Q: Yesterday, while delivering a speech in Washington D.C., US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made some remarks on China-US relations, the issue of South China Sea, the economic cooperation model between China and relevant countries and the international order. What is your comment on this?

A: China steadfastly upholds the international order with the Unites Nations (UN) at the core and based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China will by no means pursue its own development at the expense of other countries' interests. Neither will China give up its own legitimate rights and interests.

The Chinese side is committed to the sustained, sound and steady development of China-US relations, which not only serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples but also represents the shared aspirations of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and the international community. We hope that the United States can put China's development and China's positive role in the world into perspective, abandon its biased views of China and make concerted efforts with China to focus on cooperation, properly handle differences and maintain the momentum of the steady growth of China-US relations.

Q: It is reported that Taliban militants attacked many provinces of Afghanistan on October 17, killing at least 71 people and wounding nearly 170 others. What is China's comment on this?

A: The Chinese side is appalled by the heavy casualties caused by the relevant attacks and strongly condemns these attacks. We mourn for the innocent victims and convey our sincere condolences to the injured and the bereaved families. The Chinese side is concerned about the escalation of violence in Afghanistan and calls upon all relevant parties in Afghanistan to actively support and take part in the "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" reconciliation process and jointly uphold national peace and development.

Q: As the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson will pay his first visit to India, during which he will elaborate on President Trump's new South Asia policy. In addition, he will also visit Pakistan. In the speech delivered by him in Washington D.C., Secretary Tillerson talked about the improvement of US-India relations and identified India as a "natural partner" of the US. Meanwhile, the US will also improve its relations with Pakistan. What is China's comment on this?

A: We welcome the development of normal and friendly state-to-state relations between the United States and India and between countries all over the world as long as it is conducive to regional peace and stability and enhancing mutual trust between regional countries.