CCTV: Themed on “Justice and Peace for All Humanity,” the photo exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials was held at the UN headquarters yesterday, with the participation of diplomats from various countries, officials from different international organizations and people of various sectors. What’s your comment?
Guo Jiakun: The Tokyo Trials hold great historical significance and relevance. This photo exhibition brings together a large number of photographs and archives of the Tokyo Trials depicting the true history of Japan’s militarist aggression and the wartime crimes to the international community. The United Nations was born out of humanity’s reflection on the devastation of war, therefore it fully serves the international community’s common pursuit of remembering history and cherishing peace to hold the exhibition in the UN.
The Tokyo Trials constitute a historic trial in which peace subdued violence and justice prevailed over evil. The Trials are an integral part of the postwar international order. Recognizing and accepting the judgement of the Tokyo Trials is the prerequisite for Japan’s postwar return to the international community. Eighty years on, however, it is alarming that Japan’s right-wing forces still defy the historic verdict of the Tokyo Trials and try every possible means to deny and whitewash the crimes of aggression, promote a distorted view of history, and brazenly worship war criminals as “gods.” The international community should jointly push back against these trends. The lessons of history are still fresh in memory. Anyone who undermines peace and challenges righteousness and conscience is bound to be brought once again before the court of history and justice.
As an important force in the World Anti-Fascist War, China stands ready to work with all peace-loving nations and peoples around the world to carry forward the belief in the rule of law and peace, firmly safeguard the truth of history, uphold the postwar international order, and defend international fairness and justice.
AFP: French football star Kylian Mbappé was dropped today by a few major brands in China, after a video circulated online in which he apparently joked about China. I wonder if the foreign ministry has a comment on this incident.
Guo Jiakun: We noted relevant reports. Any rhetoric or action that hurts the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be rejected across the sectors in China.
Xinhua News Agency: We have noted a security alert issued by the Chinese embassy in the UK advising Chinese citizens to be aware of recent practices in UK border checks. Could you offer more information on this?
Guo Jiakun: Recently, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in the UK have received multiple reports of Chinese citizens being held and examined for extended hours by the UK police when entering and exiting the country, with their electronic devices including mobile phones seized. The Chinese side strongly deplores and is gravely concerned about the UK police’s arbitrary and excessive law enforcement actions. We have lodged serious démarches with the UK and will take all necessary measures to keep Chinese citizens safe and protect their legitimate and lawful rights and interests. We would like to remind Chinese citizens planning to travel to the UK to read carefully the embassy’s alert to avoid any inconvenience or loss.
The Paper: The situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region has been evolving rapidly. The conflict in Yemen and the Red Sea remains highly intense. And there are reports suggesting that the United States and Israel might resume military operations against Iran. What is China’s comment?
Guo Jiakun: China closely follows the developments in the Middle East, the Gulf region, the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, and expresses deep concerns over the protracted conflicts and their spillover effects. We call on relevant parties to resolve their disputes through dialogue and negotiation and realize lasting ceasefire and cessation of hostilities at an early date. China is committed to promoting peace talks. Our special envoys will soon travel to regional countries to strengthen communication with the relevant parties and promote engagement, dialogue and deescalation to prevent the worsening of the situation. Guided by the initiatives and propositions put forward by President Xi Jinping on promoting peace and security in the Middle East, China will work together with the international community to make unremitting efforts for the early realization of peace and stability in relevant regions.
AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Brazil’s elections were rigged after incumbent Lula’s win. I wonder if the foreign ministry has a comment on what Trump said.
Guo Jiakun: We respect the independent choice of the Brazilian people.
Bloomberg: The European Union is planning potential trade measures that could be proposed early next year to cut imports of chemicals, furniture and machinery from China, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on this?
Guo Jiakun: As far as China is concerned, the relationship with the EU is essentially a partnership, and the economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial. The success of the recent second meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation fully proves that the two sides can properly handle differences in economy and trade through dialogue and consultation. It is in the interest of both sides to step up dialogue and consultation and deepen economic and trade cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, which is also the shared expectation of the business community and people of both sides. It is hoped that the EU will abide by the principles of market economy and fair competition, avoid abusing trade remedies, and take concrete actions to promote the steady and sound development of China-EU relations.
