Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on September 5, 2019

At the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Foreign Minister Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah of Malaysia will visit China from September 9 to 14.

Q: We noticed that the Chinese side released information today about Kazakh President Tokayev's state visit to China. Can you give us more details about his visit and what are your expectations?

A: China and Kazakhstan are friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. Our relations continue to grow at a high level. China attaches great importance to President Tokayev's first state visit to China. President Xi and President Tokayev will have talks and attend a signing ceremony and a welcome banquet. As a customary practice, the two Presidents will sign and issue an important political document, which will be an overarching review and plan for the China-Kazakhstan relationship, giving new positioning and essence to it. Premier Li Keqiang, NPC Chairman Li Zhanshu and other Chinese leaders will also be meeting with President Tokayev. During the visit, departments of the two sides will sign a range of cooperation agreements and hold sideline events on economy, trade and people-to-people exchange. China looks forward to fruitful outcomes in President Tokayev's visit. We hope it will inject new impetus into China-Kazakhstan comprehensive strategic partnership, help achieve new outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

Q: The Solomon Islands government was considering whether to establish relations with China or maintain relations with Taiwan. It has decided that the country will establish diplomatic relations with China. So have the two sides decided to establish diplomatic relations?

A: As is known to all, there is but one China in the world. The Chinese government stands ready to develop friendly and cooperative relations with countries around the world on the basis of the one-China principle.

Q: Kazakh President Tokayev delivered the State-of-the-Nation Address on September 2. I wonder if you have any comment?

A: In his State-of-the-Nation Address, President Tokayev emphasized the consistency of the country's policies and outlined new goals and plans for steady reforms, economic growth and a better life for the Kazakh people. China commends his address as it is in line with Kazakhstan's national conditions and its people's aspiration. As a friendly neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner, China is glad to see and hopes for greater progress in Kazakhstan's development.

Q: In response to the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam's announcement, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi said the move was welcome news but much more must be done, including granting universal suffrage and investigating police violence. She also looked forward to swiftly advancing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. What's your comment?

A: I must reiterate that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and no foreign force has the rights to interfere. We urge certain politicians in the US to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, earnestly respect China's sovereignty, immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs in whatever forms and stop pushing the relevant Hong-Kong related act in Congress, lest they should undermine China-US relations and stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

Q: Could you offer more details on the outcomes of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the DPRK?

A: We already issued the press release on the main schedule and the exchanges between the two sides during State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the DPRK. This successful visit is part of the activities in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. The two sides reached important consensus on how to improve our bilateral relations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary. The two sides also had in-depth discussion on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, which is very timely and necessary.

Q: The Canadian government has appointed a new ambassador to China. Do you think the new ambassador will help improve relations between Ottawa and Beijing? And what should Canada do to improve the relationship according to China?

A: China has agreed that the newly-appointed Canadian ambassador would assume his new office in China. We look forward to his positive efforts to help bring China-Canada relations onto the right track.

Lately China-Canada relations have encountered serious difficulties. The responsibility lies completely with the Canadian side, and Canada knows the root cause clearly. We urge the Canadian side to reflect upon its wrongdoing, take China's solemn position and concerns seriously, immediately release Ms. Meng Wanzhou and ensure her safe return to China.

Q: Recently some British MPs and some lawmakers and protesters in Hong Kong have called for British nationals overseas in Hong Kong to be given full British citizenship or second citizenship of Commonwealth countries. I wonder if you have any comment on that?

A: I can tell you clearly that according to Article 2 of the Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Some Questions Concerning Implementation of the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, all Chinese compatriots residing in Hong Kong, whether they are holders of the British Dependent Territories Citizens' Passport or the British National (Overseas) Passport, are Chinese nationals.

Q: The newly-named Canadian ambassador to China, Mr. Barton, has been a member of an advisory group to Tsinghua University that regularly meets with top Chinese leaders. As an ambassador, can he continue to expect meetings with China's top leadership?

A: As I said earlier, China has approved Ambassador Barton's assumption of his new post in China. We look forward to his positive role in helping bring China-Canada relations back onto the right track. Of course, we will provide necessary assistance to Ambassador Barton to carry out his duties.

Q: China has nominated Cong Peiwu to become its ambassador to Canada. Is there an expected date on which he will arrive in Canada and are his goals of work any different from his predecessors?

A: Cong Peiwu will be the new Chinese ambassador to Canada and assume his post in due course. His work will surely be helping move forward the China-Canada relationship.

As I said, China-Canada relations have encountered serious difficulties. The responsibility lies completely with the Canadian side, and Canada knows it clearly. We hope the Canadian side will take measures to correct its mistakes, and to help bring China-Canada relations onto the right track as soon as possible.

Q: In Italy now we have a new government. May I ask your comment considering the relations between the two countries?

A: As I recall, I took a similar question the other day. I shall say China and Italy enjoy traditional friendship and are comprehensive strategic partners. China highly values the development of its relations with Italy and stands ready to continuously move forward our friendly cooperation for new positive outcomes.