AFP: Can you confirm whether or not President Xi has spoken personally yet with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the recent developments in Russia involving the Wagner group?

Mao Ning: I have no information on that.

TASS: ARD reported that diplomats from China, Brazil, India, South Africa and some Western countries attended a confidential meeting in Copenhagen on June 24. Another report says that formal negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis may be held as early as July. Can the foreign ministry confirm that relevant parties plan to hold peace talks on the Ukraine issue in July? If it is true, will Russia be invited?

Mao Ning: China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear, which centers on promoting talks for peace and a political settlement of the crisis. China stands ready to work with the rest of the world to continue to play a constructive role in deescalation.

The Associated Press: Reports say the Israeli Prime Minister will be visiting China next month. Can you confirm his planned visit and when it might take place? A second question is, a large New Zealand delegation has arrived with Prime Minister Hipkins. In addition to trade, how does China view its relations with New Zealand? And what are the key areas of discussion? What areas of cooperation is China seeking with New Zealand?

Mao Ning: On your first question, I have nothing to share. China and Israel maintain friendly exchanges. China stands ready to work with Israel for sustained and steady growth of our innovative comprehensive partnership.

On your second question about the visit of New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, China and New Zealand are each other’s important cooperation partners. We are ready to work with New Zealand on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, step up exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade and other fields and further grow bilateral ties. As for the details of the visit, we will release information in due course. Please check back for updates.

Beijing Youth Daily: ASDA’A BCW, a Dubai-based PR consultancy, recently conducted a survey among 3,600 people aged between 18 and 24 in 18 Arab countries. The results show that 80 percent of those surveyed consider China an ally, ranking near the top. What’s your comment?

Mao Ning: We have noted the survey findings. In fact, we have seen over recent years other survey reports also showing increasing favorable sentiments among people in Arab countries towards China. The survey results you just cited are clear indication that Arab friends, especially the young generation, see China as a sincere, amicable and trusted friend.

China and Arab countries enjoy a longstanding tradition of friendly exchanges. Young people are the ones to carry forward this traditional friendship and represent the source of strength and hope for our friendly cooperation. At the end of 2022, President Xi Jinping attended the first China-Arab States Summit and put forward eight major initiatives on China-Arab practical cooperation, including one on youth development, which are being implemented with concerted efforts on both sides. Soon the two sides will jointly launch in China a China-Arab youth friendship ambassadors 2023 program, which will bring nearly 100 Arab youth to China for exchanges. We stand ready to work with Arab countries to continue enhancing youth exchange and cement the public foundation for building a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era.

AFP: The top intelligence body in Switzerland said in a report published on Monday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has turned Switzerland into a hub for Russian and Chinese spy operations. Has the Chinese foreign ministry seen this report and what is its reaction?

Mao Ning: China is a victim of spy operations. We are always firmly opposed to espionage activities. We hope relevant parties will stop smearing China with groundless accusations.

China News Service: According to a recent study led by the University of Leeds and published in the UK journal Nature Sustainability, almost 90 percent of excess carbon emissions come from developed countries such as the US, who could be liable to pay USD 170 trillion in climate reparations to low-emitting countries to ensure targets to curtail climate breakdown are met, according to the researchers. What is your comment?

Mao Ning: This research proves that developed countries have historical responsibilities, legal obligations and moral responsibilities for climate change. They need to take a lead in drastically cutting their carbon emissions and reach net zero carbon emissions much earlier than 2050, and create space for developing countries’ sustainable development. Developed countries also need to provide support to developing countries in finance, technology and capacity-building. Regrettably, however, developed countries have yet to deliver on their promise of mobilizing USD 100 billion per year for climate action in developing countries—a promise made 14 years ago, and to offer a roadmap for doubling adaptation finance. 

China is a doer in ecological conservation and climate governance. We will remain committed to working actively and prudently toward the goals of reaching peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, and provide support and help to fellow developing countries for climate response under the frameworks of green Belt and Road and South-South cooperation. We hope developed countries will shoulder their historical responsibilities, deliver on their commitments at an early date, step up financial, technological and capacity-building support for developing countries, and work for substantive progress in global climate governance. 

Bloomberg: It’s reported that US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen plans to visit Beijing early next month for high-level economic talks. Can you confirm that or do you have any details to add?

Mao Ning: China and the US are in touch about dialogue and exchange at various levels. As for the specific visit you mentioned, I’d refer you to competent Chinese authorities.