CCTV: At an online conversation hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace a few days ago, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said that China thinks the US is in decline, and increasingly displays its belief that “it is China’s time to assert itself and move Washington off the global stage.” He said that the United States with other countries has been involved in a project to build an “operation system” globally, of which China is the largest beneficiary, but some of the changes that China wants to make now would “go at the very heart of that operating system.” He also said that in many respects, US-China relations have gone into a new period in which “the dominant paradigm is competition.” What is China’s comment on this?

Mao Ning: Now again we hear remarks steeped in Cold-War and zero-sum mentality and US-style hegemonism, which clearly were designed to peddle another false narrative about “China threat” and major-country competition as pretexts to contain and suppress China.

China’s development goal is to improve the life of the over 1.4 billion Chinese people. We have no intention to outcompete anyone, nor replace or challenge anyone. China is glad to see development and progress in the US. I’m afraid it is out of lack of confidence that some in the US repeatedly say that “China thinks the US is in decline.” China does not bet against the US, and we hope the US will not bet against China. The Chinese people will realize the great rejuvenation of the nation. 

We do not know what the US officials are referring to when they talk about so-called global “operating system” built by the US and other countries globally. China believes there is only one system in the world, which is the international system with the UN at its core; there is only one order, which is the international order underpinned by international law; and there is only one set of rules, which are the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China is committed to peaceful development and upholding the UN-centered international system and basic norms governing international relations. By contrast, it is the US who is obsessed with the old dream of Cold War, unipolar supremacy, selective approach to international rules, exclusive groupings, and bloc confrontation. The US is the biggest source of instability in international order. 

We always believe major-country competition is not what the world needs and will by no means solve the US’s own problems or address challenges facing the world. There are factors of competition in China-US relations, but the overall bilateral ties should not be defined or dominated by competition. We never shy away from or fear competition, but competition should be healthy instead of being reduced to a zero-sum or winner-takes-all game, still less resorting to unscrupulous suppression and malicious confrontation.

We urge the US to stop creating all kinds of new terms to peddle the so-called “China threat” narrative. No matter how hard they try to frame the false narrative, the world will not be deceived. The US needs to form an objective and right perception of China, return to the rational and practical policy toward China, act on President Biden’s commitment, uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in its relations with China, and promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of bilateral ties.

AFP: Leader of the Taiwan region Lai Ching-te delivered a speech today, stressing that there must be no “annexation or encroachment” upon Taiwan’s sovereignty. What is China’s comment?

Mao Ning: Lai Ching-te’s words attempt to sever the historical connections between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. He is again peddling various versions of “Taiwan independence” narrative, such as “China and Taiwan are not subordinate to each other” and “Taiwan has sovereignty.” It once again exposed that he is hellbent on advancing “Taiwan independence” and has the ill intention of heightening tensions in the Taiwan Strait for his selfish political interest.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. No matter what they say or do, the Lai Ching-te authorities cannot change the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China, or stop the historical trend that China will and must achieve reunification. The attempt to seek independence and make provocations will lead nowhere. 

The one-China principle is a basic norm in international relations and prevailing international consensus. Taiwan has never been a country and will never be a country, and thus has no so-called sovereignty. Upholding the one-China principle, opposing “Taiwan independence” and opposing “two Chinas” and “one China, one Taiwan” is our consistent position on the Taiwan region’s external exchanges and participation in international activities.

Let me stress once again that China opposes all forms of official interactions between Taiwan and countries having diplomatic relations with China, and interference in China’s internal affairs in any way and under any excuse. We urge the few foreign politicians who visit Taiwan to correct their wrong words and deeds, stop meddling in China’s internal affairs, and stop conniving at and supporting “Taiwan independence” and heightening tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Yonhap News Agency: In a speech in Singapore yesterday, ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol said ROK-China relations should be based on mutual respect and international rules and seek common interests. He also noted that any problem should be resolved through “prompt and honest” dialogue, and the response should not be affected by misunderstandings and bias or rely on information indirectly obtained. When necessary, timely and candid dialogue should be conducted at the high level, and this is the realistic way to effectively manage and control frictions and crisis. What is China’s comment on the ROK President’s position? Another question, President Yoon Suk Yeol and leaders of ASEAN countries signed the Joint Statement on the Establishment of ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership today, which affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. How does China view the joint statement?

