AFP: China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that two Chinese and US theater commanders held a video call today. Can you brief us on what was discussed in the call? 

Mao Ning: I’d refer you to China’s Ministry of National Defense on that.

Xinhua News Agency: At the recently concluded FOCAC Beijing Summit, China announced new cooperation initiatives with Africa. Some Western media commented that while pledging more financial support, China remains silent on the debt crisis facing African countries and their call for debt relief. We’ve noticed, however, that quite a few leaders of African countries and international organizations said they do not believe that China is creating a so-called “debt trap” for Africa. What’s your comment?

Mao Ning: During the press session following the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to the journalists about what is unique about China-Africa cooperation. First, China does not interfere in Africa’s internal affairs. All our assistance to Africa is meant to help and support the continent with every sincerity and good faith. Second, China always makes sure that what we provide is what Africa truly needs for its development, particularly in terms of capacity building. Third, China does not engage in geopolitical wrestling, and opposes inciting bloc confrontation in Africa or using Africa for selfish interest. Since FOCAC was launched 24 years ago, it has been instrumental in supporting development and raising the quality of life in Africa. Under FOCAC, China and Africa have built and upgraded close to 100,000 kilometers of roads, more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges and nearly 100 ports. Over the past three years alone, Chinese companies have created over 1.1 million jobs in Africa. All of those are helpful for Africa to remove development bottlenecks and address the debt issue from its root. As South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African leaders said during the Summit, Chinese investments in Africa are not pushing the continent into a “debt trap” but are instead part of a mutually beneficial relationship.

What’s more, China has never been Africa’s main creditor. World Bank figures show that of Africa’s sovereign external debt, 80 percent is held by multilateral and private creditors whereas bilateral debt only accounts for a small proportion. Even so, China has actively contributed to easing Africa’s pressure of debt repayment through bilateral and multilateral channels, and is the top contributor to the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI). In the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027), China also put forward specific measures for debt relief.

As Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed, to be Africa’s cooperation partner, one must always do what is fair and just for Africa, treat Africa as an equal and deliver tangibly for Africa. We call on the international community, especially the developed countries and international financial institutions, to step up to their responsibilities, and help African countries ease debt burden and achieve sustainable development.

China Daily: The 17th Summer Paralympic Games concluded on September 8 in Paris and China topped the Paralympic medal table and gold medal chart for the sixth time in a row. The audience was moved by the perseverance of the Paralympic athletes and cheered for their tenacious endeavor. Do you have any comment? 

Mao Ning: Congratulations to Team China for their wonderful performance yet again at the Paris Paralympic Games. The outstanding athletic skill and sportsmanship of the Chinese Paralympic athletes truly reflected the values of the Paralympic Games “courage, determination, inspiration and equality.”

What Team China accomplished is a result of the athletes’ persistent, tenacious effort. It is also a vivid embodiment of China’s all-round progress in the cause of people with disabilities and the improvement of their quality of life. In recent years, China has successfully lifted more than 7.1 million people with disabilities in rural areas out of poverty, and established special welfare schemes covering more than 20 million people with disabilities. The living standards of the people with disabilities in China have been on the rise and their equal right has been better protected. They now enjoy more opportunities to shine in life.

The Paris Paralympic Games have concluded, but the inspiration and excitement will last. China will continue to join hands with the rest of the international community, promote together greater development of the cause of people with disabilities, and let more people with disabilities unleash their potential and pursue their dreams on life’s racetrack. 

Reuters: The US House of Representatives passed the BIOSECURE Act on Monday. If the Act becomes law, it will restrict multiple Chinese companies’ business with the US. How does the Foreign Ministry comment on that?

Mao Ning: China firmly opposes the passage of the bill by the US House of Representatives and the discriminatory measures against Chinese companies. The US needs to abandon ideological bias, respect the principles of market economy and trade rules, stop advancing that bill, and stop suppressing Chinese companies under various pretexts. The US needs to provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for companies of all countries. China will continue working to protect the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and support them in safeguarding their own rights and interests in accordance with the law. 

PTI: The BRICS security officials’ meeting is going on in Russia. And also, this was in the backdrop of President Putin’s recent comments that he would prefer some kind of mediatory efforts from China, India and Brazil. But are you open for such an effort? Italian Prime Minister Madam Meloni also has said that China, India should work out some kind of negotiated deal to end the Ukraine-Russian war. I would like to have your comment.

Mao Ning: China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and very clear. China is committed to promoting peace talks, and supports all efforts for peace. We stand ready to continue working with the international community to accumulate conditions for the political settlement of the crisis and play a constructive role for peace.

PTI: Is this going to come up during this BRICS security officials’ meeting that Mr. Wang Yi is attending? Is this particular topic going to come up probably in the discussions with the Russian officials there?

Mao Ning: Director Wang Yi and delegates of participating countries will exchange their views on issues of mutual interest at the BRICS meeting. As for the specifics, we will release information in a timely way. Please stay tuned.