TRUMP-XI SUMMIT: Beijing’s High-Stakes Briefing — China Responds to US Threats — US-Iran War

[0:12] Good afternoon. Welcome to today's press conference. Now the floor is open. [0:17] The 17th UN Chinese Language Day is coming soon. The theme this year is Chinese language, [0:32] Chinese civilizations. Various forms of celebration activities have been held in UN [0:37] headquarters and cultural institutions in the world. The trend of becoming Chinese on social [0:42] media helps fill the Chinese fever, was her comment. This is the 80th anniversary of Chinese [0:52] language to be listed as the official language of the UN. The UN Secretariat, together with Chinese [0:58] institutions overseas, has held colorful celebration activities in places including New York, Vienna, [1:04] and Geneva. As one of the most Asian languages in the world, Chinese language goes beyond time and [1:10] space, carries the Chinese wisdom of harmony without uniformity and harmonious coexistence, [1:17] and witnesses UN's vision for peace for more than 80 years. Character is the vehicle of [1:22] civilizations. Each civilization is the common fortune of the humanity society. It is indispensable [1:28] and deserves to be respected as equals and protected together. You mentioned the Chinese fever. We can [1:34] see that more and more foreign journalists are reading their questions in natural and fluent Chinese [1:39] on press conference. I would like to give them big thumbs up. We welcome more foreign friends to learn [1:44] Chinese so as to open the window for experience modern China and exploring Chinese civilization. [1:49] Next one, please. [1:56] I have two questions regarding recent remarks by Donald Trump. First, in an interview with Fox News, [2:09] First, in an interview with Fox News, he said that he and President Xi exchanged letters and that he asked President Xi not to supply weapons to Iran. He also claimed that President Xi, and I quote, wrote a letter saying that essentially he's not doing that. Well, can you confirm what this is going to do? [2:16] Can you confirm whether such an exchange took place? And second, Mr. Trump said his planned visit to China would not be a [2:38] Well, can you confirm whether such an exchange took place? [2:42] And second, Mr. Trump said his planned visit to China [2:46] would not be affected by the war in Iran. [2:48] But at the same time, the United States is imposing [2:51] a naval blockade on Iranian ports, including vessels bound for China. [2:56] So does China view this as a potential risk [3:00] to the high-level meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi? [3:04] Thank you. [3:09] On your first question, concerning the Iran situation, [3:15] China has made its serious position clear more than once. [3:18] As to the specifics that you mentioned, [3:20] I have no information to share. [3:22] On your second question, on President Trump's visit to China, [3:29] the two sides maintain communication on the matter. [3:31] Next one, please. [3:47] Another question about U.S. [3:51] U.S. [3:52] U.S. yesterday said it believed China would not stop purchasing Iranian oil, [3:59] and it also said it would sanction buyers of Iranian oil. [4:03] Do you have any comment regarding that issue? [4:05] China opposes illegal unilateral sanctions without authorization of the Security Council. [4:17] Next one, please. [4:22] Thank you. [4:34] Question from AFP. [4:35] In Sri Lanka today, nine Chinese nationals were arrested at an airport [4:39] while attempting to smuggle in communication equipment [4:42] that was allegedly intended for cyber-scamming operations. [4:45] This is according to Sri Lankan customs authorities. [4:48] Does the foreign ministry have more information or comments on this case? [4:52] I'm not familiar with the specifics that you mentioned. [4:59] The Chinese government always asks overseas Chinese nationals [5:02] to observe laws and regulations in local places [5:05] and not to engage in any illegal and criminal activities in any form. [5:09] China stands ready to work with relevant country [5:12] to carry out international cooperation [5:14] and jointly combat transnational criminal activities, [5:18] including Internet fraud. [5:20] Next one, please.