The Paper: We noted that China and Zambia jointly held the High-level Meeting on International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of Artificial Intelligence on the margins of the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. China announced the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. What does China hope to achieve through the Action Plan and what actions will be taken to translate the Action Plan into reality?
Lin Jian: On September 25 local time, the High-level Meeting on International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of Artificial Intelligence was jointly held by China and Zambia at the UN Headquarters in New York. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended and addressed the event. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and high-level representatives from more than 80 countries and international organizations participated in the event. Participating parties had in-depth exchange of views and reached extensive common understandings on enhancing international cooperation on AI capacity-building.
The AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All proposed by China was supported and echoed by all parties. The Action Plan is aimed at bridging the AI divide and promoting the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Five visions were proposed on cooperation areas that meet the expectation of all parties, in particular the Global South, namely AI infrastructure, industrial empowerment, personnel training, digital development and security governance. The Action Plan identifies 10 actions China will take, including promoting AI and digital infrastructure connectivity and carrying out cooperation in R&D and application of models and language resources, better synergizing AI strategies and strengthening policy exchanges, and actively sharing technical practices. China will hold 10 sessions of AI seminars by the end of 2025 for developing countries as a priority. China has proposed to set up the Group of Friends of International Cooperation in AI Capacity Building in an effort to deliver on the Action Plan.
Since the beginning of this year, China has promoted the adoption of the resolution entitled “Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity-building of Artificial Intelligence” at the UN General Assembly, and held the 2024 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, and the first Seminar on Capacity Building of Artificial Intelligence. The Action Plan as part of the ongoing effort fully reflects China’s leading role in global AI governance. We stand ready to work with the international community to implement the Action Plan, ensure that all countries can benefit from the AI dividends, and jointly pave the way for a brighter, more intelligent future.
KBS: Yesterday, a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer for the first time sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Japanese media commented that this is a response to China’s military activities near Japan and is an assertion of freedom of navigation. What’s China’s position?
Lin Jian: The Taiwan question concerns China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the political foundation of China-Japan relations and a red line that must not be crossed. The Chinese military has handled in accordance with laws and regulations the entering into the Taiwan Strait of a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel. China is highly vigilant on Japan’s political intention behind this move and has protested to the Japanese side.
Japan made a clear commitment on this in the 1972 China-Japan Joint Statement, which says “The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Government of the People’s Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this position of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its position under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation.” We urge Japan to honor its commitment and act prudently on the Taiwan question, and refrain from causing disruption to its relations with China and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
TASS: Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in New York. The two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that if there are still some people making accusation against China, they are ill-motivated and if some still shift the blame to China, there are hidden agenda behind. What does Foreign Minister Wang mean by suggesting individual countries have hidden agenda? What motivation would these countries have?
Lin Jian: During his meeting with High Representative Josep Borrell in New York, Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that China upholds an objective and fair position on the Ukraine crisis, works for deescalation and does not give up efforts for peace. China’s efforts have been well recognized by the international community. Certain countries’ repeated blame-shifting towards China is certainly not aimed at cooling down the situation and promoting peace talks. As for what they are truly up to, I believe people will have their own judgement.
Rudaw Media Network: Kurdistan Region enjoys strong economic and trade relations with China. And Kurdistan Region is going to hold its parliamentary election. As a region friendly to China, what is your opinion on the upcoming elections? This is my first question. My second question is with tensions escalating in the Middle East, are you willing or is China taking any practical measures to ensure the safety and security of its projects and civilians?
Lin Jian: China and Iraq enjoy a traditional friendship. China supports Iraq in maintaining stability and realizing development. We stand ready to strengthen exchanges with Iraq, deepen cooperation, and strive for new progress in our strategic partnership.
As for your second question, owing to the current tensions at the border areas between Lebanon and Israel, the Center for Consular Assistance and Protection of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China’s Embassy in Lebanon have activated the emergency response mechanism, worked out relevant plans and issued multiple security alerts. We once again advise Chinese citizens not to travel to Lebanon in the near future and ask those already in Lebanon to follow closely the developments of the situation and return to China or depart Lebanon as soon as possible via commercial flights. For those who have to remain in Lebanon, please stay on high alert, prepare for contingencies, have sufficient supplies, and avoid traveling to the high-risk areas in southern Lebanon. In case of emergencies, they need to contact the Embassy as soon as possible for help. We will make all-out effort to assist Chinese citizens who need to relocate to safe places or have other needs.
AFP: Japan says they were not notified by Beijing before the launch of the ICBM missile yesterday. Is that true? And if it’s true, why did China not inform Japan of the launch?
Lin Jian: The Ministry of National Defense of China released information on this yesterday. The test launch is a routine arrangement in our annual training plan. It is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target. We’ve notified relevant countries in advance. I’d refer you to the Ministry of National Defense for your specific question.
AFP: Indian media have reported that a team of Indian mountain climbers has summited a previously unclimbed and unnamed peak in the region of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of southern Tibet. The Indian climbers have named the peak after the 6th Dalai Lama. Does China have any comment on this?
Lin Jian: I’m not aware of what you mentioned. Let me say more broadly that the area of Zangnan is Chinese territory, and it’s illegal, and null and void for India to set up the so-called “Arunachal Pradesh” in Chinese territory. This has been China’s consistent position.
Reuters: Naval vessels from New Zealand and Australia sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, according to a statement from the New Zealand Defense Minister. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?
Lin Jian: China handles foreign warships’ transit through the Taiwan Strait in accordance with laws and regulations, and meanwhile we stay vigilant against any acts that might jeopardize China’s sovereignty and security.
