Q: The Chinese side reportedly accuses Cheng Muyang of corruption and hopes that he would be repatriated by the Canadian side. What is China's comment on that? Can China guarantee that Cheng Muyang would be treated fairly if returned to China?
A: China will not change the determination in bringing fugitive corrupt suspects to justice. As to what specific measures will be taken, it must be decided in accordance with Chinese laws.
Q: According to media reports, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has almost decided that the statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II this summer will not seek the Cabinet approval. Instead, it will be defined as his personal opinion. What is China's comment on that?
A: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Not just Japan's Asian neighbours, including China, are highly concerned about Japan's remarks and attitude on the history issue, people in Japan, as we have noticed, also keep a close eye on that. We hope that the Japanese leader can adopt a correct attitude, deeply reflect on its history of aggression, honor previous Japanese Cabinets' statements on and commitments to the issue of history, stick to the path of peaceful development and take concrete actions to win the trust of China, other Asian neighbours and the international community.
Q: It is reported that the UK and Belgium recently announced to provide Chinese citizens with one-stop visa service in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, starting from July 1. What is China's comment on that?
A: We have noticed the above-mentioned measures announced by the UK and Belgium. These measures, as we believe, will not only facilitate visa application by Chinese citizens but also play a positive role in promoting bilateral exchanges and mutual understanding between our peoples.
The number of Chinese citizens travelling overseas in recent years has increased dramatically. Citizens from Chinese mainland made more than 100 million overseas visits last year. Under the CPC Central Committee's guiding principle of governing for the people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by stepping up its efforts, has made great progress in visa facilitation and has delivered more benefits to the general public. Last year, China and the US announced reciprocal visa arrangements for business people, tourists and students. This year in the first five months alone, the number of Chinese business people and tourists travelling to the US has increased by 31% over the same period last year. China has so far signed visa exemption agreements for various passports with 99 countries and 59 visa simplification agreements or arrangements with 37 countries. In addition, 36 countries and regions have granted unilateral visa-on-arrival policies to Chinese citizens and another 11 countries and regions have unilaterally allowed Chinese citizens to visit without a visa. It has become much easier for Chinese passport holders to travel abroad.
The Chinese government and the Foreign Ministry are working to make Chinese citizens' outbound trips not only easier but also safe and trouble-free. We will further intensify our consultation with relevant countries to promote visa facilitation and provide overseas Chinese with timely, efficient and high-quality consular protection and assistance so that they can enjoy a "fast-track" and smooth trips.
Q: Ambassador Liu Jieyi, Permanent Representative of China to the UN, signed on behalf of the Chinese government the Protocol to the Treaty on Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in May last year. Do you have any update on the ratification process?
A: The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress deliberated and ratified the Protocol to the Treaty on Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in April. Recently, President Xi Jinping has signed the relevant ratification instrument. With that, the Chinese side has finished the ratification work of the Protocol and will deposit the ratification instrument, through diplomatic channels, with Kyrgyzstan, the depositary of the treaty.
The Chinese government respects and supports non-nuclear weapon states in establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones based on actual regional conditions through consultation of their own accord. We also unconditionally promise not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones.
The signing and ratification of the Protocol fully demonstrates China's consistency in policy on nuclear-weapon-free zones. It is also a major step in supporting international non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament. China stands ready to work with other countries to achieve the goal of complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons across the world.
