CCTV: It has been a year since China took over the SCO rotating chairmanship, and China will host the SCO Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Can you introduce the work China has done as the SCO chair and the preparations that have been made for the Summit in Tianjin?

Guo Jiakun: Since China took over the SCO rotating chairmanship in July last year, China has acted on the slogan “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move”, made solid progress as the SCO chair, and achieved positive progress and outcomes.

First, cooperation in various sectors has been deepened. China has hosted over 100 events as the SCO chair, and nearly half are institutional events, covering multiple areas such as politics, security, military, economy and trade, investment, energy, education, connectivity, technological innovation, green industry, digital economy and people-to-people exchanges. These events helped SCO countries increase solidarity and mutual trust, enhance mutual learning and achieve mutually beneficial and win-win results.

Second, the mechanisms of the organization have been improved. China has worked with all member states to advance reform and innovation in various aspects such as the deliberation mechanism, cooperation pattern and permanent bodies, so as to ensure smoother and more efficient operation of the organization. Parties are accelerating the consultations regarding the establishment of a comprehensive center for dealing with security threats and challenges, a information security center, a center for fighting transnational organized crime and a counternarcotics center, to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and security and to build a new paradigm for regional security cooperation.

Third, stronger commitment was made to the “Shanghai Spirit.” The SCO has spoken up to uphold justice on major international and regional issues, firmly upheld the multilateral trading system and strongly condemned the abuse of force, sending a strong message of the SCO upholding peace and justice. China, together with member states, has actively carried out exchanges and dialogues among political parties, media and think tanks, giving people a better understanding of the “Shanghai Spirit” and bringing the big family of the SCO closer. 

One month later, the SCO Summit will be held in Tianjin. Leaders of over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations will gather together for the summit. This will be the largest summit since the establishment of the SCO, and the culmination of China’s work as the SCO chair. The SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held not long ago has made full political preparations for this Summit. China will work with all member states to complete the preparations in the final phase, accumulate positive outcomes in areas such as security, development, livelihood and mechanisms, so as to hold a friendly and united summit with fruitful results. The Summit will guide the SCO to enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring more solidarity, coordination, vitality and contribution, and build a closer SCO community with a shared future. 

The Paper: China’s stellar economic growth in the first half of this year recently received positive reactions. The International Monetary Fund, Morgan Stanley and other international organizations and institutions revised upward their forecasts for China’s growth. Many multinational companies continued to expand investment in China. Foreign-funded financial institutions like Baillie Gifford commented that China is undergoing economic transformation “at unprecedented scale” and the world factory is pivoting from “made in China” to “invented in China” and will provide more development opportunities for foreign investors. What’s your comment? 

Guo Jiakun: China enjoys an increasing momentum of robust economic growth with the dynamism of innovation being unleashed at a faster pace, thus contributing the most precious certainty to global development.

The certainty comes from the efficacy of economic governance. China is committed to the new development philosophy with a focus on achieving innovative, coordinated, green and open development for all, and putting in place new systems for a higher-standard open economy. The vivid practice in the Chinese modernization drive has provided a new development path for countries around the world. The certainty comes from the economic strength fostered through reform and innovation. With the potential of domestic demand originating from its mega-size market, China has upgraded the industrial structure, enhanced the capacity of independent innovation and competitiveness, and addressed high risks of external shock with high-quality development. The certainty comes from a stable and predictable policy environment. China has been rolling out proactive, effective and consistent macro policies, and fostering a pro-business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and world-class. The certainty comes from our sense of responsibility as a major country. China upholds the approach to global economic governance featuring equality, openness, cooperation and shared benefits, supports the multilateral trading system and defends international fairness and justice.

Facts fully prove that the Chinese market is always the optimal destination for international investment. We welcome foreign companies to further weave themselves into the fabric of China’s “development chain” and jointly forge the global supply chain for win-win results.

Dragon TV: It’s reported that at 9 am local time on July 31, two Chinese men suffered severe injuries after they were attacked by four men in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo of Japan. Could you offer more details and your comment?

Guo Jiakun: We have noted relevant reports. The Chinese Embassy in Japan has expressed concerns to Japan immediately after the incident, and is now further verifying the situation. We urge Japan to take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese citizens.

AFP: China today said it summoned U.S.-based Nvidia over severe security issues related to its H20 chips. Could the Ministry offer more details and its comment?

Guo Jiakun: I’d refer you to competent authorities for anything specific.

Bloomberg: The U.S. CDC has said that it’s planning to issue a travel advisory for China because of the outbreak of Chikungunya infections in Guangdong. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Guo Jiakun: China’s National Health Commission held a press conference and shared information on the imported Chikungunya fever in a handful of cities in Southern China and its spread there. The commission said the disease is treatable, preventable, and under control. Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease, and there were already reported cases overseas in the 1950s. The virus is found to spread in 119 countries and regions. We’ve learned that China is in communication with the WHO on that.

The Chinese government takes seriously the health of its own people and foreign nationals in China. We will continue to make sure it is comfortable, safe and convenient for both Chinese and foreigners to travel in China.

AFP: Myanmar’s military government announced today the lift of a state of emergency. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: As Myanmar’s friend and neighbor, China closely follows the developments in Myanmar. We support the country in maintaining stability and realizing peaceful reconciliation, in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and in steadily advancing its domestic political agenda. We welcome the parties and factions in Myanmar to properly handle differences through political means within the framework of the constitution and laws.

China upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. We stand ready to continue promoting talks for peace in light of the need of parties in Myanmar, and playing a constructive role for restoring stability in Myanmar. 

AFP: President Trump said today that the U.S. reached a trade deal with the ROK with 15 percent tariffs on imports from the ROK. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China, as always, believes all parties need to solve economic and trade disputes through equal-footed dialogue and consultation, uphold a sound environment in international economic and trade cooperation and abide by the WTO rules. 

AFP: It is said that a U.S. congressional delegation will visit Taiwan in August. What is China’s take on this?

Guo Jiakun: China firmly opposes official interactions in any form between the U.S. and the Taiwan region. There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. China calls on the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs with any excuse, stop conniving at or supporting “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, stop its official interactions with Taiwan, and stop stirring up tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

AFP: The U.S. announced today to suspend the tariff exemption on low-value packages, which will affect many parcels exported from China. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China has noted relevant information. We hope the U.S. will follow the market principle of fair competition and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for companies from all countries including China.