AFP: Viet Nam’s Parliament today approved plans for a US$8 billion railway link from its largest northern port city to the border with China, potentially boosting links between the two countries and making trade easier. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this project?
Guo Jiakun: Since last year, China and Viet Nam have exchanged views on multiple occasions on enhancing railway connectivity between the two countries. The two sides agreed to accelerate the feasibility study of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong standard gauge railway, speed up the plan compilation of the Dong Dang-Hanoi standard gauge railway and the Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong standard gauge railway, and advance the work of building a standard gauge railway connection point between Hekou (China) and Lao Cai (Viet Nam). For anything specific, I’d refer you to competent authorities.
Reuters: Barque Canada Reef in the Spratly Islands that China claims as part of its territory has been occupied by Viet Nam since the 1980s. A study showed that Viet Nam is engaging in reclamation there. So our question is, is the possibility of China taking control of this reef becoming less and less likely?
Guo Jiakun: Nansha Qundao has always been part of China’s territory. Bai Jiao is part of Nansha Qundao. China opposes relevant countries’ construction activities on islands and reefs they have illegally occupied.
Shenzhen TV: It’s reported that Malaysian Prime Minister Yab Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim said recently that China has been ASEAN’s most significant economic partner, and this relationship will continue to be a cornerstone of regional stability. Malaysia will promote greater cooperation between ASEAN and China and drive sustainable growth. He also said that to handle and solve the South China Sea disputes, the Code of Conduct negotiations should be concluded sooner rather than later. What’s your comment?
Guo Jiakun: We noted relevant reports. Under the strategic guidance of leaders of China and ASEAN countries, the vision of building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future is well received and great progress has been made in building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home. China and ASEAN have been each other’s largest trading partners for years running. Our negotiations with ASEAN to upgrade to free trade area 3.0 have been substantially concluded. The visa-free arrangement between China and other countries, including Malaysia, has produced remarkable results, and the “Lancang-Mekong visa” policy was officially launched. China and Malaysia have always been the key players in upholding peace in the Asia-Pacific and promoting development there.
China supports Malaysia in assuming the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN. We stand ready to work with Malaysia to bring about more bright spots in China-ASEAN cooperation in economy and trade, digital transformation, industrial and supply chains, green development, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, among other fields, strive for coordinated advances in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the three global initiatives, and ASEAN community building in a mutually reinforcing way, and help regional cooperation produce more outcomes.
What China takes away from growing its relations with ASEAN countries is to properly handle and solve differences through the Asian Way of friendly consultation. China stays committed to resolving the relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation with the states directly concerned in the South China Sea. We stand ready to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC), strive to conclude the COC at an early date, and jointly keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable.
Overview
Resources & Environment
