Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian’s Regular Press Conference on May 6, 2025

https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202505/t20250506_11616191.html

Global Times: The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on May 1 posted two Chinese-language videos on social media. CIA official said that the videos are “aimed at recruiting Chinese officials to steal secrets.” What’s China’s response?

Lin Jian: The U.S. has long been using all kinds of despicable methods to steal other countries’ secrets, interfere in their internal affairs and commit subversion. Such behavior severely violates international law and basic norms governing international relations, and seriously endangers international security and stability. The Chinese videos posted by the CIA on social media are another solid confession of what it does. The U.S. not only maliciously smears and attacks China, but also blatantly attempts to lure Chinese personnel, even government officials, to be their informants. This is a serious infringement on China’s national interest and pure political provocation. China strongly condemns it. We will take all measures necessary to resolutely push back infiltration and sabotage activities from overseas and defend national sovereignty, security and development interest.

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump said in a recent interview with NBC that he would not drop tariffs on China in order to begin negotiations. First, how close are the two sides to formal trade talks? Second, is the U.S. lowering tariffs a prerequisite for China to engage in negotiations?

Lin Jian: The fact is, this tariff war is launched by the U.S. China’s position is consistent and clear: We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open, if the U.S. wants to talk. Recently the U.S. has repeatedly expressed the hope to engage in negotiation with China. There is no winner in a trade war or a tariff war. If a negotiated solution is truly what the U.S. wants, it should stop threatening and exerting pressure, and seek dialogue with China based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. 

AFP: Israel has approved a plan for expanded military operations in Gaza that the government said yesterday would include displacing most residents. What is China’s view of this plan?

Lin Jian: China is closely watching the situation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We oppose Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza, and hope that parties will work to enable the continuous and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement and return to the right track of political settlement.