CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi just came back after his visit to Canada. Could you share more information on the visit?

Lin Jian: At the invitation of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Canada from May 28 to 30. It was the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Canada in ten years. During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Prime Minister Mark Carney, held talks with Foreign Minister Anita Anand, and met with former Prime Minister Jean Chretien and other friends. They had candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges on advancing the China-Canada new Strategic Partnership and international and regional issues of mutual interest, reaching many common understandings and outcomes.

Both sides spoke highly of the progress made in bilateral relations since Prime Minister Carney’s visit in January and agreed to strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance coordination in multilateral fora, and contribute to reforming and improving global governance. The two sides agreed to establish a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two foreign ministers and restart the Political and Security Consultation between the two foreign ministries and the High-Level National Security and Rule of Law Dialogue.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Canada relations were steered back on course and onto the right track, which serves the interests of both countries, and meets the expectations of all parties. What the two sides can learn best from the ups and downs in bilateral ties is the importance of mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, strategic independence, and win-win results. China is ready to work with Canada to follow through on the important common understandings reached between the two countries’ leaders and explore ways to advance the China-Canada new Strategic Partnership, prepare for Prime Minister Carney’s trip to China for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and move relations forward on the track of sound, steady and sustainable growth.

The Canadian side stressed that Canada attaches high importance to relations with China and is dedicated to moving forward the two sides’ new Strategic Partnership. Canada firmly adheres to the one-China policy, a position that will not change. Canada supports China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting this year. It is honored to attend the China International Import Expo 2026 as a guest country of honor and hopes to increase its export to China by 50 percent by 2030. 

AFP: Japan’s Defense Minister at the Shangri-La Dialogue took a veiled swipe at China on Sunday, pledging to keep strengthening the military. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi didn’t mention China by name, but said there is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither of these weapons and yet Japan is labeled neo-militarism. What is China’s comment on his remarks?

Lin Jian: The remarks from the Japanese official you mentioned have no basis at all. They have zero authority in front of history, law, facts and figures. There is no way that making such remarks will help Japan earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.

Japanese militarists committed horrendous crimes in WWII and inflicted untold sufferings on its Asian neighbors and Allied nations. With the aim of preventing the revival of Japanese militarism, a series of instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, clearly require Japan to be “completely disarmed” and not to maintain such industries as “would enable her to re-arm for war.” Japan’s Constitution also made strict restrictions on the country’s military forces, the right of belligerency and the right to war, and Japan has established the “exclusively defense-oriented” principle as well as a series of rules of domestic laws.

Today, however, Japan’s latest defense budget has exceeded 9 trillion yen, hitting a record high for 14 consecutive years since WWII. Its defense spending per capita has reached three times that of China, and total defense expenditure has surged to 2 percent of GDP with plans to further go up to 3.5 percent. Military orders from the Ministry of Defense have tripled over the past five years. Since the current administration came to power, it has been accelerating the deployment of intermediate and long-range missiles, easing the export restrictions of lethal weapons, and promoting the revision of its Constitution and the three security documents. By doing so, Japan seeks to further breach the international and domestic laws and challenge the postwar international order. The Japanese official you mentioned deliberately evaded Japan’s historical crimes and the facts above. He even attempted to shift blame and create confusion. Is this a sign of unease, or an attempt to conceal Japan’s own military expansionist ambitions? Under such circumstances, Japan’s claim that it seeks dialogue is just performative and shows no sincerity at all.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials. The landmark trials of justice affirmed the numerous crimes of Japanese militarism and provided the legal basis for the postwar international order. Some experts and scholars from other countries have noted that the erroneous words and deeds of Japan bear an alarming resemblance to the war-preparation process of Japanese militarism exposed at the Tokyo Trials and pose a threat to regional peace and stability. The international community must stay on high alert and jointly and firmly prevent and stop the spread of Japan’s neo-militarism.

RT: Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced last Friday that it will send four SDF officers to the NATO Security Assistance and Training Organization for Ukraine to learn various lessons and strengthen Japan’s defense system. It also plans to enhance Japan’s defense cooperation with the NATO. What’s China’s comment? Is this a sign of the revival of Japanese militarism?

Lin Jian: We are gravely concerned over these developments. Japan has been pursuing remilitarization at full throttle, engaging in frequent interactions with a military organization from outside the region, expanding the scope of activities of its Self-Defence Forces, and building a combat-ready operational system. This is Japan trying to break free from the constraints of its Constitution, domestic and international laws, and its “exclusively defense-oriented” principle. This is Japan challenging the postwar international order. Japan portrays itself as a “peace-loving country”, but its actions are in the very opposite direction. The malevolent emergence of neo-militarism in Japan is putting regional peace and stability under threat. The international community must stay on high alert and take resolute countermeasures.

China News Service: The foreign ministry announced yesterday that UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will visit China and hold the 11th China-UK Strategic Dialogue. Could you offer more information about the visit and share China’s expectations?

