CCTV: According to reports, an anonymous senior Pentagon official said on March 3 that China continues to express its concerns over what’s going on in Ukraine, but it is not willing to condemn or sanction Russia like other countries, and has shown no interest in becoming involved in any kind of diplomatic solution. What is your comment?

Wang Wenbin: For some time, the US has been spreading disinformation and smearing China with the Ukraine issue. Fabricating rumors to shirk one’s own responsibility is very hypocritical and despicable. Spreading disinformation cannot help the US shift its responsibility. Instead, it only exposes its real motive of exploiting the crisis to its benefit.

The US should give an honest account. It claimed to defend peace by working on NATO’s eastward expansion. Is peace achieved? It said it were to prevent war in Europe. Is war averted? It advertised its commitment to a peaceful settlement of the crisis. But from providing military aid to beefing up military deterrence, did it do anything good for peace?

China decides its own position and policy based on the merits of the matter itself. We welcome all diplomatic efforts that are conducive to the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and support dialogue and negotiation by Russia and Ukraine for a political settlement that accommodates both sides’ legitimate concerns and is good for lasting stability and security in Europe. We will continue to play a constructive role in seeking and achieving peace.

Bloomberg: Today, a fire broke out near Europe’s largest nuclear plant after a Russian attack. Will China call for an end of such attacks?

Wang Wenbin: I noted relevant reports. China attaches great importance to nuclear safety and is gravely concerned about the safety and security situation of nuclear facilities in Ukraine. According to information obtained by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from the Ukrainian nuclear regulatory authorities, no damage has been found to essential equipment of the relevant Ukrainian nuclear power plant and the background radiation levels remain unchanged. We will continue to closely monitor the developments of the situation, and call on relevant parties to keep calm and exercise restraint, prevent further escalation of the situation and ensure the safety of relevant nuclear facilities.

AFP: Can you provide the latest information on the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Ukraine?

Wang Wenbin: For days, the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in Ukraine have been making relentless efforts to find ways for Chinese citizens to evacuate safely. The relevant work is well underway in an orderly fashion. We have noted that both Ukraine and Russia said they will provide facilitation for the safe evacuation of foreign nationals. We hope the two sides can take all necessary measures to provide security assurances and convenience for Chinese citizens’ evacuation. 

RIA Novosti: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said on Thursday that Japan’s to consider the possibility of significantly strengthening the country’s defense capability amid the current situation in Ukraine. What is China’s comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: Since the Japanese militarism launched foreign aggression in recent history, Japan’s moves in the military and security fields have been followed closely by its Asian neighbors and the international community. We urge the Japanese side to have a deep reflection on history, draw lessons from it, and respect its Asian neighbors’ security concerns, stay committed to peaceful development, and do more that is conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability.

Bloomberg: The former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a speech in Taipei Friday that the US should take immediate steps to offer Taiwan diplomatic recognition. What’s the foreign ministry’s comment on former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s remarks?

Wang Wenbin: Mike Pompeo is former politician with bankrupt credibility. His lunatic remarks will lead nowhere. 

Xinhua News Agency: President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons said the other day that the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG) has created a barrier-free and safe environment for the Beijing Paralympic Games, everyone is happy with the organization and service of the Paralympics and people’s expectations of the Games are really high. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: China held a successful Beijing Olympic Winter Games last month, fulfilling its commitment of delivering a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic event to the world. After that, Beijing switched to the Paralympic mode. The BOCOG has completed all the preparation and modification of venue construction and operation, events organization, pandemic prevention and control, services and logistics for the Paralympic Games.  

The Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will open tonight and President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony. China will honor its commitment of hosting two equally wonderful Games and hold a streamlined, safe and splendid Paralympic Games. We believe the Beijing Paralympic Games will offer a platform for athletes with disabilities from across the world to show their tenacious and unyielding spirit and make new contribution to promoting the development of the Olympic cause and the well-being of people with disabilities.