Phoenix Satellite TV: This morning, the heads of state of China and the United States held a virtual meeting. How does China view the outcome of the meeting? Did you achieve the expected goal? What specific measures will be taken to implement the consensus of the two heads of state?
Zhao Lijian: This morning, President Xi Jinping and President Biden held a virtual meeting. Vice Minister Xie Feng briefed reporters on the meeting in an interview after the meeting. This is the first meeting of heads of state held in virtual form in the history of Sino-US relations. This is of great significance to Sino-US relations and international relations. The meeting started at 8:45 Beijing time, lasted three and a half hours, and ended at 12:25, which was later than the original time. The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues related to the development of China-US relations, including strategic, overall and fundamental issues, their respective development agendas, domestic and foreign policies, and regional and international issues of common concern.
The main points of the meeting can be summarized as an important issue expounded by President Xi, the two principled consensus reached by the two heads of state, and the three principles and four key points proposed by President Xi on the development of Sino-US relations.
One of the important issues is the Taiwan issue. It is still the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-US relations. It is also a topic that has always been on the agenda during the meeting between the heads of China and the United States. During this meeting, President Xi clearly pointed out that the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués are the political foundation of Sino-US relations. Realizing the complete reunification of China is the common aspiration of all children of the Chinese nation. We will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and efforts. In other words, if the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces provoke us, force us to do something, or even cross the red line, we will have to take resolute measures. There is no room for compromise on this issue concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Biden reiterated at the meeting that the United States adheres to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence."
One of the two major consensuses is to attach importance to Sino-US relations. President Xi said that to promote the respective development of the two countries and maintain a peaceful and stable international environment requires a healthy and stable Sino-US relationship. The two sides should strengthen communication and cooperation, manage their internal affairs well, and at the same time assume their respective international responsibilities, actively promote the development of Sino-US relations in a positive direction, and jointly promote the development of Sino-US relations. The noble cause of world peace and development. This is conducive to promoting the interests of the two peoples, and it also conforms to the expectations of the international community. President Biden said that the development of Sino-US bilateral relations has a profound impact not only on the two countries but also on the world. We are responsible to the world and also to our people. He agrees that we cannot destroy our relationship. He reiterated that the United States does not seek to change China's system and is willing to work with China on the basis of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The most urgent task at present is to conduct candid dialogue on a wide range of substantive issues in bilateral relations to ensure that competition is healthy and does not lead to conflict.
The second consensus is to reject the "new cold war." China has always opposed any form of "new cold war". President Biden also made it clear that the United States does not seek a "new cold war." In fact, no country, even the allies of the United States, does not want to see another cold war, nor do they want to choose sides between China and the United States. During the meeting, President Xi emphasized that drawing a clear line of ideology and dividing the world into different camps or hostile groups will only make the world suffer. China calls on the US to fulfil its promise not to seek a "new cold war" with concrete actions. It is hoped that the United States will play a constructive role in strengthening unity in the Asia-Pacific region.
President Xi put forward three principles for China and the United States to get along in the new era. First, respect each other. The two countries should respect each other's social system and development path, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and respect each other's right to development. Both sides should treat each other as equals, manage differences, and seek common ground while reserving differences. The second is peaceful coexistence. Non-conflict and non-confrontation is the bottom line that both parties must adhere to. The third is win-win cooperation. The interests of both parties are deeply intertwined. The world is so big that the two countries can develop independently or collectively. The correct approach is to choose mutual benefit, not a zero-sum game or a method where I win and you lose.
