Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s Regular Press Conference on January 23, 2026

CCTV: The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 is about to close. The event is held under the theme of "A Spirit of Dialogue," yet parties expressed in their speeches concerns over greater division and more conflicts facing the world. What's China's assessment on this year's WEF annual meeting? How should dialogue be promoted under current circumstances? Is China willing to play a bigger role as a leader in international affairs?

Guo Jiakun: Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng attended and addressed this year's World Economic Forum annual meeting. By sharing four observations on firmly supporting free trade, safeguarding multilateralism, pursuing win-win cooperation, and upholding mutual respect and equal-footed consultation, Vice Premier He Lifeng sent out a positive message to the world that China is committed to advancing high-quality development, expanding high-standard opening up, promoting a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and making the international economic and trade order more just and equitable.

Increasing uncertainties and instabilities facing the world calls for stronger solidarity, cooperation and joint effort in dealing with challenges through dialogue. History proved that confrontation and antagonism will only lead to damage and regression, and only dialogue and cooperation can spell prosperity and progress. No matter how the landscape may evolve, China will always act as the anchor in this uncertain world and provide opportunities, confidence and momentum for the common development of countries through its own development. China stands ready to work with all parties to bridge differences with dialogue, enhance mutual trust with cooperation, deliver on commitments with actions and jointly respond to global challenges and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Reuters: Please could you confirm that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit China next week, that American President Donald Trump will visit China in April, and that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the U.S. at the end of this year?

Guo Jiakun: On your first question, in a turbulent and volatile world, China and the UK as permanent members of the UN Security Council will benefit the world and the two countries themselves by stepping up exchanges and cooperation. On the specific visits you mentioned, information will be released in due course.

On China-U.S. relations, a steady relationship serves the common interests of the two peoples and meets the expectation of the international community. Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations. On the specifics that you mentioned, I have no information to offer at the moment.

RT TV: President Putin in a meeting with the U.S. delegation confirmed that Russia, the U.S. and Ukraine will hold a trilateral meeting on security-related issues in the UAE on January 23 and 24. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. Dialogue and negotiation is the only right way out of the Ukraine crisis.

Reuters: UN experts yesterday expressed deep concern regarding persistent allegations of forced labor affecting Uyghur, Kazakh and Kyrgyz minority groups as well as Tibetans within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and across other parts of China. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this report?

Guo Jiakun: The Chinese government has been committed to promoting and protecting human rights. Development and progress in Xinjiang and Xizang are there for all to see. This is an undeniable fact. The so-called "concerns" fabricated by certain experts are completely unfounded. We urge relevant special procedures experts to respect basic facts, adhere to the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council, fulfill their mandate in a just and objective manner, and avoid being used by or assisting anti-China forces. 

AFP: TikTok announced yesterday the establishment of a majority American-owned joint venture to operate its business in the United States. Donald Trump has welcomed this move and thanked Chinese leader. What is China's comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: On what you mentioned, I'd refer you to competent authorities. China's stance on TikTok is consistent and clear.

Folha de S.Paulo: President Xi Jinping and President Lula had a phone call in which they discussed the importance of maintaining the central role of the United Nations. The conversation took place after both countries were invited by President Donald Trump's peace council. Was the peace council itself specifically discussed during the call?

Guo Jiakun: President Xi Jinping talked to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the phone this morning. They exchanged views on China-Brazil relations and issues of mutual interest. We've released a readout, which you may refer to.

Reuters: The U.S. said it will "allow" China to buy Venezuelan oil but not at certain prices. Does China have to follow what the U.S. dictates here?

Guo Jiakun: Venezuela is a sovereign state and has the right to independently choose cooperation partners.

Antara: Eight Muslim-majority countries, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, the UAE, Egypt, and Pakistan, have agreed to join the Gaza Board of Peace. How optimistic is the Ministry that this board will be able to maintain peace in Gaza?

Guo Jiakun: We have answered questions regarding the Board of Peace and have nothing to add.

RT TV: ROK media outlets reported that the presidents of China and the ROK in their talks discussed four cooperation projects that may involve the DPRK, including a high-speed railway connecting Seoul and Beijing via Pyongyang. The reports also suggested China's mediation role concerning the relations between the ROK and the DPRK in relevant projects. Can you confirm that? If the reports can be confirmed, how does China view its role in the projects?

Guo Jiakun: China released information on the talks between the presidents of China and the ROK in early January. On other issues you mentioned, I have nothing to share.

Kyodo News: Japan's House of Representatives was formally dissolved today. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: This is Japan's internal affair. We don't have a comment on that. 

AFP: President Donald Trump said today that the United States is sending a massive fleet toward Iran. This follows days of strong language between Washington and Tehran. What is China's comment on the situation?

Guo Jiakun: China hopes that Iran will maintain national stability and that all parties will cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialogue.