RIA Novosti: The Eastern Economic Forum 2024 will be held at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok from September 3 to 6. Does China plan to send representatives to the forum this year? Will Chinese leaders attend the forum?

Mao Ning: The Eastern Economic Forum is an important platform for Asia-Pacific countries to build up consensus for cooperation and seek common development. China supports Russia in making the ninth Eastern Economic Forum a success and hopes that the forum will provide driving forces for deeper cooperation in the region.

NBC: What is your comment on the spectators at the Paris Olympics holding up signs saying “Go Taiwan” and also the controversy about those signs being removed from the venue?

Mao Ning: There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Regarding Chinese Taipei’s participation in the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee has clear rules formulated on the basis of the one-China Principle that are observed by the international sports community. The Olympic Charter also has clear and consistent regulations on political propaganda in Olympic venues.

I want to stress that the mission of the Olympic Games is to promote international peace and solidarity, and the focus of the Olympics should be the performance of the athletes. We hope that all parties will observe the Olympic Charter, respect and safeguard the purity of sports, firmly oppose the attempt of individuals to use the Olympics to create confusion on the Taiwan Question and disturb the Olympic events.

AFP: Chinese special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, has arrived in Naypyitaw on Thursday following the junta’s loss of its Northeastern Command, state media in Myanmar reported. Can you confirm the visit and share any more information? There was supposed to be another round of peace talks in China on Thursday between the junta and the “Three Brotherhood Alliance” of ethnic rebel groups, mediated by China, but the junta didn’t send a delegation to the talks. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm?

Mao Ning: As a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China has been following closely the developments in the country, including northern Myanmar. We do not want to see wars and turbulence in Myanmar and sincerely hope that stability will be restored soon in the country, including northern Myanmar. We have been committed to, in our own way, encouraging and urging relevant parties in Myanmar to stop the fighting, resolve issues through dialogue and consultation, and work to realize ethnic solidarity as well as stability and development of the country at an early date. China will continue to actively promote talks for peace and provide support and assistance to Myanmar’s peace process to the best of our capability.