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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on July 15, 2019

2019-07-15 22:38

At the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Emmanuel Bonne, Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of France, will come to China for a new round of China-France strategic dialogue initiators' consultations on July 19.

Q: On Friday evening, you announced that the Chinese government will put sanctions on US companies that sell weapons to Taiwan. Can you give us any more details about that? For example, which companies specifically you will sanction? How the sanctions will work? Is there a timetable?

A: By selling arms to Taiwan, the US seriously violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations. It breaches the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and undermines China's sovereignty and national security. To safeguard China's national interests, we will impose sanctions on US companies that participate in the above-mentioned arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese government and Chinese businesses will not engage in cooperation or commercial exchanges with the US companies involved.

Q: Last week, the United Kingdom seized an Iranian oil tanker with an excuse that it was suspected to carry oil for Syria. What's your comment on this issue?

A: I answered similar questions last week. I can repeat my answer here. In state-to-state relations, we believe all countries need to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations. We hope the relevant sides will take concrete measures to prevent escalation and jointly protect the security of international energy supply. This serves not only the interests of Middle East countries, but also the common interests of the international community.

Q: According to media reports, French, British and German leaders issued a joint statement on July 14 expressing regret over the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and resumption of sanctions on Iran. They also voiced concerns that Iran's reduced implementation of the JCPOA may lead to a total collapse of the deal. They strongly urged Iran to reverse its decision and reiterated their commitment to resolving the issue through dialogue via the joint commission mechanism. The three countries are deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the region. They believe all stakeholders need to act responsibly and seek a path to stop the escalation of tensions and resume dialogue. Do you have any comments?

A: Amid the recent tensions on the Iranian nuclear issue, parties to the JCPOA including the European countries have made intensive mediation efforts to promote peace and facilitate talks. China is highly concerned about the current situation. We have maintained close communication and coordination with relevant parties to ease tensions.

It is our consistent belief that complete and effective implementation of the JCPOA according to UNSCR requirements is the only viable way to ease tensions and solve the Iranian nuclear issue. It will also help create conditions for resolving other issues through equal-footed dialogue. Under the current circumstances, parties should remain calm and exercise restraint and adhere to dialogue under the framework of the JCPOA. In the meantime, parties should assume their responsibilities to ensure the balance of rights and obligations under the JCPOA and uphold the efficacy of the deal.

I want to emphasize a point. The US maximum pressure strategy is the root cause of how the Iranian nuclear issue has come to this pass. As the Chinese saying goes, "to undo a knot, no one is more suited than the person who tied it." We hope the US will abandon its wrong course, respect the legitimate rights and interests of other parties, stop obstructing the implementation of the JCPOA, and work towards the political and diplomatic solution of this issue.

Q: On China's sanctions on US companies participating in the arms sale to Taiwan, which companies are on the list? When will the sanctions start? Tsai Ing-wen gave some remarks on the "one country, two systems" policy and cross-strait relations during her "transit" in New York. I wonder what's your comment on that? Yesterday, Financial Times reported that Chief Executive Carrie Lam of Hong Kong expressed her intention to resign repeatedly to the central government, but her requests were denied. Could you confirm that?

A: How many questions did you ask?

Journalist: Three.

A: Please raise one at a time. It's somewhat confusing when you mix up all those questions.

Journalist: Okay.

A: On your first question, US arms sales to Taiwan gravely violates international law and basic norms of international relations, seriously breaches the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and undermines China's sovereignty and national security.

To uphold China's national interests, we will impose sanctions on US companies participating in the above-mentioned arms sale. The Chinese government and Chinese businesses will not engage in cooperation or commercial exchanges with the US companies involved. I'm afraid I cannot tell you more details at the moment. But I can assure you, we Chinese always keep our word.

On your second question, Tsai Ing-wen let loose of much nonsense about cross-strait relations and the "one country, two systems" policy. But I will restrain myself here as this is not a diplomatic issue. I refer you to my colleagues in the Taiwan Affairs Office and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

As a spokesperson of the foreign ministry, I can tell you that the one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community. The Taiwan authority, wearing a mask of democracy, is seeking pretexts for its so-called "independence" agenda by misleading others and reaping sympathies. In fact, its true intention has long been seen through by the world.

There is no dignity at all when you are slavishly dependent on others, thinking this may bring you some recognition. It won't bring you anything more than a doomed fate.

On your third question, I have not heard of that. I can assure you the central government firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR government and Chief Executive Carrie Lam in administering the region according to law.

Q: First question, as confirmed by the Canadian foreign ministry, a Canadian citizen was arrested in Yantai, and the Canadian side is providing consular assistance to that person. Can you give us more details? How's the person's physical condition? Second question, according to Canadian media reports, a Chinese researcher Qiu Xiangguo, her husband Cheng Keding and some Chinese students were removed by Canadian police from their microbiology lab last Friday. Their access to the lab were also being denied. The reports say they were taken by police possibly for their ties with the Chinese government and potential national security reasons. Can you confirm that? Do you have any comments?

A: Your questions are very cle