CCTV: We noted that the Chinese Embassy in Sudan issued a notice to ask Chinese nationals there about whether they wanted to be evacuated. It is also reported that the Sudanese Armed Forces confirmed that China, the US and the UK will evacuate their citizens from the Sudanese capital Khartoum. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this and whether China has started to evacuate its citizens from Sudan?

Mao Ning: Since abrupt changes took place in the situation in Sudan, the safety of our overseas compatriots has been in the thoughts of the CPC Central Committee. The Chinese Foreign Ministry immediately activated the consular emergency response mechanism and has been in close communication and coordination with other government departments, local governments and Chinese embassies and consulates in Sudan and its neighboring countries. We are doing our utmost to protect the safety of our compatriots in Sudan and come up with a plan for evacuation and transfer. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has dispatched a working group to Sudan and the first batch of Chinese personnel have been safely evacuated to Sudan’s neighboring country. 

Our Ministry and Embassy in Sudan once again remind Chinese nationals in Sudan to closely follow the notices and alerts from the Embassy, register their personal information with the Embassy as soon as possible and make sure they can be reached through the phone or other communication networks.

TASS: Last Friday, Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye took an interview from French media. On the ownership of Crimea, Mr. Ambassador said that it depends on how the problem is perceived. Crimea was historically part of Russia and had been offered to Ukraine by former Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev. What is China’s comment?

Mao Ning: China’s position on relevant issues remains unchanged. 

As to issues related to territorial sovereignty, China’s position is consistent and clear. China respects all countries’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. After the Soviet Union dissolved, China was one of the first countries that established diplomatic ties with the  countries concerned. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties with these countries, China has followed the principles of mutual respect and equality in developing friendly and cooperative bilateral relations with them. China respects the status of the former Soviet republics as sovereign countries after the Soviet Union’s dissolution. 

As to the Ukraine issue, China’s position is clear and consistent. We will continue to work with the international community to make our own contribution to facilitating a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Some media have sought to misrepresent China’s position on the Ukraine issue and sow discord between China and the countries concerned. This calls for vigilance.

AFP: The Chinese Ambassador to France also claimed that the sovereignty of the former Soviet republics lacks a solid basis in international law. Lithuania’s foreign minister said that the Ambassador’s remarks explain why countries like Lithuania lack confidence in whether China could play a constructive part in mediating for peace on the Ukraine issue. Does China support the Ambassador’s remarks? Do you agree that the sovereignty of the former Soviet republics lacks  a solid basis in international law?

Mao Ning: The Soviet Union was a federal state and as a whole was one subject of international law in international relations. This does not negate the republics’ status as sovereign countries after the Soviet Union’s dissolution.

On the Ukraine issue, China’s position is objective, just and clear. We will continue to work with the international community to make our own contribution to facilitating a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Phoenix TV: We noted that the Chinese and Indian militaries held a new round of talks on border issues on April 23. Could you offer more specifics?

Mao Ning: On April 23, the Chinese and Indian militaries held the 18th Round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting. According to the important common understanding of the leaders of both countries, the two sides held an in-depth exchange of views on expediting the resolution of relevant issues. I refer you to the competent authorities for more details.

The Wall Street Journal: Just wanted to follow up on the comments made by the ambassador in France. Could you just clarify for us, do his comments reflect the position of the Chinese government specifically? Or will China retract the comment, as I believe some European leaders have called on China to do? Could you just be as specific as possible about the comments, specifically whether they were appropriate and whether the foreign ministry stands by them?

Mao Ning: I can tell you that what I stated just now represents the official position of the Chinese government.

AFP: The President of Guatemala arrived in Taiwan today to reinforce “diplomatic ties” with the island. What’s your position on this visit? And is there anything you want to say to the Guatemalan President?

Mao Ning: We have taken note of what has been said by political figures in Guatemala in recent interviews. They said publicly that the overwhelming majority of countries recognize that Taiwan is part of China and that it is irrational for Guatemala not to have diplomatic ties with China. Their insightful words fully show that standing up for the one-China principle is the right thing to do. It has the overwhelming support of the international community and represents the trend of the world. China is the second largest source of imports and the fifth largest destination of exports for Guatemala. Recognizing the one-China principle and growing relations with China serves the fundamental interest of Guatemala and meets the aspiration of the Guatemalan people. Separatist activities for “Taiwan independence” go against the trend of history and are just DPP authorities’ self-deceptive attempts. They will not hinder the irreversible historical trend toward China’s reunification. Just as chair of the Guatemala-China friendship association Pedro Barnoya has said, China’s history has shown everyone that there is only one China in the world. History also shows that none of the attempts to split China will end well.

Bloomberg: The transcript of the Chinese Ambassador to France’s remarks appeared on the Chinese embassy’s website. It was then removed. Do you know why it was remove