At the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay an official visit to Belarus from April 8 to 9.
Q: The US Defense Secretary who is visiting Japan expressed concerns today about the militarization of territorial disputes in Asia and China's land reclamation around the Nansha islands by means of militarization. What is China's response to that?
A: China holds a consistent position on the relevant issues. We stay committed to resolving the relevant issues through consultation and negotiation with countries directly concerned. We hope that the American side would respect efforts made by China and relevant countries in the region for a negotiated settlement, do and say more things with a sense of responsibility, and play a constructive role for regional peace and stability.
Q: It is reported that Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Jan Eliasson will visit China from April 8 to 11. Please give us more details.
A: At the invitation of the Chinese side, Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson of the United Nations will visit China from April 8 to 11. During his stay in China, State Councilor Yang Jiechi will meet with him. Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui and Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong will meet and hold talks with him separately.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN. Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson will exchange views with the Chinese side on UN affairs and international issues of common interest. The Chinese side believes that the visit by Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson will help enhance cooperation between China and the UN and push for the full success of a series of events marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN.
Q: According to Russian media, during Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Russia, he discussed with his Russian counterpart preparations for activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Second World War. What is your comment on that?
A: Foreign Minister Wang Yi has just wrapped up his visit to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with him in the Kremlin on the afternoon of April 7. Foreign Minister Wang Yi also had talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Relevant information has been released. Both sides agreed that as the major theaters in Asia and Europe during WWII, China and Russia have the responsibility and obligation to support each other, and hold separate and joint activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of WWII, in a bid to remember and draw inspiration from history, and better safeguard and promote world peace. We also support all peace-loving countries around the world in hosting relevant activities. Russian President Putin said that the Russian side looks forward to President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia and attendance at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-fascist War. We would take the 70th anniversary as an opportunity to reinforce mutual support and maintain the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership for coordination at a high level.
Q: According to media reports, the Japanese minister in charge of territorial issues said on April 7 that the Japanese government has compiled about 500 historical records proving Japan' s control over the "Senkaku Islands" starting before WWII, with the aim of telling people in and outside Japan that the islands are integral parts of Japan. What is China's comment on this?
A: Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have been China's inherent territory since ancient times. There are innumerable historical materials and records from home and abroad to prove that. China is the first to have discovered Diaoyu Dao and has exercised long-term and effective governance over the island. Diaoyu Dao has been clearly marked on maps dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Before the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, the name of Diaoyu Dao had been widely recognized by western countries who clearly defined Diaoyu Dao as China's territory on their maps. Taiwan and its affiliated islands, including Diaoyu Dao were put under the colonial rule of Japan for a long time in the wake of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895. Diaoyu Dao was returned to China in accordance with relevant legal instruments after WWII. Japan, who struggles to deliberately misinterpret the materials it has got in disregard of the integrity of history, can by no means change the fact that Diaoyu Dao belongs to China. The Japanese side recently made a fuss about a 1969 Chinese map, which in the end served as a strong proof that Diaoyu Dao is a part of China. I would like to advise the Japanese side to be cautious with the records they are about to release, otherwise they may find themselves in another self-defeating scenario.
Q: Will China be interested in having troops from Russia and other countries in the military parade to be held in September in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII?
A: We have offered information on the commemorative activities. The military parade is an important part of the commemoration marking the 70th anniversary. Relevant preparations are well underway, and we are in communication with relevant countries. You may consult the Ministry of National Defense about the specifics.