With regard to the four priority areas, President Xi has identified four areas that China and the United States should focus on. The first is to assume the responsibility of a major country and lead the world in responding to outstanding challenges such as climate change, global public health, energy, industrial chain and supply chain security. Sino-US cooperation may not solve all problems, but few problems cannot be separated from Sino-US cooperation. All global initiatives proposed by China are open to the United States. We hope that the reverse is also true. Second, in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit, promote exchanges at all levels and in all fields to inject more positive energy into Sino-US relations. The two heads of state can maintain contact in a variety of ways to point out the direction of bilateral relations and inject more impetus into bilateral relations. The two countries have extensive common interests in a wide range of fields such as economy, energy, the two militaries, law enforcement, education, science and technology, networks, environmental protection, and local exchanges. They should complement each other's strengths to make the cake of Sino-US cooperation bigger. The two sides can give full play to the dialogue channels and mechanisms between the diplomatic and security, economic and financial, and climate change teams of the two countries to promote pragmatic cooperation and solve specific problems. Third, manage differences and sensitive issues in a constructive way to prevent China-US relations from derailing or getting out of control. It is natural for the two countries to have differences. The key is to manage them constructively so as not to enlarge or deteriorate. China is determined to defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests, and it is important for the US to handle relevant issues prudently and properly. The fourth is to strengthen coordination and cooperation on major international and regional hotspot issues to provide the world with more public products. The world is not peaceful. China and the United States need to work with the international community to jointly safeguard world peace, promote global development, and maintain a fair and reasonable international order.
The two heads of state agreed that their meeting was frank, constructive, substantive and fruitful. This will help increase mutual understanding, increase the international community’s positive expectations for the relations between the two countries, and send a strong message to the two countries and the world. The two sides agreed to maintain close communication in different forms to push China-US relations back to the right track of healthy and stable development, and benefit the people of both countries and the world.
Reuters: After the virtual meeting this morning is over, can you provide us with any details of further meetings that may be held at the head of state or lower? Do you hope this virtual meeting will help ease the tension in the Taiwan Strait?
Zhao Lijian: Today's virtual meeting is another example of the leadership of the two heads of state on Sino-US relations at a critical moment. This is of great and far-reaching significance for the development of Sino-US relations in the next stage. President Xi Jinping and President Biden agreed to maintain contact through various forms. We are open to all forms of exchanges between the two heads of state, including face-to-face interaction. We should let things take their course. They will happen when conditions are ripe. The key is that both parties must work together to create a good atmosphere with actions to ensure that the summit achieves positive results.
If we cannot bring Sino-US relations back to their original level, then we should look forward. China has no illusions, but is confident that it will continue to stay focused. China is open to all choices that are conducive to the development of Sino-US relations. At the same time, we adhere to the principles, which can be summarized as the three principles mentioned by President Xi Jinping today: mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.
Currently, Sino-US relations have reached a critical crossroads. We hope that the United States will meet with us halfway, implement the spirit of the meeting between the two heads of state with practical actions, maintain dialogue and communication, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and manage differences responsibly, so that Sino-US relations can return to good. Embark on the track of steady development.
Regarding the impact of the China-US virtual meeting on the situation in the Taiwan Strait, President Xi fully expounded China's principled position on the Taiwan issue during the meeting. The United States should abide by the bilateral agreements officially reached between China and the United States and the formal resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly by an overwhelming majority, and face up to the facts and wishes of the overwhelming majority of countries to adhere to one China. Win the trust of the Chinese people and the international community with actions.
CCTV: Today is the 40th anniversary of the Chinese Women's Volleyball Team's first World Championship in Osaka, Japan. I noticed that the Chinese Consulate-General in Osaka announced earlier that it would jointly hold an online commemorative event with the Japanese side. What's your opinion?
Zhao Lijian: I believe many people have noticed like me that many people have reposted on social media the victory of the Chinese women's volleyball team after winning seven games in Osaka 40 years ago today. This is the first time the team has won the world championship, and it is also the first time in the brilliant history of the team's five consecutive world championships. The women's volleyball team's patriotism, unity, teamwork, tenacity and indomitable spirit moved us and became a powerful internal driving force for the Chinese nation to strive for progress.
China and Japan have maintained extensive and in-depth exchanges and cooperation in the field of culture and sports, leaving behind many well-known stories. This year and next year are the "China-Japan Cultural and Sports Exchange Promotion Year". In 2022, the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, and China will also host the Beijing Winter Olympics. We hope that both parties will take this opportunity to properly plan and carry out cultural exchange activities to create a positive and friendly social atmosphere for the relations between the two countries.
China Daily: Can you introduce the arrangements for the special virtual dialogue between the World Economic Forum and global business leaders? How many countries will have representatives from the business community? What are China's expectations for this event? What message will China send to global business leaders?
Zhao Lijian: The World Economic Forum (WEF) will host a virtual dialogue session with global business leaders on November 16. Premier Li Keqiang will be invited to have dialogues and exchanges with hundreds of business leaders from more than 40 countries. The dialogue will be chaired by Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.
