China Foreign Ministry Spokeperson Press Conference :In one of the most comprehensive and diplomatically charged press briefings in recent months, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning addressed a wide spectrum of global issues—revealing Beijing’s evolving strategy in international trade, border diplomacy, technology policy, and geopolitical messaging. From conditionally resuming seafood imports from certain Japanese regions while firmly opposing the Fukushima water discharge, to clarifying China’s unchanged stance on TikTok amid speculation about a U.S.-brokered sale, Mao offered sharp insights into China’s principled positions.
China Resumes Select Japanese Seafood Imports, Responds to TikTok Deal, India Border Talks, Taiwan Issue, EU Trade, and Global Tech Innovation
In her latest press conference, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed multiple international concerns, policy clarifications, and diplomatic updates. The session featured queries from global media outlets including CCTV, PTI, AFP, Bloomberg, China-Arab TV, Shenzhen TV, Kyodo News, and others. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything covered.
CCTV began by asking about the General Administration of Customs’ announcement on resuming seafood imports from some regions of Japan. Mao Ning confirmed that at the strong request of China and the international community, Japan accepted the international monitoring of the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water and China’s independent sampling and monitoring. Japan also promised to ensure the continuous implementation of these monitoring activities.
On this basis, China held several rounds of consultations with Japan about resuming Japanese aquatic product exports to China. Japan pledged to take a series of credible and visible measures to guarantee the quality and safety of its aquatic products and to strengthen regulation.
In line with China’s laws, regulations, and international trade rules, and based on scientific evidence collected from various monitoring sources and prudent research, the authorities announced the conditional resumption of aquatic product imports from Japanese regions that meet China’s regulatory standards. Mao added that China will step up regulation and ensure food safety, and if any risks are detected, import restrictions will be implemented immediately according to law.
When Hubei Media Group asked if this move suggests China recognizes the safety of Japan’s wastewater discharge, Mao replied that China’s opposition to Japan’s discharge remains unchanged. She emphasized that due to China’s firm position, international oversight has been strengthened. China will continue working with the international community to urge Japan to honor its commitments through long-term actions and effectively control the risks of the discharge.
China-Arab TV referred to reports by Japanese and Russian media suggesting that China, the US, and Russia would jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War, along with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Mao said that arrangements were discussed at a recent press conference held by the State Council Information Office but she had no specific information to share about the participation of other countries.
Shenzhen TV asked about the impact of China’s scientific and technological innovations presented at the 20th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair. Mao noted that in recent years, new products in cutting-edge sectors such as humanoid robots, smart glasses, and brain-computer interfaces had appeared at major exhibitions like the China Import and Export Fair, International Consumer Goods Fair, and the China International Supply Chain Expo.
These platforms not only display China’s new productive capabilities but also act as bridges for global science and tech exchange. Mao reiterated that innovation-driven development in China serves the interests of both the country and the world. China is ready to work with other nations in open cooperation to advance technological progress and global modernization.
Bloomberg then asked about recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who claimed a group of wealthy individuals was lined up to buy TikTok, but that the deal would require China’s approval. Mao replied that China had stated its principled position on TikTok multiple times and had no further information to share.
PTI inquired about the recent meeting between India’s Defense Minister and his Chinese counterpart. The Indian minister had called for resolving complex issues through a structured roadmap to deescalate tensions along the frontier and rejuvenate mechanisms for demarcating the borders. Mao Ning referred detailed inquiries to relevant authorities but reiterated that China and India had established the Special Representatives mechanism and agreed on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Boundary Settlement.
Diplomatic and military communication mechanisms are active, and China is willing to maintain dialogue with India on delimitation and border management to preserve peace and promote cooperation in the border areas.
When PTI followed up about whether the long-running border talks would yield a timeline for resolution, Mao said the boundary issue is complicated and takes time. However, she expressed hope that India will continue to work with China to maintain communication and jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil.
Kyodo News asked when aquatic product imports from the 10 prefectures including Fukushima would resume. Mao responded that China’s food safety decisions are based on scientific principles and that the current policy would remain unless changes are warranted by data.
AFP raised a question regarding Taiwanese “vice president” Hsiao Bi-khim’s remarks that Chinese embassy staff had tried to ram her car in the Czech Republic during a March 2024 visit. Mao responded that there is no such title as “vice president” of Taiwan since Taiwan is part of China. She asserted that Chinese diplomats observe local laws in all host countries and accused Taiwan’s DPP authorities of seeking independence by drawing in foreign support and provoking tension.
Bloomberg asked if reports that China is planning to invite President Donald Trump to a military parade in September were accurate. Mao again referred to earlier information shared by the State Council Information Office and said she had no further details to provide.
AFP then referred to a video released by Chinese state media showing Chinese fighter jets allegedly driving away a foreign aircraft intruding into Chinese airspace. The video appeared similar to a clip from September 2024 involving an Australian military plane. Mao responded that she had not seen the video mentioned and had no information to provide.
Bloomberg returned to the TikTok topic, asking for any further updates. Mao repeated that China’s position has already been stated and had nothing new to add.
Another journalist asked whether China is ready to finalize a tentative deal with France regarding minimum import prices for French cognac entering the Chinese market, or if the deal depends on EU actions related to Chinese electric vehicles. Mao did not confirm a deal but said China is willing to work with the European Union to enhance cooperation, manage differences, and uphold international trade rules in a spirit of open cooperation.
In summary, Mao Ning’s press briefing covered a broad spectrum of current geopolitical, economic, and trade-related developments:
- China has resumed seafood imports from parts of Japan after scientific assessment but continues to oppose Fukushima water discharge.
- China reaffirmed its stance on TikTok and emphasized any potential sale must respect its regulatory framework.
- India-China border talks remain active, though the boundary issue will take time to resolve.
- China reaffirmed that Taiwan is part of its territory and rejected allegations made by Taiwan’s leadership.
- China is pushing forward on global tech innovation and is open to collaboration.
- Ongoing EU-China trade negotiations, such as those related to French cognac and Chinese EVs, will be approached with the aim of open cooperation.
- China is preparing commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of World War II victories but has not confirmed specific foreign attendees.
- China denied any knowledge of recent fighter jet videos intercepting foreign aircraft.
This press conference reinforced China’s consistent messaging on sovereignty, trade, innovation, and international diplomacy, while also signaling selective flexibility in areas like seafood imports and tech exports based on science, security, and mutual respect.