Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on April 2, 2026

AFP: Donald Trump has said the U.S. would continue extremely hard strikes against Iran for two to three weeks and once again threatened to hit energy infrastructure if Iran does not reach a negotiated settlement with him. Can China comment on Trump's timeline of continued strikes as well as his targeting or vows to target energy plants?

Mao Ning: Military means do not address the fundamental issue. To escalate the conflict does not serve any party's interest. Once again we urge parties to the conflict to immediately stop military operations and start peace talks as soon as possible to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation and prevent more serious blows to the world economy and global energy security.

Anadolu Agency: U.S. President Donald Trump in his address to the nation about the war in Iran suggested, "Countries who receive oil through Hormuz Strait should just go to the Strait and take it. Iran is essentially decimated, so use it for yourselves." What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: The root cause of the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz is the U.S.-Israel illegal military operations against Iran. Only by ending the military actions and restoring peace and stability in the Gulf can the international shipping lane be open and safe. The international community needs to work together for deescalation to prevent regional turmoil from further hitting the global economy and energy security.

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting: According to a report by Iran's Ministry of Science, since the start of the U.S. and Israeli aggression, 20 universities and student dormitories have been attacked, and some professors at Iranian universities have also been targeted for assassination. In this context, Iran's University of Science and Technology, Isfahan University of Technology, and Imam Hossein University have all been directly targeted. My question is, what is your view about this matter?

Mao Ning: China opposes attacks on civilians and civilian facilities. Attacks on schools in particular are an egregious violation of international humanitarian law. Once again we call for an immediate end to military operations and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible to prevent even worse humanitarian disasters.

Shenzhen TV: The National Innovation Index Report 2025 recently released at the 2026 ZGC Forum Annual Conference shows that China has gone up the ranking to ninth globally, becoming the fastest improving country over the past ten years and more. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: The Chinese government always puts sci-tech innovation at the core of the nation's overall development. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China made a series of landmark original achievements in areas such as new energy vehicle, large AI model, quantum technology and biology, which have effectively promoted high-quality development and made China an important pillar of innovation in the world. China upholds open cooperation in sci-tech innovation. Last week, China announced that ten major research infrastructures, including China's FAST telescope and the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe, will be open to all countries. Turning the self-invented major national projects into public goods benefiting the whole world, China has proven with real actions that the true value of sci-tech innovation does not lie in the advantage of monopoly, but in making more people enjoy the convenience brought by technological progress.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will stay committed to advancing high-standard scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, developing new quality productive forces through technological innovation, strengthening original innovation, accelerating industrial commercialization, actively pursuing openness and cooperation, and promoting common development by delivering technological benefits to people around the globe. 

Associated Press: If you'd allow me to ask a couple of questions, New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a new defense and security agreement today that effectively sidelines previous deals signed between the Cook Islands and China. If you can tell us what's China's comment on that? And second, very quickly, if you can confirm that Afghanistan and Pakistan are having conversations in China aiming at a ceasefire?

Mao Ning: On your first question, the Cook Islands is China's important cooperation partner in the South Pacific. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued shared development. China will continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation with the Cook Islands and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The China-Cook Islands relationship doesn't target any third party, nor should it be disrupted or constrained by any third party. In developing the relations with the Pacific Island countries, all parties should respect the independence of island countries, put development first, and uphold openness and inclusiveness.

On your second question, I have no information to share at the moment. Afghanistan and Pakistan are both China's neighbors. China has all along supported the two countries in resolving differences and disputes properly through dialogue and negotiation, and has been working actively to mediate the conflict between the two sides. We will continue to play a constructive role in deescalating the situation and improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Reuters: Reuters reported this week that China has extended a ban on fuel exports to April but is considering a handful of waivers for countries who have requested help. This includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Viet Nam. Is the Ministry holding discussion with those countries regarding fuel aid? Any other information on this would be helpful.

Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. The root cause of the shortages facing global energy market lies in the tense situation in the Middle East. The pressing task is to put an end to military operations at once and prevent the turmoil in the Middle East from further impacting the global economy.

PTI: Follow upon what my friend from the AP asked about Pakistan-Afghanistan talks, can you please confirm the talks are still going on at Urumqi?

Mao Ning: I have no information to share.

AFP: Just a follow up on your earlier response to the question about the Strait of Hormuz and Trump's comments on it. This week, Great Britain is set to host talks with dozens of countries on this issue. I wonder if you can share any details about how China plans to be part of the parties that suggest to cooperate on the transit through the Strait?

Mao Ning: An early ceasefire and restoration of peace and stability in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters is what the international community hopes to see, and all parties should work for this end. China is ready to continue to play a constructive role.

Bloomberg: About the Pakistan-China five-point peace formula, has that been shared with the Iranian side?

Mao Ning: The Five-Point Initiative is issued to the public and is an open initiative. I think parties have taken note of the initiative.

PTI: To follow up on the Iran-U.S. conflict. Regarding the talks that were held between China and Pakistan the other day, there were reports that Iran has sent a message to China seeking security guarantees, if they can be provided for them to agree a ceasefire. Can you confirm any such thing because certain think tanks have already reacted to that. Has any such a request been made by Iran to China to provide security guarantees?

Mao Ning: The readout on the meeting between the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers has been released, which you may refer to. Since the ongoing conflict in Iran broke out, China has been actively working for peace. China supports all efforts for peace. We stand ready to enhance communication and coordination with all sides and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.

AFP: About the talks happening in Urumqi between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Pakistani officials said they were requested by China. So I was wondering if you could provide any insight on what was behind that request?

Mao Ning: I have no information to share at the moment.

Bloomberg: One more on the Iran situation and global energy supplies. Is China considering or would China consider any international cooperation efforts to secure the safe passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz? And would Beijing be willing to act as an interlocutor on behalf of any of its Asian neighbors?

Mao Ning: The Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters form an important international trade route for goods and energy. All eyes are on whether stability can return to the Strait and whether traffic will resume soon. The key lies in the stop of military actions.