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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on December 31, 2019
2019-12-31 22:03

Q: Do you have any update on when China and the US might sign the phase one trade deal? There was a report yesterday that the Chinese delegation might be going to Washington this week and perhaps sign the deal this Saturday. Is this true?

A: I would like to refer you to the Ministry of Commerce.

Q: On December 30 EST, another round of consultations were held in the UN Security Council on the draft resolution on political settlement of the Peninsula issue proposed by China and Russia. Can you talk more about it?

A: On December 30 EST, China and Russia had the second round of informal consultations with other Security Council members on the draft resolution on the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. All sides further exchanged views and expressed willingness to stay in contact for more consultations.

China's actions showed once again China's endeavor to maintain the momentum of political settlement and to prevent deterioration or even losing control of the situation. We will continue to play a positive role to promote political settlement, encourage dialogue and maintain peace and stability on the Peninsula.

Currently the window of opportunity for peace is facing uncertainties again. We hope all relevant sides will shoulder due responsibilities, grasp the opportunity, demonstrate flexibility and good faith, and make constructive efforts with China and Russia to manage the situation and promote political settlement.

Q: Can you give us more details about the talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and State Councilor Wang Yi?

A: On December 31, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Beijing.

Wang said today is the last day of 2019 and I'm glad to meet you on your fourth visit to China this year. I would like to take stock of China-Iran relations with you, implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, move forward the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership and open up a new year full of promise.

Wang noted that important changes are brewing surrounding the Iranian nuclear issue and the JCPOA is facing severe challenges. The US has unilaterally withdrawn from the JCPOA, shirked its international obligations and exerted maximum pressure on Iran. This is the root cause of the current tension over the Iranian nuclear issue. Wang stressed that the JCPOA, approved by the Security Council resolution, is an important outcome of multilateral diplomacy. To uphold the authority and effectiveness of the JCPOA means to uphold multilateralism, international law and basic norms governing international relations. China supports all constructive efforts to ease the current tension and safeguard the JCPOA. We hope that all parties to the JCPOA will stick to the right direction, stand up to external pressure, resolve existing differences through dialogue and consultation, and firmly uphold and implement the Iranian nuclear deal. China will resolutely safeguard international fairness and justice, oppose unilateralism and bullying behavior, and work for the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Zarif commended and appreciated China's important role in upholding the JCPOA and briefed the Chinese side on what has been discussed regarding the nuclear issue with Russia, Europe among others. He said Iran is willing to maintain close communication with China, adhere to multilateralism while opposing unilateralism, earnestly uphold the JCPOA and defend its legitimate rights and interests. Iran attaches great importance to relations with China. It is committed to deepening cooperation with China and stands ready to work with China to scale new heights in China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.

Q: Leaders of China and Russia exchanged congratulatory messages today, extending good wishes for the new year and planning for bilateral relationship in 2020. Can you tell us if China has any new visions for China-Russia comprehensive cooperation and strategic coordination in the year to come?

A: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic ties. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi and President Putin, China-Russia relationship has entered a new era. There have been new outcomes in strategic coordination and breakthroughs in practical cooperation. Our bilateral relationship is the most mature, solid and stable one among all those between major states, which has received high appraisal from our leaders and is the common view of our people in various sectors.

The year 2020 will be the 75th anniversary of the victory of the WWII and the founding of the United Nations, and there will continue to be complex and profound changes in the international landscape. It will also be the final year for China to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and a key year for Russia to realize development and revitalization. Our bilateral relationship will be even more essential, and our cooperation will have even greater potential.

As the Chinese saying goes, "Long and difficult as the journey may be, sustained actions will take us to the destination." China will continue to work with Russia to implement our leaders' important consensus, strengthen strategic communication and coordination, and contribute more "China-Russia wisdom" and "China-Russia proposals" to safeguard mutual interests as well as world peace and stability.

Q: The Foreign Ministry announced Kiribati Pre