Q:Recently, head of the Belgian State Security Service (VSSE) claimed that China has been conducting intelligence activities at ports, airports and other economic and strategic sectors, and that the Chinese government has used companies to realize geo-strategic interest. China is also mentioned in the Intelligence Report 2021-2022 released by the VSSE. What is your comment on this?

A: The Chinese side has noticed relevant report and remarks. The Belgian security agency, without any evidence, has made false accusations against China. This is extremely unserious and irresponsible. Completely groundless, based on subjective conjecture and full of ideological prejudice, the relevant remarks have slandered the legitimate and lawful business operation of Chinese companies in Belgium, seriously affecting their reputation and causing potential harm to their normal production and operation. We hereby express strong discontent and resolute rejection.

China has been committed to advancing exchanges and cooperation across the board with other countries on the basis of mutual respect. Its approach has been open, lawful and aboveboard. The Chinese government has always asked Chinese companies running overseas to strictly abide by local laws and regulations, and carry out practical cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit. The Chinese side firmly opposes remarks and actions that overstretch the concept of national security and politicize economic and trade cooperation. We urge relevant sides of Belgium to abandon ideological prejudice against China, have an objective and fair view of China and China-Belgium relations, and do more things that truly contribute to China-Belgium practical cooperation in different areas.