Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 30, 2021 |
2021-06-30 17:48 |
CCTV: It is reported that on June 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced in its news release to award China a malaria-free certification, which it says is a notable feat for a country that reported 30 million cases of the disease annually in the 1940s. What is China's comment? Wang Wenbin: We have noted relevant reports. Malaria is a major public health challenge that threatens human life and health. It is good news for China and the rest of the world that China was granted the WHO certification of malaria elimination. The elimination of malaria is a notable feat of China's health endeavor and another major achievement in China's human rights cause, following the elimination of absolute poverty. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have always given top priority to safeguarding people's life, health, safety and well-being, and have adopted various measures and achieved remarkable results. The average life expectancy of Chinese people has risen from 35 years in 1949 to 77.3 years. The main health indicators of the Chinese are generally better than the average level of middle- and high-income countries. With improvement in women and children's right to health, China is recognized by the WHO as one of the ten fast-track countries in women's and children's health. Eliminating malaria is also a major contribution made by China to human health and the world human rights progress. Chinese scientists discovered and extracted artemisinin from Chinese herbal medicine, the most effective antimalarial drugs available today that saved millions of lives across the world, especially in developing countries. China's "1-3-7" strategy is formally included in WHO's technical documents and adopted across the world. This has facilitated malaria elimination in the world. President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of the people-centered approach, and pointed out that "living a happy life is the primary human right". China will continue to commit itself to the health cause and medical cooperation, and make greater contribution to protecting the health and wellbeing of people in China and beyond. Bloomberg: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said a "grave incident" stemming from a quarantine negligence has created a crisis but he didn't provide any detail. Can you tell us if China is providing any help to North Korea in regards to this crisis and if so, what sort of help? And whether China has in the past provided any vaccine to North Korea or will continue to? Wang Wenbin: China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. We respect the anti-epidemic measures the DPRK has put in place based on its national realities and wish it smooth progress in all its endeavors. China and the DPRK have a long tradition of mutual assistance in times of need. China stands ready to positively consider providing help to the DPRK should there be such a need. CCTV: On June 29, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting through video link. Could you share more details? Wang Wenbin: At the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on June 29, all sides held in-depth exchange of views on issues including the pandemic, multilateralism and global governance. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, upon invitation, attended the gathering via videoconference and delivered an address titled "Promote Solidarity and Cooperation in Pursuit of Multilateralism". He pointed out that G20 members need to: stay united and work together to lead the way in the global fight against COVID-19; uphold multilateralism and rally more support for the stability of the international order; enhance openness and coordination, and forge greater impetus to global recovery; uphold inclusiveness and sharing, and garner stronger efforts for sustainable development; take a problem-oriented approach, and make the global governance system more responsive. State Councilor Wang said that over the past one hundred years, the CPC has rallied and led the Chinese people to embark on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics that suits China and has strong support from the Chinese people. Such endeavors have benefited not only the Chinese people, but also the whole world. At trying times such as the international financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic, China never gives up solidarity and partnership with other countries. To date, China has provided over 450 million doses of vaccines to nearly 100 countries. China and African countries have jointly launched the Initiative on Partnership for Africa's Development. We welcome more countries and international organizations to join the Initiative. China's views and proposals have won international recognition. Parties at the meeting stressed the need to uphold multilateralism and strengthen solidarity and cooperation to address global challenges such as the COVID-19 and climate change and to realize sustainable development. The G20, as a prominent forum for international economic cooperation, should play a bigger role. This foreign ministers' meeting illustrates the leading role of the G20 in dealing with major international crises and improving global governance. It has sent out a strong, positive signal to the world. China stands ready to work with all parties to practice true multilateralism, strive for a successful Rome Summit and contribute wisdom and strength to securing a global victory over COVID-19 at an early date, realizing steady and sustained world economic recovery, and building a community with a shared future for mankind. Reuters: Amnesty International said that Hong Kong's new security law is a human rights emergency. Do you have any comment on this? Wang Wenbin: The remarks of the organization you mentioned are malicious, deliberate smears and distortion of facts. I would like to share with you some facts and truth. Since the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR took effect one year ago, national security has been safeguarded, Hong Kong society has been brought back to the right track, the rule of law and justice have been upheld, and the lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents and foreign citizens in Hong Kong have been better protected in a safer environment. This is an undeniable fact that any unbiased people would recognize. Statistics show that in 2020, the amount of capital flowing into Hong Kong was $50 billion, and funds raised through IPOs in its stock exchange ranked the second largest globally. The Hong Kong economy grew 7.9% in the first quarter of 2021 year-on-year. A recent report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reaffirms Hong Kong's position as an international financial center. The number of overseas media outlets and people working in the press sector in Hong Kong has increased. These facts are a vote of confidence for the national security law and Hong Kong's prospect. No attack or smear can stop Hong Kong's t |