on this?

Lin Jian: The conflict in the Middle East is still spreading and spilling over. If the conflict continues to expand and the situation once again escalates, the whole region will be plunged into chaos. Force will only lead to a vicious circle. China strongly calls on parties to the conflict to immediately stop military operations, return to dialogue and negotiation, and not continue the war that should not have happened.

Reuters: Is China already in talks with Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Laos and Viet Nam on fertilizer supplies? How does China plan to help them address the fertilizer shortage problems? And has China already started shipping additional fertilizers to those countries?

Lin Jian: The situation in the Middle East has dealt a blow to global energy and trade security. Relevant countries should immediately stop military operations and prevent the regional turmoil from causing a greater impact on global economic growth. On the specifics that you mentioned, I’d refer you to competent authorities.

Reuters: China has told Iran to ensure the safety of its assets and people in Iran. So has China specifically told Iran to ensure the safe passage of its ships and oil bound to China?

Lin Jian: We once again call on parties to immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation of the tense situation and prevent regional turmoil from causing greater damage to global economic growth. We are in communication with relevant parties to work for the deescalation of the situation.

Reuters: The Foreign Ministry said last week that it’s willing to work with other countries in Southeast Asia on energy security. So how does China plan to do so and have talks began with countries in the region?

Lin Jian: I’d refer you to competent authorities.

Reuters: The Chinese Embassy in India said on Saturday that Air China is resuming direct flights between Beijing and Delhi. When will this happen?

Lin Jian: The Chinese side and the Indian side maintain communication on promoting cooperation and people-to-people exchange. As to your specific question, I’d refer you to the competent authorities.

Bloomberg: Vietnamese officials over the weekend said it opposed China’s activities involving land reclamation in the Paracel Islands. Does the Foreign Ministry have a response?

Lin Jian: Xisha Qundao is China’s inherent territory, over which there is no dispute. Necessary construction on our own territory is aimed at improving living and working conditions on the islands and growing the local economy.