Mao Ning: The National Defense Authorization Act is essentially the domestic legislation of the United States, but China firmly opposes the use of the relevant bill by the United States to launch negative content related to China. The formation and development of global industrial chain supply chain is the result of the joint action of market law and enterprise choice. The voice of the American business community shows that human intervention to destroy the global industrial chain supply chain is unpopular and not in the interest of either party. The United States should listen to the objective and rational voice, stop politicizing, weaponizing and ideologizing economic, trade, scientific and technological issues, stop maliciously blocking and suppressing China enterprises, earnestly respect the laws of market economy and free trade rules, and safeguard the security and stability of the global industrial chain supply chain.
Al Jazeera reporter: Can the spokesman provide relevant information about China's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia?
Mao Ning: I have no information to offer at present.
IBC reporter: The 6th China-South Asia Expo was held online and offline in Kunming recently. A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned earlier that 80 countries, regions and international organizations participated. Can you tell us more about the participation, especially the nature of India's participation? During the same period, the Expo also held a number of activities, including the first China-Indian Ocean Development Cooperation Forum. Can you tell us about the achievements, participants and specific topics of this forum and China's attention to the Indian Ocean region?
Mao Ning: Two days ago, my colleague introduced the South Expo in detail.
You care about India's attendance. It is understood that Mr. chakra Bhatti, Chairman of the Federation of Industry and Commerce of West Bengal, India, delivered a video speech at the opening ceremony of the third China-South Asia Cooperation Forum on the afternoon of 1 19. Many Indian scholars attended and spoke at the China-India Ocean Think Tank Forum under the South Asia Forum. There are 10 Indian companies exhibiting. You can ask the competent department for details.
The China-Indian Ocean Regional Development Cooperation Forum was hosted by China International Development Cooperation Agency. The General Office of the State Council has issued a detailed press release and held a media briefing. If you are interested, you can consult.
Reuters: The British government ordered all departments to stop installing China-related surveillance cameras on sensitive buildings on the grounds of "security risks". What is the comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Mao Ning: The China government has always encouraged enterprises in China to carry out foreign trade and investment cooperation in accordance with market principles and international rules and on the basis of observing local laws. China resolutely opposes some people who generalize the concept of national security and unreasonably suppress China enterprises. We will continue to pay close attention to relevant trends. China government will also firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of China enterprises.
AFP reporter: The Consulate General of China in Dubai said yesterday that the first China-Arab summit will be held in Saudi Arabia in early February. Can you provide more details, such as the specific date, the number of participating countries, and whether China will visit Saudi Arabia?
Mao Ning: I have no information to offer at present.
Reporter Reuters: Because of the Russian attack on the Ukrainian power grid, the Ukrainian people now have no electricity or heating when the weather turns cold. Is China concerned about this? Does China provide assistance to Ukraine to help them rebuild? Will China ask President Putin to stop attacking civilian infrastructure?
Mao Ning: China's position on the Ukrainian issue is consistent and clear. We have always attached importance to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. It is urgent to cool down the situation as soon as possible through dialogue and negotiation, and it is also the fundamental way to solve the problem. It is hoped that the international community will jointly play a constructive role in easing the situation and solving the crisis politically. China has always done this.
Reuters: The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China yesterday called on the China government to "truly implement" the "20 measures" announced at the beginning of this month and optimize the prevention and control work. What is China's comment on this?
Mao Ning: The China government has always attached great importance to the service guarantee for foreign-funded enterprises in China. In view of the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, it has taken targeted measures to help enterprises solve problems. We will continue to do a good job in prevention, control, research, summary and adjustment according to the changes of epidemic situation and in line with the principle of scientific accuracy, so as to minimize the impact of epidemic situation on economic and social development.
Regarding the specific epidemic prevention and control measures, the the State Council Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism has held several press conferences and made a detailed interpretation. You can look it up if you care.
AFP reporter: The French Embassy in China issued a Weibo, saying that China's "dynamic zero clearing" policy has affected French enterprises in China, hoping that China can provide a predictable business environment. The embassy also referred to a statement by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, which called on the China government to remove "unnecessary" and "excessive" restrictions. What is the spokesman's response to the statement of the French Embassy?
Mao Ning: As I said just now, the China government has always attached great importance to the service guarantee for foreign-funded enterprises in China, and has taken targeted measures to help enterprises solve their difficulties.
As for the epidemic prevention and control measures, please consult the competent authorities. Recently, the joint prevention and control mechanism of the State Council held several press conferences and made detailed explanations.