Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on April 3, 2026

At the invitation of the Chinese government, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will visit China from April 4 to 11. 

China-Arab TV: The Israeli parliament recently adopted a new law introducing death penalty for Palestinians. Countries such as the UAE have expressed strong condemnation, saying such practice is "entrenching a system of apartheid." What is China's comment? (Similar question from Anadolu Agency)

Mao Ning: China has taken note of the law. All legislation must conform to legal principles such as the principle of legality, fairness and justice, and must not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality or political view. The legitimate rights of the Palestinian people must be respected and protected. Relevant party's actions that escalate tensions and exacerbate confrontation must stop.

China-Arab TV: Yesterday U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video on social media claiming that the U.S. air strikes destroyed an Iranian civilian bridge to pressure Iran into negotiations while the Iranian foreign minister says that destroying civilian infrastructure will not force Iran to surrender. What's China comment on this?

Mao Ning: The U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran have no authorization of the UN Security Council and violate international law. China opposes attacks against civilian facilities. Relevant parties should stop the military actions at once, return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement, and avoid even worse humanitarian disaster.

Reuters: Can the foreign ministry provide any more information on the peace talks involving Afghanistan and Pakistan in Urumqi? Is China going to offer any guarantees to keep them from fighting? Are Taliban committing anything on Pakistan demands that they sever ties with anti-Pakistan militants and give verifiable evidence that they will deny them support and sanctities?

Mao Ning: Since the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict escalated again, China has made mediation efforts in its own way, maintained close communication with both sides via multiple channels and at multiple levels, and created conditions and provided platforms for dialogue between the two sides. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan value and welcome China's mediation and are willing to sit down and talk again. This is good. The consultation process is being implemented and advanced steadily. The three sides have had common understandings and agreements on specific matters regarding the process, including media reports. If there is further information, we will release it in due course.

China Daily: Myanmar's Parliament today elected Min Aung Hlaing as the new president. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: China congratulates Mr. Min Aung Hlaing on his election as Myanmar's president. 

China and Myanmar are traditional friends, neighbors and a community with a shared future. China follows a policy of friendship towards all the people of Myanmar and supports its new government in maintaining peace and stability and pursuing development and prosperity. We stand ready to work together with Myanmar to deliver on the four major global initiatives, promote high-quality BRI cooperation, deliver more results through our community with a shared future, and better benefit the two peoples.

People's Daily: The World Data Organization (WDO) was established this week. The launch of the global professional organization in the data sector in Beijing has attracted attention from the media and among the sector. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: The world is embarking on the intelligent era at an accelerated pace, and the strategic significance of data as a core production factor and innovation driver is becoming increasingly evident. At the same time, global data faces unbalanced development, fragmented rules, and disproportionate distribution of digital dividends. With the tenet of "bridging the data divide, unlocking data's value, powering the digital economy", the WDO provides a beneficial platform for deepening international data cooperation and improving global data governance. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter for the launch of the WDO. It shows the importance and sincere expectations placed on the WDO. 

The establishment of the WDO in Beijing fully demonstrates the international community's recognition on China's data development. By 2025, China has the world's largest total data volume and the second largest digital economy scale, and has led the world in digital infrastructure and application scenario. China is committed to global data governance, evidenced by the Global Initiative on Data Security and the Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative. As President Xi Jinping emphasized in his congratulatory letter, China will uphold the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, support the role of the WDO, promote digital and intelligent technological innovation, support the healthy development of the global digital economy, and enable the benefits of data to better serve people around the world.

AFP: Another question on the talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. Is China willing to confirm that it requested talks between the Afghan Taliban government and Pakistan? And why was Urumqi chosen as the location and was a Chinese delegation present there?

Mao Ning: I just shared relevant information. If there is anything further, we will release it in a timely manner.

Bloomberg: The U.S. State Secretary accused China of harassing and detaining Panama-flagged ships after the Central American nation canceled contracts with the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison. Does the foreign ministry have any comment?

Mao Ning: Such accusation is groundless and confuses right and wrong. The U.S.'s repeated wrongful allegations only reveal its attempt to take control of the Panama Canal. Who is blatantly undermining the neutrality of the canal and the stability of global supply chains through unilateral bullying and coercive acts? The facts are crystal clear for all to see. China's position on issues concerning relevant Panamanian ports is clear and will firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests.

AFP: U.S. immigration officials recently repatriated a Chinese national suspected of drug smuggling and trafficking, which China's Public Security Ministry said was the first such cooperation in recent years. Is the Chinese foreign ministry aware of this and can it provide more details of the Chinese national's repatriation?

Mao Ning: I would refer you to competent authorities for the specifics. I could share with you that China and the U.S. maintain communication and cooperation in such fields as counter-narcotics law enforcement in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, which has delivered notable results.

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During the Qingming Festival holiday, there will be no regular press conference on Monday, April 6. The regular press conference will resume on Tuesday, April 7. During this period, questions can be submitted to the Spokesperson's Office via fax, E-mail or WeChat.