The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning held a press conference on Sept 6, 2022.

Some excerpts

MASTV: The first batch of high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) and a comprehensive testing train designed by and made in China for the Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway recently arrived in Indonesia. Statistics from the General Administration of Customs of China showed that the China-Laos railway has transported more than 10 billion yuan worth of international freight in the nine months since it went into operation. Some commented that such examples signal that BRI?cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries has injected positive energy into regional development and world economic recovery. What is China’s comment?

Mao Ning: The Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway is a flagship project of China-Indonesia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. When fully completed, it will be the first high speed railway in Indonesia and the entire Southeast Asia. It will greatly enhance connectivity in Indonesia and boost local socioeconomic development. The delivery of the EMUs and the testing train in Indonesia marks a key step forward in preparing the Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway for operation.?

For nine months since the China-Laos railway was open to traffic, it has transported over 6.71 million passengers and 7.17 million tonnes of cargo, including 1.28 million tonnes of cross-border cargo with a total value of over 10 billion yuan in international freight. This golden route has continuously proven its important role and grown to become an accelerator for regional connectivity and a new engine for economic cooperation, and is thus widely welcomed by regional countries.

The Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway and the China-Laos railway epitomize the deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries conducted following the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits under the Belt and Road Initiative since it was proposed nine years ago. The Belt and Road cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries will be a boon to regional development and world economic recovery.

China and Southeast Asian countries are connected by mountains and rivers. We share a deep friendship and a future together. China is ready to work with all sides to continue to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and contribute to common development and prosperity and efforts to build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.? ? ??

AFP: Several countries have congratulated Liz Truss for becoming the new British Prime Minister. Does China plan to send her an official message?

Mao Ning: Cultivating and advancing sound bilateral ties is the common responsibility of China and the UK. It serves the?common?interests of both our peoples. China is always committed to advancing ties with the UK on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. We hope the UK will work with China in the same direction so that our relations will move along the right track. Matters regarding sending congratulations will be handled in accordance with established diplomatic practices.?

Yonhap: The Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the Chinese leader will visit Kazakhstan. Can you confirm this?

Mao Ning: China and Kazakhstan are friendly neighbors. Our two countries maintain close exchanges at various levels. As to your specific question, I have nothing to announce at this moment.

China Daily: According to reports, Kenya’s Supreme Court ruled on September 5 to uphold results of the presidential elections on August 9. Incumbent Deputy President William Ruto is officially elected as President. Does China have any comment??

Mao Ning: We have noted the ruling by Kenya’s Supreme Court, which settled the dispute surrounding the elections within the legal framework. We congratulate Mr. William Ruto on his presidential election and wish Kenya lasting peace and stability and greater achievement in national development. Kenya is China’s important cooperation partner in East Africa. We look forward to working with Kenya for an even more fruitful comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Xinhua News Agency: The Russian Foreign Ministry said on September 5 that two embassy employees were among at least eight people killed in a bomb explosion near Russia’s embassy in Kabul. What is China’s comment??

Mao Ning: We have noted relevant reports. China strongly condemns terrorist attacks targeting diplomatic missions and personnel. We express our deep grief over the death of the Russian embassy employees and the Afghan civilians, and offer our sincere sympathies to the wounded and the victims’ families.?

We hope the parties concerned in Afghanistan can take effective measures to ensure the safety of foreign diplomatic missions and personnel. In the meantime, the international community needs to play a constructive role in efforts to achieve peace, stability and security in Afghanistan.?

https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/202209/t20220906_10762854.html