CCTV: Some Western media commented that the global AI race has now evolved into a contest between China and the U.S., which will probably result in greater bloc confrontation in technology. Meanwhile, Chinese and U.S. tech companies have implemented multiple cooperation programs covering general-purpose AI models, robots, and other areas. Many have called for more China-U.S. cooperation on AI. What’s China’s take on these developments? 

Mao Ning: AI is profoundly changing the way people work and live. It is a new frontier for all humanity. AI should not be owned by major countries, still less dominated by contest and rivalry. China believes in a people-centered approach to AI and advocates openness and inclusiveness to ensure AI is a force for good and for all. China put forward the Global AI Governance Initiative, held World AI Conference for eight years in a row, and announced the initiative of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. The core aim of those efforts is to build consensus through dialogue, deepen cooperation, and build an open, equal-footed, just, and non-discriminatory environment for AI development.

This July, China will host the 2026 World AI Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. China hopes that this conference will provide an opportunity to deepen exchanges and dialogue and enhance global AI governance for a better future for humanity.

Beijing Daily: Today is the 55th World Environment Day. Media reports noted that in the global agricultural products market, Chinese importers are showing a growing preference for green-certified products, and Chinese consumers are no longer solely price-driven and are more willing to pay for green products that do not contribute to deforestation. Commentators say China’s rising trend of green consumption helps build a more inclusive global green supply chain. What is your comment?

Mao Ning: More and more Chinese consumers are opting for green products, a sign that a low-carbon, eco-friendly lifestyle has become part of daily life in China—food, clothing, housing, transportation and so on.

The over 1.4 billion Chinese people living a more environment-friendly and greener life is in itself the most direct support for protecting our planet. China will stay committed to green development that prioritizes eco-conservation, advance global sustainable development with real actions, and continue working with other countries for a cleaner and more beautiful world.

NHK: China announced today that President Xi Jinping will pay a visit to the DPRK. Could you share the program of the visit? What are the topics that will be covered in talks between the Chinese and DPRK leadership? What are China’s expectations for the visit?

Mao Ning: The trip will be General Secretary Xi Jinping’s second state visit to the DPRK after seven years. During the visit, the two top party and state leaders will exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un, the traditional friendly cooperative relationship between China and the DPRK has maintained sound and steady growth and delivered tangible benefits for both countries and peoples. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the PRC and the DPRK. The visit will be an opportunity for the two sides to work together to further advance bilateral ties in keeping with the times, promote the welfare of the two peoples, and contribute more to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond. For more information about the visit, there will be timely press releases. Please stay tuned.

Reuters: Reuters reported yesterday based on satellite imagery a new structure that appeared on disputed atoll Scarborough Shoal, which then disappeared. Is the foreign ministry able to provide any more information on that?

Mao Ning: Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over it and its adjacent waters. It is fully within China’s sovereign rights to carry out activities including scientific research at Huangyan Dao.

CCTV: The city of Nagasaki reportedly plans to conclude work to update exhibition panels at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum by the end of this year. There have been reports that regarding the Nanjing Massacre, the wording on the explanatory panel “massacre” will no longer be used and will be changed to “the Nanjing Incident in which numerous civilians and prisoners were killed.” Can I have your comment on that?

Mao Ning: There is abundant evidence for the Nanjing Massacre—a horrendous war crime of Japanese militarists that shall never be erased. The Tokyo Trials ruled in black and white that the wartime atrocities of the Japanese army in Nanjing were a “massacre”, not a mere “incident”. The Judgement of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East dedicated a special chapter to detail “the Rape of Nanking”. With numerous survivors’ testimonies, records of third-country witnesses and Japanese army files, the judgement, in the form of the ruling of international justice, made it very clear that the Japanese army who invaded China committed the heinous crime of the Nanjing Massacre. The Massacre’s chief perpetrator Iwane Matsui was sentenced to death by hanging as a class-A war criminal.

The verdict of history must not be overturned. I noted that many survivors of the atomic bombs in Japan, Nagasaki citizen groups and people with insights have called for fully and accurately depicting the crimes and history of Japanese militarists as victimizers. We urge the Japanese side to deeply reflect on its war crimes and make a clean break with militarism.

Bloomberg: The EU’s trade envoy told his Chinese counterpart to address China’s unsustainable trade imbalance. Can you comment on what’s been discussed so far and what are China’s concerns about the EU imposing measures against China’s trade practices?

Mao Ning: I’d refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. We have shared China’s position more than once on this topic. China-EU economic and trade relations are in nature mutually beneficial. China never aims for trade surplus. We are closely following the EU’s moves and stand ready to engage in dialogue and communication with the European Union. We hope that the EU will abide by basic market economy principles such as free trade, fair competition, openness and cooperation, refrain from resorting to protectionist measures, and find ways to address differences through dialogue and consultation to resolve each other’s concerns.

AFP: The intelligence agencies of the Five-Eyes Alliance have warned that Chinese spies are posing as job recruiters on platforms to trick staff in Western governments into disclosing sensitive information. Does the foreign ministry have any comments on this?

Mao Ning: I answered this question yesterday. As an intelligence network, the “Five Eyes” has long engaged in espionage activities all over the world. It is ironic that such an organization is accusing China of “spy threat.”

EFE: The Uruguayan government recently announced the start of a process to allow visa-free entry for Chinese citizens and said the move is a reciprocal measure following China’s decision earlier this year to grant visa-free access to Uruguayan nationals. Does China have any comment on this? Does China expect this measure to further promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two countries?

Mao Ning: Greater ease of travel between China and Uruguay will contribute to better mutual understanding and more exchanges and cooperation between the two peoples.