Mao Ning: On your first question, China and the ROK are each other’s important neighbors and cooperation partners. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have borne fruitful results, brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, and contributed to peace and prosperity in the region. China maintains stability and continuity in its ROK policy and always views the ROK as an important cooperation partner. We hope that the ROK will take a positive, objective and friendly China policy, and work with us to deliver on the common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, and promote the sound, steady and solid growth of bilateral relations.

On your second question, with the joint effort of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. Freedom of navigation in the South China Sea has never been an issue. China will work with ASEAN countries to continue keeping the South China Sea peaceful and stable, and enabling the region to thrive and develop. We hope relevant country will earnestly respect the effort of regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Bloomberg: Yesterday Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya. But at that time he did not provide any new information on the motives of the attacker in Shenzhen. My question is, can you provide any more information about this today? Or perhaps will Premier Li Qiang provide such information to Prime Minister Ishiba when they meet in Laos? So basically seeking more information about the motives of the attacker in Shenzhen.

Mao Ning: We’ve released a readout on the telephone call between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese Foreign Minister yesterday. I have nothing more to add on your question. 

We will release timely information on Premier Li Qiang’s bilateral meetings on the margins of the leaders’ meetings on East Asian cooperation. Please stay tuned.

China News Service: The 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva yesterday adopted by consensus the resolution on marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action submitted by China. Can you share more details on that?

Mao Ning: On October 9 local time, the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council adopted by consensus the resolution on marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action submitted by China on behalf of Denmark, France, Kenya and Mexico. The resolution received extensive support and was co-sponsored by 112 countries. 

Nearly three decades ago, the fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, marking a milestone in the development of women’s cause globally. Over the past three decades, women’s social status has been elevated significantly, yet the comprehensive implementation of the Beijing Declaration still faces challenges. China proposed the convening in 2025 of another Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment to mark the 30th anniversary of the World Conference on Women in Beijing. Against this backdrop, China proposed the resolution which aims to revitalize the spirit of the Beijing Declaration. The resolution reflects the common aspiration of all sides in achieving gender equality and dealing with challenges through cooperation at a faster pace. Representatives from many countries were greatly encouraged by the adoption of the resolution at the UN Human Rights Council.

The fact that China’s resolution was adopted by consensus and co-sponsored by a vast number of countries shows that sound development of the work of the UN Human Rights Council cannot be achieved without upholding multilateralism, the principle of equality and mutual respect, and the spirit of constructive dialogue and cooperation. These principles also provide an important source of inspiration for the steady and sustained progress in global human rights governance.

AFP: Australian Prime Minister said today that China will lift sanctions on the imports of Australian lobsters. Can you provide more details?

Mao Ning: I’d refer you to competent authorities for specific questions about economy and trade. What I can tell you is that China stands ready to work with Australia to continue properly resolving issues of each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation, so as to build more mature and stable bilateral relations for the benefit of the two peoples.

China Daily: It’s reported that Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned the South China Sea issue at the ASEAN Summit on October 10. He stressed that the Philippines upholds the rule of law and the rules-based international order and called on all ASEAN Member States not to turn a blind eye to the aggressive, coercive, and illegal actions of an external power against an ASEAN Member State. Silence in the face of these violations diminishes ASEAN, he added. What’s China’s comment on this?

Mao Ning: With the joint effort of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. China remains committed to settling maritime differences with countries concerned through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law. Meanwhile, China firmly opposes any infringement activities and provocations, and firmly safeguards its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China will continue to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Reuters: Sources have said that Pakistani authorities plan to curb the movements of Chinese citizens during the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization next week because of security risks following the deadly bombing on Sunday. What is the Foreign Ministry’s comment?

Mao Ning: I’m not aware of what you mentioned. What I can tell you is that China will work with Pakistan to protect the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.