(20 Nov 2023)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MOFA Briefing
Spokesperson: Mao Ning
Date: 20 November 2023
Duration: 05 min 50 sec
1. According to reports, on the 18th, the Israeli army once again attacked the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, killing more than 100 people. Israeli forces also attacked a United Nations-run school, killing more than 50 people. What is China's comment?
China is deeply shocked and saddened by the attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp and the UN-run school, and condemns violence and attacks against civilians and children. Today is World Children's Day and the anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On this day, we are deeply concerned about the frequent targeting of children in the Gaza Strip.
2. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said in an interview on Saturday that China plays an important role in promoting freedom, peace, and prosperity in East Asia. China's pursuit of trilateral cooperation with North Korea and Russia, which blatantly violates the United Nations Charter, Security Council resolutions and other international norms, is detrimental to its international reputation and status. In the Indo-Pacific region, there are multiple geopolitical risk factors such as North Korea's nuclear threat and tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. The South Korean government has always emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the establishment of a regional rules-based maritime order, including the South China Sea. What is China's comment?
What I want to emphasize is that as a responsible major country, China has always played an important and constructive role in international and regional affairs. China knows its own responsibilities and interests, and we don’t need anyone else to tell us what to do or not.
The Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affairs and will never allow any foreign interference. Regarding the South China Sea issue, China and ASEAN countries have the ability, confidence and wisdom to handle this issue well. South Korea is not a party to the South China Sea issue and should not add trouble to it.
3. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that hundreds of Thai citizens, as well as citizens of the Philippines and Singapore, are being evacuated from Myanmar via China. They will first fly to Kunming and then return to Bangkok. Can you provide more details? And does China have any arrangements for the evacuation of overseas Chinese from Myanmar?
First of all, China is following closely the conflict in northern Myanmar and has been urging all parties to stop the fighting. Recently, some countries asked China for assistance. In a humanitarian spirit, we have facilitated their citizens’ transit through China from northern Myanmar. We will stay in contact with the countries concerned and provide assistance within our capability.
Regarding the Chinese citizens, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and embassies and consulates in Myanmar have issued consular alerts, advising Chinese citizens in the conflict-ridden areas of northern Myanmar to move to safe areas or return to China as soon as possible under the premise of ensuring safety.
Recently, some Chinese citizens have returned to China through border ports. The Foreign Ministry and embassies and consulates in Myanmar will continue to follow closely the security situation and assist Chinese citizens in their need.
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