At the invitation of Meng Jianzhu, Chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Belarus Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Secretary of the Commission of Political and Legal Affairs under the CPC Central Committee, Anatoly Tozik, Chairman of the Belarusian side of the Committee, Deputy Prime Minister of the government of Belarus, will come to China on September 4 to co-host the 1st Meeting of the China-Belarus Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee.
Q: There are reports that on August 31, several thousand protesters gathered in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. They tried to make their way to the parliament building and the Prime Minister's official residence, and clashed with the police, causing heavy casualties. What is China's comment on this? How does China view the current situation in Pakistan?
A: China follows the situation in Pakistan very closely. As its friendly neighbor, China sincerely hopes that relevant parties in Pakistan can give priority to the fundamental interests of the state and the people, properly resolve issues through consultation and dialogue, and jointly uphold national stability.
Q: September 3 this year will be the 1st Victory Day of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. What kind of commemorative activities will China hold? Will President Xi Jinping attend relevant activities?
A: Last February, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China designated September 3 as the Victory Day of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Today is September 1. As to how this year's Victory Day will be celebrated and whom the attendees will be, we will find out two days later. I suggest we wait in patience.
Q: How does China see Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India?
A: We are following Prime Minister Modi's visit in Japan. I would like to point out that both China and India are major countries that advocate and practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence, and follow the independent foreign policy.
As for President Xi's visit to India, when leaders of the BRICS met in Fortaleza, Brazil, President Xi had a pleasant meeting with Prime Minister Modi. It was agreed then by both sides that President Xi will pay a state visit to India in the near future. At the current stage, both sides are in close communication on relevant arrangements about the visit.
Q: The EU is considering new sanctions against Russia because of the situation in Ukraine. What will China do to stop the situation from deteriorating, given China's consistent opposition to sanctions and close relations with Russia?
A: On the Ukrainian issue, we have pointed it out on previous occasions that it is by no accident that the situation has reached its current stage. As things stand now, it is imperative for relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid taking further actions to stoke disagreements and escalate tension. They should avail themselves of the mechanisms for communication, dialogue and coordination currently available as soon as possible, and push for a political resolution of the Ukrainian issue. Political resolution is the only way out. Sanctions can in no way help achieve political resolution, still less address the Ukrainian issue fundamentally. They may give rise to new and more complex factors.
You mentioned that the EU is considering further sanctions against Russia. But I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that inside the EU, member states are having different opinions on this. They have their concerns. So the top priority remains to be pushing for a political settlement of the Ukrainian issue. Today, Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will hold a meeting in Belarus. We hope that this meeting can achieve positive progress.
Q: Lately, there is evidence showing that some Russian military personnel are fighting in Eastern Ukraine. What is China's comment on that?
A: I want to reiterate that the imperative is for relevant parties to realize immediate ceasefire, avoid taking actions that will further escalate tension and advance the process of political resolution as soon as possible. Amid such a process, legitimate interests of various regions, ethnic groups and factions inside Ukraine should be fully respected and taken into account. At the same time, reasonable concerns of relevant parties should be accommodated. We hope that relevant parties can make concerted efforts, and take concrete actions as soon as possible to build mutual trust, move the situation toward alleviation, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability.
Q: Following yesterday's announcements by the NPC Standing Committee of the decision on issues relating to the selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by universal suffrage, Hong Kong has seen some demonstrations and protests. What is China's response to this?
A: Yesterday, Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Issues Relating to the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by Universal Suffrage and on the Method for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2016 was adopted by the NPC Standing Committee. The Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, Deputy Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee as well as relevant departments have issued statements and made explanations on the decision. A briefing session was held this morning in Hong Kong. So the position and attitude of the central government is clear and explicit. The specific question you raised concern the political reforms of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. I would refer you to competent authorities.