At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya Musalia Mudavadi will pay an official visit to China from January 24 to 26.

CCTV: We noted that the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit and the Third South Summit were held in Uganda a few days ago. Vice Premier of the State Council Liu Guozhong attended the summits. During the summits, representatives from many countries spoke highly of the Global Development Initiative and called on members of the Non-Aligned Movement to enhance solidarity and cooperation in international affairs and safeguard multilateralism and the common interests of Global South countries. Can you share more about Vice Premier Liu’s visit?

Wang Wenbin: From January 19 to 21, President Xi Jinping’s Special Representative, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Liu Guozhong attended the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the Third South Summit in Kampala, Uganda and delivered remarks.

Vice Premier Liu Guozhong noted that the NAM, born at the climax of the national liberation movements in Asia, Africa and Latin America, has effectively advanced the cause of world peace and human progress. It is important that it remains committed to its strength of character in defending independence and opposing power politics, carries forward the spirit of seeking common ground while shelving differences and peaceful coexistence, takes on the common mission of seeking strength through solidarity and striving for common development, and champions the values of equality, fairness and justice.

Vice Premier Liu Guozhong pointed out that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the G77. Over the past six decades, Global South countries have found a right path of equality, mutual trust, mutual benefit, solidarity and mutual help. Independence is the defining political feature of Global South countries; seeking strength through solidarity is their proud tradition; development and revitalization are their historical mission; and fairness and justice are their common aspirations. At the moment, amid transformations of the world unseen in a century, Global South countries are faced with a complex international environment. We need to continue our endeavour under the new circumstances to explore the path to modernization, promote higher-level South-South cooperation, actively take part in the reform of the global governance system, and deepen the global partnership for development that is united, equal, balanced and beneficial to all.

Vice Premier Liu Guozhong stressed that China has invariably stood in solidarity with fellow developing countries through thick and thin. We are ready to work with other developing countries, under the guidance of building a community with a shared future for mankind, to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, uphold the common values of mankind, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and bring the world to a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

As the biggest developing country, a partner of the NAM and a member of the Global South, China will always stand on the side of fellow developing countries, especially medium-sized and smaller countries, and contribute to the common development of the Global South.

Xinhua News Agency: Today, China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper titled “China’s Legal Framework and Measures for Counterterrorism.” Can you share more information?

Wang Wenbin: China has long faced the threat of terrorism and suffered from its scourge. Over the years, China has taken stock of the underlying dynamics, characteristics and practices of its own counterterrorism efforts and drawn on the useful experience of other countries. By doing so, China has adopted a counterterrorism approach rooted in China’s realities and built on a sound legal footing, which has helped keep the nation, the public and people’s lives and property secure and contributed to global and regional security and stability. The white paper you mentioned outlines China’s legal framework and measures for counterterrorism in a comprehensive and systematic way, including the criteria for illegal and criminal terrorist activities and principles for their punishment, and the legal provisions and principles for the system on standardizing the exercise of power and protecting human rights in fighting terrorism. This reflects the value and basic principle of both effectively preventing and punishing terrorist activities, and earnestly respecting and protecting human rights, which shows the compatibility between the guiding principles for China’s rule of law and international counterterrorism principles.

Terrorism is humanity’s common enemy, which seriously threatens international peace and security. China stands ready to strengthen cooperation on counterterrorism with all countries, work together to combat all forms of terrorism, actively participate in the global governance on counterterrorism, draw on each other’s experience and engage in exchanges and cooperation on the basis of equality and respect, so as to promote healthy global counterterrorism endeavors and safeguard international and regional peace and stability.

Reuters: Geneva-based diplomats said that China is lobbying diplomats from other countries in Geneva to praise its human rights record. What’s China’s comment?

Wang Wenbin: The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is an important platform under the UN framework for countries to carry out equal-footed, candid exchanges and constructive dialogue and cooperation on human rights issues. China holds a people-centered human rights philosophy and believes that a happy life for the people is the most important human right. We have found a path toward better human rights that follows the trend of the times and fits our national realities. We have made historic progress in our human rights cause and the people are enjoying a greater sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security. The Chinese government attaches high importance to this round of UPR and will participate in the review with an open, candid attitude and communicate with all parties for mutual learning and joint progress. We hope that all parties will follow the UPR mechanism’s principle of being constructive and non-politicized in their participation of the review. 

On your question, I want to stress that China always undergoes the UPR in strict accordance with the rules and procedures of the UN Human Rights Council.

News 1 Korea: The UK has provided satellite photographs of North Korean cargo shipments to Russia to a panel of UN experts as part of an attempt to trigger an official investigation into arms deals in violation of international sanctions. The photographs show three Russian ships load containers at North Korea’s revived Najin port before transiting to Russian ports in the far east. What’s your comment? And today South Korea said the giant panda Fu Bao, the first ever panda cub born in the country, will return to China in April. What’s your comment?

Wang Wenbin: On your first question, I do not know about what you mentioned. 

And on your second question, Fu Bao has been much adored by the ROK public since her birth and played a positive role in thickening the bond and friendship between Chinese and the people of the ROK. The giant panda Fu Bao will be 4 years old this year, and she will return to China in accordance with relevant bilateral cooperation agreement and customary practice.   

CGTN: Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministries yesterday said in a joint statement that ambassadors of both countries may return to their respective posts by January 26 and that Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian will visit Pakistan upon invitation on January 29. What’s China’s comment?  

Wang Wenbin: China welcomes the good progress that Iran and Pakistan have made in repairing their ties and supports them in further enhancing mutual trust and deepening cooperation through friendly consultation. We stand ready to work with Iran and Pakistan to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and safeguard regional peace, stability and development.