Below, I've translated the transcripts of China’s Ministry
of Foreign Affairs September 4th press conference. Today’s entry is rather dull, but still
serves as an interesting overview of a few major points of interest in China’s
foreign policy. Many of these issues
deserve posts (if not books) devoted
solely to their exploration and analysis, but I've settled on leaving a few
notes in brackets after each question and answer.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes
questions on the situation in Syria and the Philippines’ accusation that China
has fortified Huangyan Island
September
4, 2013, 7:37 PM
Source:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
Translated by: Paul Orner
September 4,
2013, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hong Lei – Press Conference
Q: According
to reports, Russian president Putin has stated that should it be proven that
the Syrian government used chemical weapons, and approval is obtained through the
UN Security Council, then Russia would not rule out the possibility of consenting
to launching military strikes against Syria.
A: We have already
stressed multiple times that China supports the UN’s independent, fair,
unbiased, and specialized inspection.
All parties should work to support the work of the inspection committee,
and wait for the results of their inspection, rather than draw premature
conclusions.
[China has consistently indirectly (if not subtly) displayed its
disapproval of American intervention in the Middle East.]
Q:
According to reports, South Sudan president Kiel’s official visit to Sudan had
positive results. Does the Chinese
government have any comment? What has
China done to improve relations between the two Sudans?
A: We are aware
of President Kiel’s visit to Sudan yesterday, and have suggested that President
Bashir maintain current oil production and shipping, and adhere to and execute
agreements that have already been reached.
The Chinese government praises the work of both countries and the work
of the international community, particularly the work of the African
Union. We hope that both Sudans will
continuously push for development and improvement in relations.
As a true
friend of Sudan, China has consistently pushed for bilateral talks to solve the
differences between the two Sudans.
Since June, China has received a special envoy from the Southern
president, welcomed a visit from the foreign minister of Sudan, and the Chinese
representative for African affairs has visited the area three times. China has made a positive contribution.
[China’s activities in Africa are oftentimes overlooked by
Western media, but have not gone unfelt in the world of international politics. By promoting investment and trade between
China and Africa, the Chinese government has been able to strengthen its relations
with many African nations. There are a
number of reasons for China’s interest in Africa, but a few major factors
include Africa’s natural resources, emerging markets for Chinese products, and
the voting power that the African bloc wields in the UN.]
Q:
According to reports, the American Department of State’s Secretary of East Asia
and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russell, will visit China. Please confirm and provide relevant details.
A:
Through bilateral discussions, it has been decided that US Department of State
Secretary of Asia-Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russell, will visit China from the 13th
of September to the 14th for an official visit. During meetings the two sides will discuss
Sino-American relations and exchange ideas and suggestions.
Q: According
to reports, the US Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee has already reached
a preliminary agreement on the draft of a resolution that would grant the US
government permission to undertake a 90-day military strike against Syria. Does the Chinese government have any comment?
A: The
Chinese government has always believed that a political solution is the only
realistic way to end the Syrian conflict.
We would like to express our serious concern with the relevant countries
which seek to use unilateral military action.
All actions undertaken by the international community should be in
accordance with the basic principles stated in the UN Charter, and should avoid
making the situation in Syria more complicated and bringing even more tragedy
to the Middle East.
[China, motivated by both history and present trends in
politics, firmly supports a doctrine of non-intervention and respect for
national sovereignty. In part, the
policy is motivated by China’s fear that the West might use ‘humanitarian’
excuses to intervene in China’s domestic affairs. While the capability of the West to do so is
rather dubious, this policy also allows China to portray itself as the friend
of countries, mainly in the third world, who are frustrated with and afraid of
Western intervention.]
Q:
According to reports, the Philippines stated yesterday that China has begun to
fortify Huangyan Island. Please confirm.
A: The
statements made by the Philippines are completely inaccurate. Huangyan Island is China’s ancient
territory. In accordance with the
current situation, Chinese ships are performing routine patrols in the area,
and will uphold the sovereignty of Huangyan Island and order in the area. This is the right of China, and is
irreproachable.
[The territorial dispute between China and the Philippines over
the Scarborough Shoal (or Huangyan Island according to the Chinese) deserves a lengthy
analysis. What’s important is that the
two countries are bitterly contesting each other’s territorial claims to the
shoal and surrounding seas. This row is
just one of many bitter, nationalist feuds in the South China Sea.]
Q:
Currently, Chairman Xi Jinping is making official visits to four countries in
Central Asia. Please explain the
position and role of Central Asia in Chinese foreign policy.
A:
Central Asian countries are the friendly neighbors and important partners of
China. Having established relations over
twenty years ago, China and Central Asian countries have significantly
developed their relations through mutual respect and mutually beneficial
bilateral relations. Both sides have
maintained close high-level exchanges and high levels of mutual trust. On issues such as trade, investment, energy,
resources, agriculture, networking, and telecommunications, each side has made
major developments, and has made real and practical contributions, aiding all
of their citizens. We have developed
close, bilateral cooperation on law enforcement and security, effectively
combated the three forces of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and upheld
the safety and stability of each country.
We have maintained close international cooperation and coordination, and
have similar positions and views on many issues. At this time, Chairman Xi Jinping is visiting
Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, strengthening ties
between China and these four countries, and further promoting the growth of
relations between China and Central Asia.
[China shares borders with a number of countries in the Northwestern region of its territory, causing concern among Chinese strategists. What makes these strategists particularly concerned is that the Northwestern province of Xinjiang is populated by a Muslim ethnic minority: the Uyghurs. While China firmly asserts that Xinjiang belongs to China, some Uyghur separatists dream of establishing an independent country. These sentiments sometimes boil over into violent riots (the terrorism and separatism noted above). Thus, creating a stable environment and strict border control are key interests in China's Central Asia policy.]
Original Chinese: http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2013-09/04/c_117231805.htm
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