China July 18 Briefing: On July 18, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian held a comprehensive press briefing addressing a wide range of critical international developments. He detailed the outcomes of the “Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival” where over 1,000 youth from China and the U.S. participated, and where Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, called for deepening youth exchanges. Lin responded to the U.S. designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, reaffirming China’s stance against terrorism.
He addressed concerns over Cosco’s potential exclusion from international port deals, warning against economic coercion. A new student safety alert was issued regarding rising risks for Chinese nationals in the Philippines. Lin also reaffirmed the one-China principle amid remarks by Taiwan’s deputy leader, denouncing separatist activities and foreign interference.
China July 18 Briefing
At the July 18, 2025 regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian addressed a series of wide-ranging global developments. The briefing featured comments on China-U.S. youth diplomacy, U.S. terror designation of The Resistance Front, Taiwan Strait tensions, sanctions from the European Union, rare earth exports to India, graphite tariffs by the U.S., student safety in the Philippines, Cosco’s port stake issue, and a U.S. Senate report on China. Here is the full summary with all points.
Bond with Kuliang: China-U.S. Youth Event
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian started by highlighting the “Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival,” jointly held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Fujian Provincial People’s Government from July 9 to 18. The theme was “Singing for Peace,” and over 1,000 youth from around 30 choirs representing both China and the U.S. participated.
On July 17, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended a special youth friendship event related to the choir festival and delivered a speech. Peng referenced the century-old story of Kuliang and President Xi’s 40-year friendship with old acquaintances in Iowa. She highlighted Xi’s 2023 proposal to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over five years. Peng urged the youth to be inheritors of China-U.S. friendship and contributors to global peace.
The event also featured “Kuliang Friends” Elyn MacInnis and Luca Berrone from Iowa, who shared their stories of people-to-people exchange and subnational cooperation. American youth representatives expressed their willingness to be emissaries of friendship and continue the legacy of China-U.S. bonds.
Lin reiterated Xi Jinping’s words that the foundation of China-U.S. relations lies with the people, its future with the youth, and its vitality in subnational exchanges. He called on youth from both sides to carry forward the “Bond with Kuliang” and contribute to the long-term development of bilateral relations.
TRF Designated as Terror Group by U.S.
The U.S. Department of State designated The Resistance Front (TRF)—a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and accused in the April 22 terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. When asked about this move, Lin Jian stated that China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns the attack. He called for greater counter-terror cooperation among regional countries to maintain peace and stability.
China Responds to Cosco Port Sale Dispute
Regarding reports in the Wall Street Journal that the Chinese government may block the sale of ports to Western companies if Cosco, a Chinese shipping giant, is not granted a stake, Lin said he was unaware of the specific details. He noted that the Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation will conduct a legal review of CK Hutchison’s overseas asset sales, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding public interests. Lin emphasized Chinese firm opposition to economic coercion, bullying, and actions undermining the legitimate rights of other countries.
China Issues Student Safety Alert on Philippines
The Foreign Ministry also addressed a new alert issued by Chinese Ministry of Education regarding studying in the Philippines. Lin said the alert was issued in light of increasing safety risks, crimes, stop-and-searches, and harassment incidents targeting Chinese nationals in the Philippines. He described the advisory as a responsible step to protect Chinese students and urged the Philippine government to take effective measures to safeguard the safety, dignity, and legal rights of Chinese students.
Taiwan Comments and One-China Principle
Responding to comments made by Taiwan’s Deputy Leader Hsiao Bi-khim who said Chinese military posture is “counterproductive” and maintaining status quo benefits regional peace, Lin reaffirmed Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is part of China and its future must be decided solely by the Chinese people. He said the root cause of tensions lies in “Taiwan independence” forces and the external support they receive. He added that nothing the DPP says can change the reality that Taiwan is a part of China and the trend of eventual reunification is inevitable.
EU Sanctions on Chinese Banks Over Russia
Just minutes before the briefing, the European Union announced new sanctions targeting some Chinese banks in connection with the Russia-Ukraine war. Lin responded by stating that Chinese opposes all unilateral sanctions not authorized by the UN Security Council and reiterated that Chinese has never supplied lethal weapons to either party in the Ukraine conflict. He said China strictly regulates dual-use exports and urged the EU to stop harming legitimate Chinese interests. He asserted that China would take necessary actions to defend the rights of Chinese companies.
U.S. Anti-Dumping Tariffs on Chinese Graphite
Bloomberg raised a question about the U.S. Commerce Department’s new preliminary anti-dumping duties of over 90% on graphite imported from China, a material crucial for electric vehicle batteries. Lin redirected the question to competent authorities but emphasized that the China-U.S. economic relationship benefits both countries. He expressed hope that the U.S. will adhere to market principles and maintain healthy trade relations.
U.S. Senate Report on Strategic Competition with China
Lin also responded to a report published by Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The report stated that the Trump administration’s first six months weakened the U.S. position against China and described China’s efforts to become a global superpower, expand ties with the Global South, and undermine U.S. influence. Lin called the report full of “Cold War thinking” and a tool to promote confrontation. He said China has no intention to replace or compete with any country, and follows peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. He urged the U.S. to stop smearing China and take constructive steps for a stable relationship.
Rare Earth Metals: India-China Talks
The final point discussed was India’s concern over rare earth supplies amid delays in export licensing to Indian companies. The question followed Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to the Chinese govt . Lin asked reporters to refer to the official readouts from the visit. He explained that China’s rare earth export policy aligns with international norms and that Beijing is open to dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in maintaining stable and secure global industrial and supply chains.
Disclaimer:
This article is based entirely on public statements made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian during the official press briefing on July 18, 2025. It aims to represent China’s stated positions as relayed in that briefing