Q: It's reported that US Secretary of State Pompeo said on January 22 during a visit to Jamaica that countries should be wary of easy money from China because it may feed corruption, undermine rule of law, ruin the environment and not create jobs locally. While in Costa Rica, he said on on January 21 that China's flashy promises have often produced debt, dependency and even the erosion of sovereignty. What's your comment?

A: It is hardly any news for certain people in the US to denigrate China-Latin America relations with the same old clichés. Time and again they tried to spread the rumors, which only shows how unpopular those rumors are in Latin America.

Such remarks reveal an underlying contempt for Latin American countries' judgment. For a long time, China and Latin American and Caribbean countries have focused on common development through mutually-beneficial cooperation under the principle of mutual respect and equality. Such win-win cooperation meets the needs and serves the interests of both sides. It has given a strong boost to economic growth and improvement of livelihoods, created a great number of jobs and brought tangible benefits to the peoples. When asked whether cooperation with China is a good thing or not, Latin American countries have a clear answer.

If the US side could take concrete actions to help Latin American countries grow their economy and improve people's welfare, we will welcome that. We are also open to third-party or multiple-party cooperation in Latin America with other sides including the US. However, if they are merely paying lip service and writing empty banknotes, or even criticizing or disrupting the mutually-beneficial cooperation between China and Latin American countries, we are firmly against it.

I want to stress that Latin American countries and peoples have the right and ability to choose cooperation partners by themselves. Nobody should wantonly criticize their decisions or stand in the way of such cooperation. Certain people see Latin America as their backyard. Such wishful thinking is indeed inappropriate and against the trend of the times.

Q: Regarding the pneumonia epidemic caused by the novel coronavirus (nCoV), the WHO has decided to postpone a decision on whether or not to declare a global health emergency. I wonder what is the foreign ministry's response? Is China in favor of declaring such an emergency?

A: On the night of January 22 Beijing time, in the form of telephone conference, the WHO convened the first Emergency Committee meeting in response to the pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus.

After the meeting, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn't declare the nCoV a global health emergency.

As I know, parties concerned will stay in close communication and coordination on evaluation and possible adjustment of prevention and control measures. The committee plans to hold another meeting later.

Acting with openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility to global health security, Chinese authorities will continue to share information of the epidemic with the WHO, relevant nations and China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions in a timely manner. We believe the WHO Emergency Committee will have fair, fact-based and reasonable evaluation and judgment on the situation.

Q: Yesterday Chinese health authorities said in more than one statement that without special reason, it's better not to go to Wuhan. I wonder if foreign journalists can be allowed to go to Wuhan to cover the situation? Can they get special equipment to protect themselves?

A: We understand foreign journalists' special attention on the recent pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan. A chief official of the National Health Commission briefed the media and answered questions on the prevention and control measures on the pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office yesterday morning. I also answered many related questions in recent days. I hope our efforts have helped you know more about the epidemic and better understand the prevention and control work. More updates will be coming out in an open and transparent manner.

As you may have noticed, to better prevent and control the epidemic, on January 21, the Wuhan government called on people outside Wuhan not to visit the city in the near future. This morning the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus Infected Pneumonia Prevention and Control Headquarters announced a series of measures, including suspending the operation of buses, subways, ferries and intercity buses in Wuhan, advising citizens against leaving the city if not necessary, and temporarily closing exit channels in airports and train stations.

We hope foreign journalists in China can apprehend what is happening in Wuhan, understand the prevention and control measures taken and heed the advice from local authorities. This is for their own good.

Of course, I understand that some foreign journalists are already in Wuhan to report on the situation. They should listen to the suggestions from local authorities, take preventive health measures and avoid cross infection.

I advise all journalist friends to take care of themselves and take good preventive health measures.

Q: A statement was recently released by a coalition in Sao Tome and Principe consisting of the the Democratic Convergence Party, The Force for Democratic Change Movement and the Union of Democrats for Citizenship and Development. It clarifies that the "congratulations" from former President Fradique de Menezes to recently elected Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen were not true at all, a piece of fake news that was previously released by Taiwan's department for foreign affairs on its website. The statement also says that the coalition firmly sticks to the one-China principle and Mr. Fradique de Menezes has never congratulated Tsai. I wonder if you could comment on that?

A: We noted this statement and commend this coalition in Sao Tome and Principe for reaffirming its commitment to the one-China principle and clarifying the truth.

The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. In the past three years or so after China and San Tome and Principe resumed diplomatic ties, our bilateral relations have developed smoothly and our cooperation has benefited both peoples. The attempt to undermine our friendly relations will never succeed.

We advise the DPP authority to give up those pathetic tricks that fool only themselves and make them a laughing stock of the world.

Q: This morning the Wuhan authorities announced a series of measures that came into effect at 10am, including suspending the operation of buses, subways, ferries and intercity buses in Wuhan, advising citizens against leaving the city if not necessary, and temporarily closing exit channels in airports and train stations. There are many foreigners already staying in Wuhan. The restrictions are on them also. Will the Chinese government consider any requests from them to return to their countries as special reasons? For example, after proper screening that shows they are healthy and free from any chance to spread it further?

A: I would refer you to local authorities for these specific questions.

As a principled response, China guarantees the legitimate rights and interests of foreign citizens in our country.

Q: Authorities in Wuhan announced this morning to temporarily close airports and train stations. Are foreign citizens not allowed to leave the city either?

A: Your question is the same as the previous one. I'd still refer you to local authorities.

As a principled response, China guarantees the legitimate and legal rights and interests of foreign citizens in our country.