Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on October 9, 2024

2024-10-09 17:52

CCTV: It’s reported Israel intends to retaliate significantly against Iran and could target oil production facilities, nuclear facilities and other strategic sites inside Iran. Iran said any attack from Israel will be met with a firm response. What’s China’s comment? 

Mao Ning: China is deeply concerned over the turmoil in the Middle East. We oppose moves that fuel antagonism and expand conflict, and call on all parties to handle the current situation with a calm, rational and responsible attitude in the interest of peace and stability in the region. The international community, especially major countries with influence, needs to play a constructive role and avoid further turmoil.

Yonhap News Agency: The DPRK today said, from today, it will completely cut off roads and railways connected to the ROK and fortify the relevant areas of its side with strong defence structures. The DPRK will take a substantial military step to completely separate the territory of the DPRK, where its sovereignty is exercised, from the territory of the ROK. What’s China’s view on the information released by the DPRK and the Korean Peninsula situation? 

Mao Ning: China is following the developments on the Korean Peninsula and DPRK-ROK relations. China believes that upholding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and advancing the political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue serves the common interests of all parties and it is what the international community expects. All parties need to work together for this end.

China-Arab TV: On September 29, an army aircraft attacked the residence of the UAE’s Ambassador to Sudan, which resulted in extensive damage to the building. Could I have your comment on this?

Mao Ning: China condemns attacks targeting diplomatic missions and calls for ensuring the safety of diplomatic premises as required by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. 

China Daily: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has dragged on for over a year. The US Treasury imposed sanctions on individuals and entities of third countries for funding Hamas on October 7. We also noted that the US provided US$ 8.7 billion worth of military aid to Israel at the end of September. What’s your comment?

Mao Ning: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been protracted for over a year, causing the death of over 40,000 people in Gaza, most of whom are women and children. The international community has agreed on the need to deescalate tensions, end the fighting and violence, protect civilians and avoid humanitarian disaster. 

To end this conflict, we need political will and diplomatic efforts, not weapons, ammunition and unilateral sanctions. Major country needs to play its due role, be objective and just, take the lead in observing international law, and make positive efforts to end the fighting as soon as possible, put the situation under control and prevent spillover of the crisis. 

AFP: International investors were left disappointed after the lack of any fresh major stimulus announced yesterday at the NDRC press conference. Does China have a message for these investors? And what would you tell them to give them more confidence about China’s economy?

Mao Ning: At yesterday’s press conference, officials from the National Development and Reform Commission offered abundant information. For more specifics, I would refer you to competent authorities. What I can tell you is that China has full confidence in its economic prospects.