China-Arab TV: Israeli forces attacked Nasser Hospital in Gaza yesterday, leading to the death of multiple medical workers who were trying to save lives and of multiple journalists. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: We are shocked by the tragic death of medical workers and journalists yet again in the Gaza conflict. We condemn the attack, mourn for the victims and express sympathies for the families of the victims.

China is closely following what is happening in Gaza. We oppose and condemn all moves that harm civilians, damage civilian facilities and violate international law, including those violent moves that target journalists. Israel should stop its military operation in Gaza at once, realize a full and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible, fully resume access to humanitarian supplies, avoid a humanitarian crisis of a greater scale, and cool down the situation as soon as possible.

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he expects to visit China this year or shortly afterwards. Is China open to a visit from Donald Trump?

Guo Jiakun: China always follows the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation to handle and grow its relations with the U.S. We will also firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope the U.S. will work with us to jointly promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of bilateral ties. Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable and strategic guiding role in China-U.S. relations. The presidents of the two countries maintain close interactions and communication.

Global Times: It was reported on August 24 that according to diplomatic sources, the Japanese government asked European and Asian countries through diplomatic channels to refrain from attending events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression that will be held on September 3 in Beijing. Japan conveyed to other nations through its embassies abroad that the commemorative events focus too much on history and have anti-Japanese overtones, and that the participation of leaders should be carefully considered. What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: China noted this and has lodged protests with Japan and asked for clarification.

The Chinese government will host the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War to remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace and usher in a brighter future. Countries that face up to history honestly and sincerely, learn from history, and truly commit themselves to peaceful development will not have misgivings about the events or even raise objection.

To view and treat history correctly is an important prerequisite for Japan’s post-war return to the international community. It is the political foundation of Japan’s relations with neighboring countries, and more importantly, a yardstick for Japan’s commitment to peaceful development. If Japan truly wants to turn this page on historical issues, it should face squarely and reflect on its history of aggression with sincerity, make a clean break with militarism, stick to the path of peaceful development, and respect the sentiments of people from China and other victim countries, so as to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.

Bloomberg: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media that Chinese leader sent him a note of congratulations. This happened to be on the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Can you confirm that and give us any more details?

Guo Jiakun: China develops friendly ties with countries in the world under the principles of mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

DPA: German federal prosecutors said yesterday that they have charged a U.S. citizen with offering to provide sensitive U.S. military information to Chinese intelligence service. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: I’m not aware of what you mentioned.

Bloomberg: China is sending Vice Commerce Minister to meet officials in the U.S. Can you tell us who he will meet, what will be discussed and if you have any more details to add?

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

Bloomberg: President Donald Trump said the U.S. has more leverage over China on trade than the other way around. He pointed to airplane parts as a key item Washington has to counter Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth. Trump also spoke about an expected meeting hosted by Chinese leader. Would the ministry like to comment on any of these things?

Guo Jiakun: I just answered relevant questions. Let me reiterate that China always follows the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation to handle and grow its relations with the U.S. We will also firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope the U.S. will work with us to jointly promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of bilateral ties.

AFP: I got a question on Japan and East China Sea. Japan protested to China after saying Beijing was trying to develop gas fields in the East China Sea waters. Do you have any comment to that?

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 within China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction. China doesn’t accept Japan’s groundless accusations and has refuted the so-called protests from the Japanese side. China is committed to comprehensively and effectively implementing the principled consensus on the East China Sea issue. This position has not changed. We hope Japan will work with China to play a constructive role in the early resumption of intergovernmental negotiations between the two countries.

DPA: U.S. President Donald Trump said China has to give the U.S. rare earth magnets or will be charged with 200 percent tariffs. What’s the Foreign Ministry’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: We’ve made clear China’s position on tariffs more than once.