China Strengthen Relations with Australia

Xinjiang is enjoying sustained economic development, social stability, better living standards, unprecedented cultural vivacity and a harmonious coexistence of religions. Xinjiang-related issues are never about human rights, ethnicity or religion, but about counter-terrorism, anti-separatism and de-radicalization.

The government of Xinjiang Autonomous Region lawfully has fought violent and terrorist crimes while addressing the root causes and advancing de-radicalization. These measures have proven effective. Over the past three years and more, there has not been a single violent terrorist case in Xinjiang.

They have safeguarded to the greatest extent possible the fundamental rights of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including their rights to life, health and development, thus fully supported and endorsed by people in Xinjiang.

As to the vocational education and training centers in Xinjiang you mentioned, I would like to say that the rights and freedoms of all trainees are fully and truly safeguarded during their training.

The Global Times: According to ABC News, the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, a body meant to strengthen engagement between the two countries has been plagued by a scandal recently. Among the advisory board members appointed by the foreign minister, two have been funded by the US Department of State and one is even a member of the anti-China cult Falun Gong. How do you comment on that?

Wang Wenbin: I noted relevant reports. If the Australian side does hope this institution will play a positive role in enhancing mutual trust and expanding exchange and cooperation with China, it shouldn’t allow anti-China elements to be part of it. Such arrangement runs contrary to the original purpose and mission of the Foundation and sends gravely wrong message to the outside world. We hope the Australian side will immediately rectify its wrongdoing, demonstrate sincerity and contribute more to mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides, rather than doing the opposite.

We also noted that a flurry of media reports recently revealed that those Australian institutions and individuals taking the lead in fueling hostility towards China have received funding from the US government. We hope the Australian side will face up to these facts, discard double stands and ideological bias when talking about “counter foreign influence” and “foreign influence transparency” and refrain from political manipulation and acting in a selective and discriminatory way.

South China Morning Post: Pakistani President yesterday showed a new map which identifies the Pakistan-occupied part of Kashmir as a disputed territory. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: I just stated China’s position on the Kashmir issue and am not going to repeat that.

AFP: Pompeo said yesterday that he will protect all Hong Kong activists that are currently outside China, including the Hong Kong activists who are wanted by the Chinese authorities. Did China protest to the US side after these Pompeo’s comments?

Wang Wenbin: Peompeo has made so many wrong remarks on Hong Kong-related issues. We urge Pompeo and his likes to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, immediately stop making irresponsible remarks, and stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, including Hong Kong affairs, in any way.