Shenzhen TV: According to reports, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently stated that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has done an important job to denounce the illegal actions of one state against another and urged everyone to protect Assange. What’s China’s comment?

Wang Wenbin: We noted relevant reports. It is not Julian Assange who should stand trial for telling people the truth, but the hacking empire who indiscriminately spies on and steals secrets from countries around the world and uses every means possible to cover up the wrongdoing it has committed.

Prensa Latina: Although China and Cuba denied the recent reports, the US government said over the weekend that it had information about this alleged spy center that they say China has been operating in Cuba. What is your comment about it?  

Wang Wenbin: I made clear China’s position on this last week. Over the past few days, we have seen self-conflicting comments from US officials and media on the so-called allegation of China building “spy facilities” in Cuba. This is another example of “the US negating the US.” 

What is true can never be false, and what is false can never be true. No matter how the US tries with slanders and smears, it will not succeed in driving a wedge between two true friends, China and Cuba, nor can it cover up its deplorable track record of indiscriminate mass spying around the world. 

CRI: The Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) recently agreed to a temporary ceasefire at the end of the third round of peace talks in Havana, Cuba. What’s China’s comment?

Wang Wenbin: China firmly supports the peace process in Colombia and commends the efforts for peace made by relevant parties. We hope the parties concerned will continue to build consensus for peace and play a positive role in realizing lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in Colombia at an early date.

AFP: New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced today that he’ll be leading a major trade delegation to China at the end of this month, and they will make stops in Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. Do you have any additional details you can share with us about this visit? 

Wang Wenbin: China and New Zealand are important cooperation partners. Last year the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and next year marks the 10th anniversary of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership. China stands ready to work with New Zealand to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation, so as to achieve greater progress in bilateral relations and bring more benefit to the two peoples. As for the visit you asked about, I have nothing to share at the moment. You are welcome to check back for updates.  

Reuters: A US official said Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China on June 18 despite the Biden administration officials saying China has been spying on Cuba for some time. Does China have any comment or any update to share on these points?  

Wang Wenbin: I just stated China’s solemn position on the false allegation of “China’s spying activities in Cuba.”

As to the visit you asked about, I have nothing to share.

KBS: First question, the ROK and China have summoned each other’s ambassadors for the first time since President Yoon Suk Yeol took office. Besides what has been released over the weekend, does the Chinese foreign ministry have anything to add to its position? Second question, Japan began trial operation of a facility that discharges the nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima today. What’s the Chinese government’s position on this and do you have any plan to cope with that?

Wang Wenbin: On your first question, it is part of Ambassador Xing Haiming’s job to engage extensively with people from various walks of life in the ROK with an aim of increasing understanding, promoting cooperation and advancing China-ROK relations. We have stated our position and concerns both in Beijing and Seoul to the ROK side regarding their reaction to Ambassador Xing’s conversation with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition party in the ROK. On June 10, at our request, ROK Ambassador to China Chung Jae-ho was met by Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong for the same purpose. A readout about the meeting has been released and you may refer to that.

Regarding Japan’s decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, we’ve stated our opposition on multiple occasions. I want to stress once again that Japan must not act out of its own considerations and let the international community bear the cost of a polluted ocean. This is extremely selfish and irresponsible. Japan’s practice of serving its own selfish interest at the expense of the wellbeing of all humanity will not convince the people at home and abroad. They will only cost Japan its reputation, bring harm to the people of neighboring countries and Pacific island countries, and further chip away at Japan’s credibility with the international community. 

Nikkei: According to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, compared with last year, China increased its number of nuclear warheads by 60 to 410 in January 2023. The institute suggested that “China has started a significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal”. What’s China’s comment? China has been saying that it keeps its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required by national security. Has this belief changed? Does the “required minimum level” change with the changing security environment?

Wang Wenbin: China is committed to a defensive nuclear strategy, keeps its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required by national security and does not target any country. We have honored our pledge to “no first use” of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances and unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China is the only nuclear weapon state to have adopted such a policy. China will stay committed to safeguarding its legitimate security interests and upholding world peace and stability.

Bloomberg: Two questions. The first is a follow-up on Blinken’s visit.  We’re wondering whether the White House acknowledging the existence of an alleged Chinese spy facility in Cuba will affect Secretary Blinken’s planned visit starting from June 18? And the second question is that Bloomberg