Press Conference Ahead of the Opening of the National People's Congress Annual Meeting
Strong Stance Toward the US, Conciliatory Message to Europe
On the 4th, the opening day of the Two Sessions (Lianghui·the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), which officially marked the start of Xi Jinping's third term, China sent a firm 'strong-on-strong' stance to the United States and a conciliatory message to Europe.
Wang Chao, spokesperson for the National People's Congress (NPC), China's parliamentary body, held a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing a day before the NPC annual meeting opened. He sent different signals to the US and Europe, whose conflicts with China have deepened amid the Ukraine war.
In response to a question about recent Chinese legislation on foreign relations, Wang said, "Some countries abuse the extraterritorial application of their domestic laws in ways that violate international law for private interests, and recklessly suppress foreign organizations and individuals," effectively targeting the United States.
He added, "Such harassment behavior is generally criticized in the international community as 'jurisdictional overreach,'" and said, "China has consistently and firmly opposed such behavior and has introduced laws such as the 'Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law' to counter unreasonable suppression and rough interference in China's internal affairs."
A press conference is being held on the 4th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, one day before the opening of the 1st annual session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's regular parliamentary session. Wang Chao, spokesperson for the NPC, is speaking at the conference. [Photo by Yonhap News]
He also asserted, "China will not tolerate damage to its core interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and it is just and necessary for us to enact relevant legal provisions to firmly counter acts that harm China's sovereignty, security, development interests, or infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese people."
When asked about relations with Europe, Wang introduced the fact that President Xi Jinping held successive summits with France, Germany, and the European Union (EU) following the Communist Party's National Congress last October. He stated, "There are no fundamental strategic disagreements or conflicts between China and Europe, and there are broad common interests and a long-established foundation of cooperation."
He continued, "Because China and Europe differ in history, culture, and ideology, it is normal for both sides to have different views on some issues, and constructive communication and negotiation should be maintained." He also said, "China always regards Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner and supports the EU's strategic autonomy."
On the 4th, the opening day of the Lianghui (Two Sessions - the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), which marks the official launch of Xi Jinping's third term, the area in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the venue of the meeting, is bustling with participants and reporters. [Image source=Yonhap News]
He further explained, "We hope that Europe will jointly respond with China to global challenges such as climate change, promote political solutions to international and regional hot issues, and contribute more significantly to world peace and development."
Although the press conference was held by the NPC, China's parliament, it can be interpreted as effectively declaring the government's position in the one-party Communist system.
After the Two Sessions, President Xi Jinping plans to invite European figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and EU leaders to China for meetings during the first half of the year.
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