With the continuous spread of COVID-19, the world economic recovery is facing many unstable and uncertain factors. The international community, especially multinational companies, are paying close attention to China's economic development prospects and policy trajectories, hoping to deepen and expand cooperation with China.
At the meeting, Premier Li Keqiang will deliver important speeches and exchanges on issues of concern to the business community. It is believed that this special dialogue will help the international community to fully and accurately understand China's economic situation, economic policies and economic policies. Advancing development is conducive to deepening the cooperation between China and the international community, especially the global business community, and is conducive to strengthening communication and coordination among all parties, jointly responding to crises and challenges, and promoting the steady recovery of the world economy.
MASTV: According to reports, U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen said that the United States is willing to re-examine and consider reducing some of the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on China. Media reports show that these tariffs cover more than US$400 billion in US imports each year and cost consumers more than US$50 billion. Do you have any comments?
Zhao Lijian: Regarding specific issues concerning Sino-US economic and trade relations, I will consult relevant departments. What I want to emphasize is that China-US economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win. We hope that the United States and China will work together to promote the healthy and stable development of economic and trade relations between the two countries.
China News Agency reporter: The refugee issue between Belarus and Poland and other EU neighboring countries has attracted attention from all parties. A spokesperson for the European Commission said that EU member states are discussing a new round of sanctions against Belarus. Belarus stated that these refugees arrived in the country legally. Do you have any comments?
Zhao Lijian: We have noticed the report on the situation. We hope that all parties concerned will properly handle relevant issues through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, in line with humanitarian principles. China opposes the wanton use or threat of unilateral sanctions in international affairs.
Shenzhen TV station reporter: According to reports, the Chairman of the National Administrative Commission and Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Lai recently met with Sun Guoxiang, the Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides exchanged views on the implementation of the five-point consensus, Myanmar-ASEAN relations, and ASEAN-China relations. Can you confirm this?
Zhao Lijian: Thank you for your attention. Sun Guoxiang, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, visited Myanmar on November 15. During the visit, he met with Myanmar leader General Min Aung Lai, Union Foreign Minister Wu Wen Na Maung Lun, and Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, Minister of the Joint Government Office.
As a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China supports all parties in Myanmar to seek a political solution through dialogue and consultation within the constitution and legal framework. China actively supports Myanmar as an important member of the ASEAN family and works with ASEAN to implement the five-point consensus reached by ASEAN on the Myanmar issue. China is willing to work with the international community to play a constructive role in the restoration of social stability and democratic transformation in Myanmar at an early date. China appreciates Myanmar for actively fulfilling its responsibilities as a coordinator of China-ASEAN relations and promoting cooperation between the two sides in various fields. We will work together with Myanmar to promote greater achievements in China-ASEAN relations.
Special Envoy Sun Guoxiang also visited Singapore and Brunei.
Reuters: According to US officials, Russia’s anti-satellite missile test has produced space debris, endangering the International Space Station and posing a hazard to space activities. What comment does China have on the missile test? Will China's space activities be affected?
Zhao Lijian: We have noticed relevant reports, and Russia has not yet responded. I think it is too early to make any comments.
The Central Daily News: The content read by the virtual meeting between the heads of state of China and the United States stated that the two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues including the Korean Peninsula. Did you talk about specific issues on the Korean Peninsula? Secondly, there was no mention of the Beijing Winter Olympics in the reading. Has China invited the President of the United States?
Zhao Lijian: As far as I know, the two sides have not discussed the Winter Olympics.
Regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, you can refer to our press release. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues including the situation on the Korean Peninsula. I have no more details to provide.
Reuters: According to the "Wall Street Journal" report, Italy is investigating a Hong Kong-registered company's acquisition of an Italian military drone manufacturer, which they call a cover for the Chinese government. Do you have any comments on this report?
Zhao Lijian: China and Italy are comprehensive strategic partners. The economic and trade cooperation between the two sides is extensive and in-depth, and mutually beneficial and win-win. The Chinese government has always required Chinese companies to abide by international rules and host country laws and regulations when conducting business overseas. This applies to investment cooperation between China and Italy. We hope that Italy will continue to adhere to the principles of free trade and provide Chinese companies with a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment.
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