At the July 17, 2025 press conference, China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian addressed key global issues, including Israeli attacks on Syria, U.S. fentanyl accusations, UN warnings on stalled sustainable development goals, and expanding China-Russia connectivity. He reaffirmed China’s stance on respecting Syria’s sovereignty, criticized U.S. tariffs related to fentanyl, and highlighted China’s role in global development through its Five-Year Plan and Global Development Initiative. Lin also responded to Russia’s call to revive the Russia–India–China format and gave an update on China-EU summit talks.
Major Updates From July 17 China Foreign Ministry Press Conference
At the July 17, 2025 regular press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian addressed several pressing international issues, providing the country’s perspective on matters ranging from Middle Eastern conflicts to development cooperation and diplomatic engagement with major global powers.
In response to questions from Asharq News and Al Jazeera regarding recent airstrikes by Israel on Syrian territory that resulted in casualties among security forces and civilians, the spokesperson stressed the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged against any actions that might escalate tensions, especially in the already volatile Middle East.
Commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about imposing the death penalty for those involved in fentanyl production and claiming Beijing would follow suit, Lin firmly rebutted the suggestion. He pointed out that the opioid crisis is a domestic issue for Washington, and criticized the imposition of tariffs under the guise of counternarcotics policy. Such measures, he noted, have disrupted bilateral cooperation and damaged mutual trust. The ministry urged Washington to approach the issue with fairness and engage in genuine dialogue based on mutual respect.
A question from the Beijing Youth Daily highlighted a UN report warning that nearly half of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are falling behind. Lin attributed the stagnation to rising unilateralism and a weakening of global economic momentum. He emphasized that some nations have even begun to reject the 2030 Agenda altogether, complicating collective progress.
The spokesperson outlined domestic achievements in areas such as poverty reduction and public health, which have met certain SDG targets ahead of schedule. Through initiatives promoting development and international cooperation, the government has worked with over 20 agencies, reaching more than 60 countries and benefiting around 30 million people. Last year’s G20 summit saw President Xi Jinping propose eight action areas covering food security, environmental transition, and innovation—all contributing to global advancement.
Addressing President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of new infrastructure projects along the M-12 Highway, a corridor connecting Western Europe to Eastern Asia, the spokesperson praised the development as a positive step for regional logistics and tourism. Bilateral cooperation in transportation has grown steadily, and further improvements in cross-border travel and trade are expected as both sides deepen ties.
On trilateral cooperation involving Moscow and New Delhi, Lin welcomed the initiative, saying that it promotes peace and stability not just for the three nations, but also across the region. Efforts to revive this format are being supported in principle, and Beijing remains open to ongoing dialogue with both capitals.
When asked about the timing and details of a potential leaders’ summit with the European Union, the spokesperson stated that no updates are available at this point.
Throughout the press conference, the ministry reiterated its commitment to multilateralism, balanced diplomacy, and inclusive growth. Whether addressing security concerns, public health crises, or global development gaps, the emphasis remained on collaboration and constructive engagement.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on the official statements made by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the press briefing held on July 17, 2025. The content is intended for informational and journalistic purposes only. It does not reflect the personal views of the author or the blog platform. Readers are advised to interpret geopolitical statements in the broader context of international relations, and to seek additional sources when forming opinions on complex global issues.