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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on June 16, 2022

Bloomberg: President Xi Jinping has held in-depth exchange of views with various leaders on the issue of Ukraine. But there hasn’t been a call between the leaders of China and Ukraine. Is there a comment from the foreign ministry on this?

Wang Wenbin: China values its relations with Ukraine and is ready to sustain the momentum for bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Currently, the two sides maintain open and smooth lines of communication. We will continue to play a constructive role in helping deescalate the Ukraine situation.

Shenzhen TV: At the 32nd Meeting of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on June 15, Chinese candidate Dr. Tang Yong was elected as a member of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: At the 32nd Meeting of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on June 15, Chinese candidate Dr. Tang Yong was re-elected as a member of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) for a term from 2023 to 2028. I’d like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all States Parties that have supported him and extend congratulations to the members of other countries who have been elected.

The CLCS was established by UNCLOS. It is mandated to review coastal States’ submissions in respect of the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf. China always sets great store by and fully supports the CLCS’ work. The Chinese candidate has received extensive support from the majority of States Parties. This reflects the international community’s recognition of his credentials and competency as well as approval of China’s observance of the international law of the sea, including UNCLOS, and commitment to true multilateralism. We are fully convinced that China’s member of the CLCS will make more positive contributions to the work of the Commission.

AFP: On the phone call between the Chinese and Russian heads of state yesterday, the US State Department spokesperson expressed concern about it and said nations that side with Vladimir Putin will “inevitably find themselves on the wrong side of history”. I wonder if you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: On the Ukraine issue, China has always independently assessed the situation on the basis of the historical context and the merits of the issue. We always stand on the side of peace and justice.

Whereas the US reneged on its word, pushed NATO expansion eastward and brought conflict and confrontation back to Europe, China is committed to dialogue and cooperation for common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and called for a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework. Whereas the US has clamored for a fight “to the last Ukrainian” and fueled the conflict, China has actively promoted peace talks and called on the world to enable negotiations, not fighting, to continue between Russia and Ukraine. Whereas the US has exercised maximum pressure and sanctions, causing the crisis to spill over and spread, China has firmly opposed attempts to politicize, instrumentalize and weaponize the world economy. China stressed that what has been achieved through international economic cooperation over the decades cannot be just wiped out, still less should the ordinary people around the world bear the cost. People will come to their own conclusion as to who is on the right side.

The US keeps claiming itself to be on the right side of history, but is it entirely confident when saying that? Maybe the US is just whistling in the dark.

Reuters: A question about the football World Cup in Qatar. The organizers have now changed once again the website for people wanting to buy tickets. What’s the Chinese foreign ministry’s comment to that change by the World Cup organizers?

Wang Wenbin: I am not aware of what you mentioned. We have stated China’s position. Taiwan is part of China. Adhering to the one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and shared consensus of the international community. We believe the parties concerned will follow the one-China principle and handle the matter in accordance with established practice in international sports events.

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