Mao Ning’s press conference addressed U.S. visa restrictions on Cuba, emphasizing China’s opposition. He discussed Russia-U.S. relations and the Ukraine crisis, as well as China’s position on Japan and Taiwan. Cooperation with Kiribati on deep-sea mining was affirmed, and the situation of deported Uyghurs from Thailand was mentioned, stressing lawful repatriation.
On March 19, 2025, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning addressed various international issues during a regular press conference. The U.S. has implemented an expanded visa restriction policy targeting Cuba’s medical missions, which it has labeled as “forced labor.” This has drawn criticism from CARICOM foreign ministers and leaders of Caribbean states. China condemned the U.S. actions as an extension of the long-standing sanctions against Cuba, urging an end to the blockade and emphasizing the need for improved relations with Cuba.
Regarding a recent conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on normalizing relations, Mao Ning reiterated China’s long-standing advocacy for resolving the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and negotiation, viewing ceasefire efforts as essential for achieving peace.
Questions concerning Chinese companies exploring petroleum in Russia-occupied Ukrainian territory were met with Mao’s reference to the consistent position China maintains regarding the Ukraine issue, which follows principles established by President Xi Jinping.
During discussions about Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s visit to the U.S. for a joint announcement against Chinese actions in the Taiwan Strait, Mao emphasized that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter for China, urging Japan to exercise caution due to its historical responsibilities regarding Taiwan. Wang Yi’s upcoming visit to Japan aims to foster dialogue and improvement in China-Japan relations, which are currently at a critical point.
Mao also commented on Kiribati’s discussions with China regarding deep-sea mining, affirming China’s commitment to cooperative approaches based on mutual benefit and respect. In response to inquiries about a Thai delegation visiting Xinjiang to meet Uyghur deportees, Mao directed questions to relevant authorities, stressing that the repatriation conforms with both countries’ laws and international norms.
Finally, responding to concerns about increased diplomatic contention with Japan as the 80th anniversary of China’s victory against Japanese aggression approaches, Mao urged Japan to acknowledge its historical responsibilities and commitments, advocating for peaceful development and stable relations going forward.
In summary, the press conference highlighted China’s strong opposition to the U.S. visa restrictions on Cuba, its consistent advocacy for dialogue in international conflicts, and its approach to resolving issues related to Taiwan and Japan. The spokesperson underscored the importance of historical recognition from Japan and reiterated China’s commitment to lawful cooperation with countries like Kiribati, and to protect the rights of deportees repatriated from Thailand.
Original Source: www.mfa.gov.cn
