Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian’s Regular Press Conference on March 20, 2026

At the invitation of Deputy President of Kenya Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile and Vice President of Seychelles Sebastien Pillay, Vice President Han Zheng will visit Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles from March 22 to 30.

People's Daily: To follow up on Vice President Han Zheng's visit to Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles, could you share with us the background, arrangement and China's expectation of the visit?

Lin Jian: China and Kenya form a community with a shared future in the new era. China and South Africa are all-around strategic cooperative partners in the new era. China and Seychelles are strategic partners. In recent years, especially since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2024, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and leaders of Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles, China's relations with the three countries have achieved considerable progress, political mutual trust has been consolidated, practical cooperation has produced fruitful results in various fields, people-to-people and cultural exchanges have been enhanced, and sound communication and coordination has been maintained in regional and international affairs.

This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan as well as the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. This visit is an important high-level interaction between China and African countries. During the visit, Vice President Han Zheng will have in-depth exchanges of views with relevant parties on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. While in South Africa, he and Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile of South Africa will co-chair the ninth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission. Through the visit, China looks forward to forging greater synergy between the 15th Five-Year Plan and development strategies of other countries, enhancing political mutual trust with the three countries, expanding practical cooperation in various fields, and promoting the building of the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Reuters: Talks between the Chinese military with the European Union and NATO are set to take place next week, according to reports. What are China's expectations of these consultations?

Lin Jian: I'd refer you to competent authorities.

China News Service: On March 19 in Nepal, the Election Commission presented the final report of the House of Representatives elections held on March 5 to President Ramchandra Paudel. According to the official election results, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won 182 seats in the 275-member parliament and has emerged as the largest force in Nepal's House of Representatives. Can I have your comment on that?

Lin Jian: China congratulates Nepal over the conclusion of its federal parliament elections and congratulates the Rastriya Swatantra Party on becoming the largest party in Nepal's House of Representatives. China supports Nepal in following the development path befitting its own national conditions and wishes Nepal every success in advancing the country's political agenda.

China has long been Nepal's friend and close neighbor, and will as always support the country in defending independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its effort of realizing unity, stability and prosperity. China stands ready to work with Nepal to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation and advance the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.

PTI: India has appointed Mr. Vikram Doraiswami, widely regarded as a seasoned China hand, as new Ambassador to China. How does China view his appointment?

Lin Jian: Diplomatic envoys are important bridges for friendly cooperation and relations between countries. China welcomes the appointment of the new Indian ambassador to China Vikram Doraiswami, stands ready to provide him with facilitation as he carries out his duty in China, and looks forward to his positive role in promoting the continuous improvement and growth of China-India ties.

Kyodo News: It's reported that the Japanese prime minister and the U.S. president in their meeting underlined the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. What is China's comment?

Lin Jian: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, and resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese. To maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, one should unequivocally oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism. China is firmly resolved in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Antara: Today and tomorrow, millions of Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the month of Ramadan. Does the Ministry have any message for Muslim communities in countries, especially those in the Middle East, who are facing hardship due to the ongoing conflict there?

Lin Jian: The Middle East conflict continues to escalate and expand. It has not only dealt a blow to regional peace and stability, but also had a direct impact on energy, finance, trade and shipping worldwide. It undermines countries' shared interests. History and reality have shown us time and again that the use of force is not a solution and armed conflicts will only create new hatred. Parties to the conflict need to cease military operations as soon as possible and prevent the situation from worsening. China will continue its mediation effort for an end to the fighting and for the early return of peace and stability to the Middle East.

Shenzhen TV: The 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva concluded in Switzerland a few days ago. Innovation outcomes of various areas and industries from 35 countries and regions were displayed in over 1,000 invention projects. The Chinese delegation won 90 gold medals. International media has taken note that China's 15th Five-Year Plan puts innovation and scientific and technological self-reliance and strength at the core of the new development blueprint, which they refer to as a "plan to win the future." What is your comment?

Lin Jian: Today's world is witnessing unprecedented dynamism in scientific and technological innovation, which has become a key driver for improving production efficiency, increasing supply capacity and unleashing growth potential. The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development makes special planning on accelerating high-standard scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, and taking the lead in developing new-quality productive forces. It will provide an inexhaustible source of new driving forces for high-quality development and Chinese modernization.

Technology will win the future. We are ready to collaborate with the rest of the world in this endeavor. From artificial intelligence to quantum technology, and from biomanufacturing to green energy, China has been investing in frontier science and technology, and is committed to delivering the benefit of technology to all and empowering all. Our mega-sized market will provide diverse application scenarios for global industrial innovation, and we are willing to work with all countries to explore the infinite possibilities of creating a better world through science and technology.

AFP: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said yesterday that Washington might lift sanctions on Iranian oil that has already been shipped. How does the Foreign Ministry view the current situation in the global oil market, including the potential lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iran?

Lin Jian: China is always against illicit unilateral sanctions. We are gravely concerned over the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. All parties should immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation of the situation, and prevent regional turmoil from causing a greater impact on global economy. Energy security is of vital importance to world economy, and all parties have the responsibility to keep energy supply stable and unimpeded.

AFP: Three employees of the U.S. firm called Super Micro Computer have been charged in the United States for diverting Nvidia AI chips to China in violation of export controls. Does the Foreign Ministry have further details or comments on this case?

Lin Jian: I'm not familiar with that.

Nippon TV: At this morning's Japan-U.S. summit, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi said Japan has been consistently open to dialogue with China. Do you have any comment on this?

Lin Jian: China has made clear its just position on this issue more than once. True dialogue is built on the basis of respecting each other and honoring the agreements made. If anyone just talks about the need for dialogue on the one hand, while on the other, keeps stoking confrontation, then this so-called "dialogue" is apparently unacceptable. If the Japanese side truly wants to improve its relations with China, it needs to abide by the four political documents between China and Japan and its own commitments, retract the erroneous remarks on Taiwan at an early date, seriously reflect on and correct its wrongdoings, and take concrete actions to uphold the political foundation of China-Japan relations.