In a wide-ranging press conference on Wednesday, Chinese FM spokesperson Lin Jian addressed a series of international developments, including historical reflections by Japan’s Prime Minister, recent political changes in South Korea, and mounting geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
The comments came amid heightened global focus on the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown and shifting dynamics in East Asian diplomacy.
On Japan's Historical Reflection
Lin acknowledged remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who reiterated Japan’s commitment to peace and learning from its wartime past during the Nikkei Forum’s Future of Asia event. Lin noted that China “attaches importance to his words,” but emphasized that Japan must continue to reflect sincerely on its history and uphold the spirit of prior political commitments, particularly in light of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
“Japan once again faces the questions posed by history and moral justice,” Lin said, urging Tokyo to take “concrete actions that demonstrate reflection” and maintain peaceful development to earn the trust of its neighbors.
On South Korea’s Presidential Election
Responding to the election of Lee Jae-myung as the new president of South Korea, Lin confirmed that President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message, and expressed China’s willingness to work with the incoming administration. Lin reaffirmed that China-ROK relations are rooted in mutual interests and should not be swayed by external pressures or geopolitical blocs.
“We stand ready to work with the ROK to pursue sound and steady bilateral ties,” Lin stated.
China also dismissed suggestions of interference in foreign democracies following a statement by the U.S. White House raising concerns over alleged Chinese influence. Lin firmly rejected the accusation, reiterating Beijing’s stance on non-interference.
On NATO and the Asia-Pacific
In response to European comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue that linked the Taiwan issue to the war in Ukraine and suggested NATO involvement in the region, Lin issued a stern rebuttal. He reiterated that Taiwan is an internal matter and stressed that NATO has no jurisdiction in the Asia-Pacific.
“We firmly oppose NATO’s attempt to advance eastward into the Asia-Pacific,” Lin said, warning against bloc confrontation and “Cold War mentality.”
On China’s Role in Afghanistan-Pakistan Diplomacy
China welcomed the elevation of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling it a “positive step” that aligns with efforts to stabilize the region. The announcement follows trilateral foreign ministerial talks hosted by China in May.
On Alleged Fungus Smuggling Case in the U.S.
When asked about U.S. Justice Department charges against two Chinese students accused of smuggling a toxic fungus, Lin said he was not familiar with the case but reaffirmed that Chinese nationals are expected to comply with local laws abroad.
The June 4 press conference underscored China’s sharpened diplomatic posture amid intensifying global scrutiny and shifting alliances across East Asia, the Asia-Pacific, and beyond. The ministry’s comments reflect an effort to assert China's regional leadership while deflecting criticism over its historical record, strategic intentions, and international conduct.
Japan is preparing a strategic offer to the United States centered on rare earth elements and liquefied natural gas, aiming to secure relief from steep U.S. tariffs amid growing trade frictions with China.
An escalating feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump threatens to disrupt key U.S. space programs and jeopardize $22 billion in government contracts with SpaceX.
Scientists have identified a long-lost group of hunter-gatherers who vanished from Colombia’s highlands 2,000 years ago, reshaping our understanding of ancient human migrations in South America.
The NGO Ocean Cleanup, in collaboration with the Guatemalan government and local communities, has installed the largest trash barrier to date on the Motagua River. This major effort aims to capture and remove vast amounts of garbage before it reaches the sea.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has extended warm wishes to Muslims around the world celebrating Eid al-Adha, calling for unity, compassion, and solidarity in a time marked by global conflict and division.
Japan is preparing a strategic offer to the United States centered on rare earth elements and liquefied natural gas, aiming to secure relief from steep U.S. tariffs amid growing trade frictions with China.
An escalating feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump threatens to disrupt key U.S. space programs and jeopardize $22 billion in government contracts with SpaceX.
Scientists have identified a long-lost group of hunter-gatherers who vanished from Colombia’s highlands 2,000 years ago, reshaping our understanding of ancient human migrations in South America.
The NGO Ocean Cleanup, in collaboration with the Guatemalan government and local communities, has installed the largest trash barrier to date on the Motagua River. This major effort aims to capture and remove vast amounts of garbage before it reaches the sea.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has extended warm wishes to Muslims around the world celebrating Eid al-Adha, calling for unity, compassion, and solidarity in a time marked by global conflict and division.
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has confirmed it carried out a third targeted attack against the Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, early Tuesday morning, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture early Monday, causing no reported injuries or damage, and no tsunami warning was issued, officials confirmed.
Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
Armenia's unchecked mining pollution poses a severe environmental crisis, imperilling water resources and health across the South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan. Heavy metal contamination in shared rivers threatens ecosystems and human well-being, demanding urgent international action.
China approved 11.29 gigawatts (GW) of new coal-fired power capacity in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the 10.34 GW approved in the entire first half of 2024, according to a new report released by Greenpeace on Thursday.
Chinese authorities have warned of increased flood risks across northern China during the summer months, predicting more frequent and intense storms between June and August.
China’s central bank has announced a new set of measures to strengthen financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to help them navigate external uncertainties and maintain stable operations, according to a senior official at the People’s Bank of China (PBOC).
China’s services activity expanded at a modestly faster pace in May, driven by stronger domestic demand, though new export orders declined amid growing concerns over U.S. tariffs, according to a private sector survey released on Thursday.
Japan is preparing a strategic offer to the United States centered on rare earth elements and liquefied natural gas, aiming to secure relief from steep U.S. tariffs amid growing trade frictions with China.
An escalating feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump threatens to disrupt key U.S. space programs and jeopardize $22 billion in government contracts with SpaceX.
Scientists have identified a long-lost group of hunter-gatherers who vanished from Colombia’s highlands 2,000 years ago, reshaping our understanding of ancient human migrations in South America.
The NGO Ocean Cleanup, in collaboration with the Guatemalan government and local communities, has installed the largest trash barrier to date on the Motagua River. This major effort aims to capture and remove vast amounts of garbage before it reaches the sea.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has extended warm wishes to Muslims around the world celebrating Eid al-Adha, calling for unity, compassion, and solidarity in a time marked by global conflict and division.
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