(23 May 2025)
Spokesperson: Mao Ning
Date: 23 May 2025
Duration: 3 min 59 sec
STORYLINE:
1. Recently, the Special China-ASEAN Economic and Trade Ministers' Meeting was held online, during which both sides jointly announced the full conclusion of negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0. Could the spokesperson provide more details and comments on this?
This marks a key step toward signing the upgraded protocol of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0. China and ASEAN are both staunch supporters of economic globalization and multilateralism. The full conclusion of the Version 3.0 negotiations sends a strong message in support of free trade and open cooperation. By building an inclusive, modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial free trade area, China and ASEAN will further expand mutual openness and jointly achieve prosperous development.
2. On Thursday, the U.S. government announced the revocation of Harvard University's eligibility for student and exchange scholar programs, prohibiting the university from enrolling international students. In addition, current foreign students at Harvard must transfer. Chinese students make up 20% of Harvard’s international students. Does the foreign ministry have any comments on this?
China-U.S. educational cooperation is mutually beneficial. China has consistently opposed the politicization of educational cooperation. The relevant actions by the U.S. side will only damage its own image and international credibility. China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars overseas.
3. Follow up to the question on Harvard just now. Specifically, there was a reference to connections with Xinjiang. And earlier this week, there was a letter from US lawmakers sent to the Harvard president, demanding information about the school's links to China's government and military. For example, they alleged that the university hosted and trained members of XPCC, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corp. It was of course sanctioned by the US side in 2020. So could you specifically address the concerns over the connections between Harvard and Xinjiang and the XPCC?
I would like to reiterate that China consistently opposes the politicization of educational cooperation and the groundless attacks and smears against China. The U.S. sanction you mentioned are illegal, and the U.S. should lift it as soon as possible.
4. According to reports, in response to the Philippines hyping up the China Coast Guard’s law enforcement actions near Tiexian Reef, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Thursday posted on X, accusing the Chinese Coast Guard of aggressive actions against Philippine non-military missions, threatening lives and regional stability. She stated that the U.S. firmly stands with the Philippines and supports international law and a free and open Indo-Pacific. What is China’s comment?
Despite China’s repeated dissuasion, the Philippines has repeatedly sent personnel to illegally land on Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay) of China’s Nansha Islands, seriously infringing on China’s sovereignty and gravely violating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea. China’s response is fully necessary, legitimate and lawful. The Philippine side should immediately stop its infringements and provocations, otherwise China will make a resolute response. We urge the U.S. not to use the Philippines to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and not to undermine peace and stability in the region.
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