Mao Ning: This incident exposed the depth and harm of Japan's right-wing ideology and distorted view of history. According to reports, Japan’s National Defense University has a “routine” of collective visits to the Yasukuni Shrine every year. In 2024, a former senior Maritime Self-Defense Force official actually served as the Palace Secretary of the Yasukuni Shrine. This is the first time that a retired Self-Defense Force general has served as the highest position of the Yasukuni Shrine. The Self-Defense Forces have long invited far-right elements who are extremely anti-China to participate in teaching, and the training materials are full of content that distorts and beautifies the history of World War II aggression.
The parents of the Self-Defense Forces officer who illegally broke into the Chinese Embassy said that he did not behave in extreme ways when he was growing up and studying in his hometown, and they had no idea why he did what he did. This person received a nine-month reserve cadre training course in the Self-Defense Forces. During this process, what ideas did the Self-Defense Forces instill in him and what kind of education did he receive? It deserves attention, investigation and reflection. The rightward shift of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the "remilitarization" of Japan deserve the high vigilance of the international community. China once again urges Japan to thoroughly investigate the incident and fundamentally prevent such incidents from happening again.
Reporter’s question screen
Reporter from the Iranian Audiovisual Organization: A report from Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts shows that since the war began on February 28, Israel and the United States have attacked more than 130 historical sites and monuments and caused widespread damage, many of which are included in UNESCO’s relevant lists. Historical heritage is very important to ancient civilizations like China and Iran with a long history. These attacks on historical monuments run counter to China's global civilization initiative. What is China's position on these actions?
Mao Ning: World cultural heritage is a precious wealth for all mankind. China deeply deplores the destruction of Iranian cultural relics and monuments during the war and urges all warring parties, especially the United States and Israel, to immediately and comprehensively cease military operations, start dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, and end this war that should not have happened as soon as possible.
"Beijing Daily" reporter: According to reports, the United States and Israel have recently attacked the Arak Heavy Water Plant, the Hundab Heavy Water Reactor, the Ardakan Yellow Cake Processing Plant, and the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in military operations. The US military is conducting exercises to seize and transfer Iran's enriched uranium stockpile by force. In addition, Iran submitted a working document on the prohibition of attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities and scientists to the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, emphasizing that attacking nuclear facilities with force violates many international legal documents. What is China's comment on this?
Mao Ning: Armed attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities that are subject to the safeguards and supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency violate the purposes of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Statutes of the International Atomic Energy Agency. It seriously affects the authority of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, weakens efforts to maintain the international nuclear non-proliferation system, and may have serious consequences for regional peace, security, and stability. China firmly opposes this, advocates peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means, and calls on all parties to remain calm and restrained to avoid further escalation of tensions.
The 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is about to be held. China is concerned about the negative impact of the military strikes by the United States and Israel. China is willing to work with all parties to continue to promote peace and negotiation with an objective and fair stance, support resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation, effectively safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation system, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
Reporter’s question screen
Reporter from Indonesia's Antara News Agency: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was attacked for two consecutive days. Two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed and two others were injured in the attack. China plays an important role in UN peacekeeping operations. Does this incident raise serious concerns about the safety of peacekeepers? What measures can be taken to better ensure their safety?
Mao Ning: We express our condolences for the death of the Indonesian peacekeepers who were attacked. Deliberate attacks on United Nations peacekeepers are a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701 and are absolutely unacceptable. The parties concerned should cease fire and cease fighting as soon as possible and take practical measures to ensure the safety of United Nations peacekeepers. China is also willing to play a constructive role in cooling down the situation and restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.