Lin Jian: The China-UK Strategic Dialogue is an important high-level dialogue mechanism between the two sides. Amid the turbulent and fluid international situation, it is ever more relevant for China and the UK, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, to enhance strategic communication. During this upcoming dialogue, there will be in-depth exchanges on implementing the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, expanding practical cooperation, and international and regional hotspot issues, with the aim of deepening the China-UK long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership and delivering more for both countries and the world.

As to more information about the visit, we will put out press releases to keep you updated. Please stay tuned.

AFP: A blast in northern Myanmar’s Shan State killed dozens of people on Sunday, with rebels controlling the region saying that it was caused by the accidental detonation of mining explosives. We are seeing media reports today that Chinese nationals were killed. Can you confirm this? Were they working in mining?

Lin Jian: On May 31, an explosion accident occurred at a warehouse in Namhkam Township in Shan State, Myanmar, causing multiple casualties. One Chinese national was injured. We deeply mourn for the lives lost, and extend sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.

Right after the accident, China immediately verified the situation with the relevant parties in Myanmar and requested them to make every effort to treat the injured Chinese citizen. The injured Chinese national has now been given medical treatment. China will closely follow the investigation of the accident and provide necessary assistance in handling relevant matters after the accident.

The Paper: China successfully wrapped up its work as the rotating chair of the UN Security Council for May. Over the past month, under the coordination and promotion of China, multiple events were held at the Security Council. Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the high-level open debate. China’s effort and work are recognized by the international community. Can you share more information about this? How does China view the role of the UN, especially the Security Council, under the current situation? 

Lin Jian: With the active support of various parties, the work of China as the rotating chair of the Security Council for May drew a successful conclusion. Over the past month, acting in a responsible and constructive manner, we’ve worked with Security Council members and the broader UN membership to focus on key issues, pursue practical actions, and actively fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us under the UN Charter.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired the high-level open debate at the UN headquarters in New York, during which he made five propositions on defending, revitalizing and strengthening the UN, voicing a strong call for reinvigorating the authority of the UN Charter and the role of the UN. Foreign Minister Wang Yi also attended the meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance, during which he proposed nine major directions for reforming global governance. Under China’s presidency, the Security Council also held deliberations on hotspot issues related to Palestine and Israel, Iran and Ukraine, as well as thematic issues including the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. It worked to respond to the concerns of the international community, play its due role, and has successfully completed all agenda items.

As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, China stands ready to work with all parties, including the Security Council members, to strengthen solidarity and coordination in the UN, practice true multilateralism, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and continue fulfilling our duties for world peace and development.

CRI: Recently, a new outbreak of Ebola was found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). WHO and Africa CDC have called on the international community to support Africa in combating the outbreak. What measures has China taken in this regard? 

Lin Jian: China and Africa are good brothers sharing weal and woe. We feel for the DRC over the new outbreak of Ebola. When chairing the UN Security Council high-level meeting in New York, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China would always race to help when major public crises strike. He mentioned that back in 2015, China provided immense support for the three West African countries fighting Ebola, and China is now ready to actively assist countries hit by the latest outbreak, including the DRC. To that end, the Chinese government has decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the DRC, and in particular send medical expert teams for medical services and assistance. On top of that, China is providing assistance to the AU Commission and engaged in cooperation with them on Ebola prevention and control. China’s support also goes to Africa CDC in this regard to enhance African countries’ capability to fight the outbreak.

Supporting African countries’ response to Ebola is a shining example of building the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and also an important part of ten partnership actions of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing summit. China has sent 45 medical teams, with a total of more than 900 members, to 44 African countries. As we speak, Chinese medical teams are on the ground fighting the disease shoulder to shoulder with African people.

China will stay in close touch with DRC and other African countries as well as WHO and AU, and provide assistance to the best of our capability in light of the situation and Africa’s needs. We also call on the international community to take more concrete actions to help DRC and other African countries defeat the outbreak at an early date.

TV Asahi: According to the New York Times, one of its journalists was deported. What’s your comment?

Lin Jian: The New York Times provided platform for Taiwan authorities to peddle separatist rhetoric for “Taiwan independence,” and blatantly called China’s Taiwan region a “country.” This grossly violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and sends a gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. China firmly opposes it. The New York Times should correct its wrongdoings rather than continue down the wrong path.

During the time the journalist you mentioned was stationed in China, she had a track record of deceiving people into unknowingly taking interviews, and violated the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on News Coverage by Permanent Offices of Foreign Media Organizations and Foreign Journalists. Her residence permit was thus revoked as dictated by laws and regulations. The U.S. side, out of so-called “reciprocity,” is engaged in political suppression against journalists from Xinhua News Agency working legally in the United States. China firmly opposes this.

The facts and merits of the issue of media between China and the U.S. are clear. The root cause is the U.S. side’s unilaterally stirring up trouble, and politicizing issues related to media. China always provides facilitation for foreign journalists as they report and live in China. In recent years, China has shown flexibility and provided visa facilitation for quite a few U.S. journalists coming to China to do reporting, whereas Chinese journalists’ applications for reporting in the United States have rarely been approved. The U.S. side should earnestly implement the understanding reached with China on media issues and take concrete actions to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese journalists who work and stay in the United States.