Regular press conference by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on January 3, 2025_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs, will visit Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad and Nigeria from January 5 to 11 at the invitation of these countries. This will be the 35th consecutive year that the Chinese foreign minister has visited Africa, making his first overseas trip earlier this year.

CCTV: What is the significance of Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Africa, his first overseas trip this year? What does China hope to achieve through this trip?

Mao Ning: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to four African countries will mark the 35th year since the Chinese Foreign Minister made Africa his first overseas destination at the beginning of the year. At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit last year, President Xi Jinping proposed that bilateral relations between China and all African countries with diplomatic relations with China be elevated to of strategic relations and the overall characterization that Sino-African relations be elevated to the level of an ironclad Sino-African community with a shared destiny for the new era. President Xi Jinping noted that China and Africa should jointly promote fair and equitable, open, win-win and environmentally friendly modernization that puts people first, is characterized by diversity and inclusion, and which is supported by peace and security, and takes ten partnerships. actions which were well received by Africa. Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad and Nigeria are all friendly cooperation partners of China. The aim of Foreign Minister Wang Yi's upcoming visit is to implement the results of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and deepen practical cooperation in all fields for sustainable and substantial growth of China-Africa relations.

Global Times: The Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity was officially opened in Beijing yesterday. Could you share more information with us? What role will this institution play in the future?

Mao Ning: The inaugural ceremony of the Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity was held in Beijing yesterday. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the Research Center and delivered a speech.

Building a community with a shared future for mankind is a major brainchild of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the core concept of Xi Jinping Thought on diplomacy. This is China's answer to the question of what kind of world to build and how to build it, and it is of great significance for our times. As Minister Wang pointed out, the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind demonstrates the founding mission of the CPC, perpetuates the beautiful traditions of Chinese culture, demonstrates the power of scientific theories, and sets out China's position facing the problem. changes never seen in a century. China's vision of a community with a shared future for humanity benefits the entire world. This initiative has become a consensus and has been translated from a vision into practice, and is bringing about positive and profound changes in today's world and increasingly becoming the most important public good with major global significance.

The Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity will undertake further study, publicity and staff training on the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. It will provide support to advance the construction of a community of shared future in the areas of theory, policy, discourse and personnel.

Beijing Youth Daily: January 1 this year marks the third anniversary of the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Could you explain to us the results achieved by the RCEP over these years and describe China's expectations for the development of the RCEP in the future?

Mao Ning: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) covers more population, involves more trade and has more growth potential than any other free trade agreement in the world. It has significantly strengthened economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, created enormous market opportunities for its member states, and strengthened the international community's confidence in multilateralism. Research by the Asian Development Bank shows that by 2030, RCEP will contribute $245 billion to the economic growth of countries in the region and generate 2.8 million new jobs.

As the largest economy in the RCEP, China is committed to implementing the agreement in a comprehensive and high-quality manner. We will continue to promote the development of free trade in the Asia-Pacific region for common development and prosperity.

AFP: Regarding the United States and China, the Biden administration said Thursday that it is considering a new rule that could restrict or ban Chinese drones in the United States. The Biden administration has said it could do so for national security reasons. Is China concerned by this possible decision by the United States?

Mao Ning: China firmly opposes the United States overexpanding the concept of national security, disrupting and restricting normal economic and trade exchanges and undermining the security and stability of industrial and commercial chains. global supply. We will take all necessary measures to firmly protect our legitimate rights and interests.

Antara: The Indonesian Ministry of Health recently issued a statement in response to the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases believed to be circulating in China. The statement refers to a video circulating on social media showing a Chinese hospital overwhelmed with flu patients. Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have any comments on this?

Mao Ning: I would like to refer you to the relevant Chinese authorities for further details.

Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere. Recently, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of China held a press conference to share information on the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in China during winter. Diseases appear less serious and are spreading on a smaller scale than the previous year. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel to China.

Bloomberg: I'd just like to ask a little bit more about the export control restrictions that were introduced or announced yesterday. I am particularly interested in those regarding restrictions on certain technologies used to make battery components and the processing of two crucial metals. I realize the Department of Commerce has issued a statement, but can you help us understand from a geopolitical or diplomatic perspective? What could be the intentions behind these steps? How could we interpret them?

Mao Ning: I refer you to the Ministry of Commerce for any specific questions. More generally, in light of actual needs and relying on common international practices, China applies fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory export control measures in accordance with laws and regulations.

Kyodo News: It is reported that China, Japan and the Republic of Korea will hold a meeting of foreign ministers of the three countries in Tokyo in February. Can you confirm this?

Mao Ning: I have no information to share at this time.