Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2019

I.Vice President Wang Qishan will attend upon invitation the opening ceremony of the 2019 Imperial Springs International Forum on December 1 in Guangzhou.

II.At the invitation of the Finnish side, Vice Premier Sun Chunlan of the State Council will attend the closing ceremony of the 2019 China-Finland Year of Winter Sports in Finland from December 2 to 5.

III.At the invitation of Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, and Guo Shengkun, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary Patrushev of the Security Council of the Russian Federation will travel to China for the 15th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation and the 6th meeting of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism from December 1 to 4.

While Secretary Patrushev is in China, Chinese leaders will meet with him, Director Yang will hold with him the 15th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation, and Secretary Guo will hold with him the 6th meeting of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism. It will be the first time the two meetings are held after bilateral relations entered a new era. This will be an important step for implementing the two presidents' consensus reached at multiple meetings within the year. Faced with the complex and fluid international security landscape, China and Russia, both major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council, shoulder greater responsibility to world peace and stability. We believe the two meetings will further consolidate the two sides' common ground in security, ensure more fruitful cooperation and contribute to world peace and tranquility.

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Q: Reports say China and Russia held consultations on strategic stability on November 27. Can you offer more details?

A:I believe you have read our press release on that. China and Russia held consultations on strategic stability in Beijing on November 27. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu exchanged views with Russian Vice Foreign Minister Ryabkov on issues of mutual concern including the international security situation, multilateral arms control and disarmament, and intermediate-range missiles. The two sides reached broad consensus on strengthening strategic coordination and upholding global strategic stability. They also held communication and coordination over the Iranian nuclear issue.

Q: A question on the US signing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act into law. You said yesterday that China will take strong countermeasures. What kind of countermeasures are you gonna take?

A: I responded to similar questions yesterday. The Chinese government and people firmly oppose the signing of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act into law. We have made stern representations and strong protests to the US side. It is a stark hegemonic practice, and it is a severe interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs. It also seriously violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

China will take strong counter-measures in response to the US behavior that interferes in China's internal affairs and undermines China's interests. No one shall underestimate China's determination in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. Nor shall they misjudge China's resolve in implementing the "one country, two systems" principle and in upholding prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

Q: The Australian government recently announced its decision to provide AUD $440 million of concessional loans to Papua New Guinea for its fiscal budget and economic growth with a rather low interest rate of 2.5 percent. Do you have any comment on that?

A: China is pleased to see other countries giving a helping hand to Pacific island countries. That is our consistent position. As long as it is good for the island countries and their people, all sides could participate in open, inclusive and win-win cooperation. China prioritizes the needs and interests of island countries and their people during our cooperation. We welcome more funds offered by other sides and fulfillment of their commitments.

Q: On November 28 local time, presidential candidate Daniel Martinez of Uruguay's governing coalition the Broad Front congratulated Luis Lacalle Pou, candidateof the opposition National Party, who was elected to be the new president. I wonder if China has any comment?

A:China congratulates Mr. Lacalle on being elected the new president of Uruguay. We believe the country under his leadership will achieve new progress in national development.

China and Uruguay are strategic partners. Our relations have come a long way since diplomatic relations were established 31 years ago. We enjoy fruitful cooperation in various sectors. China values this relationship and would like to work with Uruguay to cement friendship and mutual trust, deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation, and achieve greater progress to further benefit both peoples.

Q: Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone passed away today. Could you offer some words on that?

A: Former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone was a veteran Japanese politician with vision. He was enthusiastic in promoting friendly exchange and practical cooperation with China, making important contributions to our bilateral relations. We deeply mourn for him and extend sincere sympathies to his family.

Q: Presidential elections were held in Guinea-Bissau on November 24. Initial results of first round voting have come out and the second round will be held on December 29. I wonder if China has any comment?

A: We noted the first round of voting for Guinea-Bissau's presidential elections was held smoothly. Major candidates have all accepted the initial results. As a good friend of Guinea-Bissau, China hopes the second round of voting will proceed smoothly, too. We would like to continue working with the international community to help Guinea-Bissau achieve stability and development.

Q: A Chinese state media said China is considering barring all US lawmakers who drafted the Hong Kong-related Act from entering China including Hong Kong and Macao. Is that an option you are considering?

A: You are a frequent member at our press conference. I believe you are aware that we usually don't respond to specific reports and comments from the media, think-tanks, experts and scholars.

What I can tell you is that visa issuance is a sovereign right. The Chinese government has every right to grant or deny entry. Surely those unwelcome will not be permitted to enter our country.

Q: Today China announced the upcoming visit of President Bukele of El Salvador to China. Could you give us more details?

A: Invited by President Xi Jinping, President Bukele of El Salvador will pay a state visit to China from December 1 to 6.

During his visit, President Xi will hold a welcoming ceremony and a welcoming banquet for him. The two presidents will have talks and attend a signing ceremony. Premier Li Keqiang and NPC Chairman Li Zhanshu will also meet with President Bukele respectively. Besides Beijing, President Bukele will also visit Shanghai.

During the past year or so after China and El Salvador established diplomatic ties, we have had rapid growth in exchange and cooperation with fruitful outcomes that benefit both peoples. China attached high importance to our bilateral relations with El Salvador. We expect to work with the new government led by President Bukele, step up exchange and collaboration in various areas with mutual respect, equal treatment, win-win cooperation and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. We believe President Bukele's visit will yield bountiful outcomes that will inject new, strong impetus into the consistent, sound and stable growth of our bilateral relations.

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Due to scheduling reasons, the MFA regular press conference on Monday, December 2 will begin earlier at 2:30pm in the same venue.