The Chinese government has appointed Liu Xianfa as the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs. Special Representative Liu Xianfa is an experienced senior diplomat well-versed in African affairs who once served as the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Nigeria, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Special Representative Liu Xianfa will, on behalf of the Foreign Ministry, have communication and coordination with African countries and the African Union as needed, promote dialogue and cooperation, and make active effort for the building of the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. 

CCTV: Yesterday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met and had talks with Chinese leaders. What results have been achieved? What’s the significance of the visit to China-UK ties? What’s China’s expectation for bilateral relations in the future?

Guo Jiakun: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is on an official visit to China from January 28 to 31. This is the first visit to China by a UK prime minister in eight years. Prime Minister Starmer is also the first leader from a permanent member of the UN Security Council that China receives in 2026. Yesterday, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Starmer. They agreed to develop a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UK, turn the vast potential of China-UK cooperation into real progress, and open up new prospects for China-UK relations and cooperation. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress had talks and met with Prime Minister Starmer respectively. They had in-depth exchanges of views on improving practical cooperation in various fields and resuming exchanges between legislatures of the two countries.

This visit has produced fruitful outcomes, which demonstrate the breadth and depth of cooperation between the two countries. Both sides agreed to establish the high-level China-UK climate and nature partnership, resume the high-level China-UK security dialogue, and hold a new round of institutional dialogues within this year, such as the China-UK strategic dialogue, the economic and financial dialogue, and the meeting of the China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission. China will cut tariffs on U.K. whisky from 10 percent to five percent. Both sides agreed that it’s important to have closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges and facilitate cross-border travel to deepen understanding and enhance mutual trust. Both sides agreed in principle to resume normal exchanges between the legislatures of the two countries. The Chinese side welcomes UK parliamentarians to visit China more if they so desire and will give positive consideration to visa-free access for UK travelers. During the visit, Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Keir Starmer witnessed the signing of 12 intergovernmental cooperation documents in trade and economic exchange, agriculture and food, culture, and market regulation, among other fields, and attended the UK-China Business Council meeting. The two sides will also hold the first meeting of the China-UK financial working group and the China-UK insurance forum.

Notably, Prime Minister Keir Starmer led a delegation of over 60 important representatives from British business and cultural community. Yesterday afternoon, Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended the closing ceremony of the UK-China Business Council meeting. The business sectors in the two countries have full confidence in and look forward to China-UK cooperation in the future. The Chinese government is committed to providing a sound environment for UK and other foreign companies to invest in China. China also hopes that the UK will provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies. We noted that a good number of UK people said online that China is a trustworthy friend and partner. Through the visit, China stands ready to work with the UK to implement the important common understandings between the two leaders, see history from a broader perspective, rise above differences, respect each other, jointly develop a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UK for the good of both peoples and the whole world.

Prensa Latina: With the signing of a new executive order, U.S. President Donald Trump has designated Cuba as a threat to U.S. national security. This order also defames the relationships between Cuba and both China and Russia. In addition, it allows for the imposition of tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba. What is China’s position on this matter?

Guo Jiakun: China firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and security and rejecting external interference. China stands firmly against moves that deprive the Cuban people of their rights to subsistence and development and unhumanitarian practices.

Bloomberg: Regarding Panama’s Supreme Court, which has annulled a contract granted to CK Hutchison to operate two Panama terminals. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this decision by the Panamanian Supreme Court? Could the ruling affect the ongoing negotiations for the deal?

Guo Jiakun: I believe you have noticed that relevant company has immediately issued a statement, saying that the decision is inconsistent with the law of Panama that approved the concession, and the company will reserve all rights including to proceed legally. 

China will take all measures necessary to firmly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Reuters: To follow up on Panama, is China also looking at opportunities to build new ports on the canal?

Guo Jiakun: I don’t have information on that.

EFE: After the Venezuelan Parliament approved a reform on the Hydrocarbons Law to open the oil sector to foreign investment, and after the United States partially lifted restrictions on certain transactions with Caracas, do Chinese companies plan to review or expand their presence in Venezuela’s energy sector under this new context?

Guo Jiakun: We noted the reports. China opposes unilateral illicit sanctions. For anything specific on China’s energy policy, I’d refer you to competent authorities.

Reuters: U.S. President Trump has warned the United Kingdom against getting into business with China after the meeting between Chinese and UK leaders yesterday. The meeting saw a reset in UK-China relations, but Trump said it was “dangerous” for the UK to do business with China and more so for Canada. Does the Ministry have any comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China stands ready to enhance cooperation with other countries in a win-win spirit to benefit the people of all countries.

AFP: Still a question on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China. After China he will visit Japan and meet with Japanese Prime Minister. What message does China hope Mr. Starmer to convey to the Japanese Prime Minister?

Guo Jiakun: We don’t comment on the relations between the UK and Japan. We always hope that developing relations between countries can help keep the region peaceful and stable.

Bloomberg: If you don’t mind confirming something up for my benefit, on the visas for the UK, you said earlier that China will “actively consider.” Can you explain what’s the status on the visas for the UK citizens? Have they been confirmed or is it a process that’s still ongoing? And if so, what might be the timeline for a final decision?

Guo Jiakun: Chinese and UK leaders agreed that the more closely the two peoples interact, the better they will understand and trust each other, and they encourage and support two-way travel between the two countries. To this end, China will give positive consideration to visa-free access for UK travelers. We noted that people from various sectors in the UK warmly welcome and actively anticipate the policy. We welcome them to visit China to get to know a true, multi-dimensional China in an all-round way. On the timeline you mentioned, information will be released in due course after necessary procedures are completed by competent authorities. For the specifics, please check back for updates on the MFA website and the website of the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

AFP: A question on Donald Trump and the U.S. A few days ago, China said it had received an invitation from the U.S. to join the Board of Peace promoted by Donald Trump. Where do you stand on this? Did China agree or refuse to join?

Guo Jiakun: We’ve answered relevant questions on the Board of Peace and have nothing more to add.