Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian’s Regular Press Conference on March 26, 2026

The Paper: Yesterday, the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 issued a report, which pointed out that Global AI development is exhibiting a pronounced "shift eastward" trend. China has achieved full-chain industrial maturity and demonstrated robust capabilities in large-scale deployment. We also noted that there have been many highlights in China's AI development this year. The video generation model of Seedance 2.0 went viral globally for its studio-level quality. MiniMax's full-modal large model is widely acclaimed. What's your comment on China's AI development and its contribution to the world?

Lin Jian: We noted the report. Within just a few years, AI has found its way from exhibitions into ordinary households, and empowered many fields of work. China has now the largest number of AI patents, over 1.2 trillion yuan worth of core AI industry, and over 6,200 AI companies. This has made China an important engine of smart transition of the world. The Report on the Work of the Government this year put forward for the first time "creating new forms of smart economy," pointing the direction for fostering smart paradigms and enhancing new growth drivers. 

AI is the common asset of humanity. The flourishing AI in China comes from greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and is fueled by China's vision of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. China encourages open source to make AI more accessible. China also proposed to build the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, and issued the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative, contributing China's wisdom to AI global governance. We stand ready to work with all sides to deepen communication and cooperation, and jointly build an open, inclusive and mutually beneficial environment for development, so that AI could truly become an international public good for good and for all.

Kyodo News: U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will pay a state visit to China from May 14 to 15 and meet with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Can you confirm this?

Lin Jian: Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to China-U.S. relations. The two countries are in communication regarding President Trump's visit to China.

RT TV: According to the Pentagon, a United States-led manufacturing partnership is seeking to establish a new ammunition production line in the Philippines, allegedly to help allies produce and maintain military equipment closer to where it might be needed. What's China's comment? What's China's view on the impact on security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Will China take corresponding measures to safeguard its own security interests?

Lin Jian: China always believes that military and security cooperation between countries should not target any third party, harm their interest, or undermine regional peace and stability. The Asia Pacific is the most important driving force and stabilizer for world development and prosperity. The U.S. and its allies should earnestly respect the common aspirations of regional countries and make more contributions to peace and stability rather than bring bloc confrontation and conflict to the Asia Pacific. If relevant countries would like to become a powder keg, this will only backfire. China will firmly defend its territorial sovereignty, security interests and other legitimate rights and interests.

AFP: The Financial Times reported yesterday that Chinese authorities have banned two executives at the AI firm Manus from leaving the country. Could you confirm this or provide any details on why they have been told not to leave?

Lin Jian: I'm not familiar with that. I'd refer you to competent authorities.

AFP: Iran has denied that it is negotiating with the U.S. despite Donald Trump saying that they want to make a deal. Can you tell us if China is aware of ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S.? And is China pushing Iran to engage in talks with the U.S.?

Lin Jian: China has stressed more than once that a drawn-out conflict serves no one's interests. It will only lead to more casualties, unnecessary loss, and the spillover of the situation. The pressing priority is to actively promote peace talks, seize the opportunity for peace and end the fighting. China supports all efforts conducive to deescalation. All parties should work and create conditions for truly meaningful and sincere talks. China will continue to play a constructive role to that end.

Bloomberg: The United Kingdom has blocked plans by Ming Yang Smart Energy to build a wind turbine factory in Scotland on national security grounds. Does the foreign ministry have a comment?

Lin Jian: China-UK economic, trade and green cooperation is in nature mutually beneficial. Such cooperation should not be viewed as political and security issues. It is hoped that the UK will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business and investment environment for companies of all countries, including Chinese companies.