pk-china-user Lin Jian stated that from February 1 to 10, the First APEC 2026 Senior Officials’ Meeting and related sessions were successfully held in Guangzhou. As the first official event hosted by China for APEC 2026, the meetings marked the comprehensive launch of this year’s cooperation agenda and generated important outcomes in preparation for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November.
Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi attended and delivered remarks at the opening session of the Senior Officials’ Meeting. In total, 55 meetings and activities took place, including the Senior Officials’ Meeting, committee meetings, working group meetings, and workshops. More than 1,400 representatives from member economies, the APEC Secretariat, APEC observers, the APEC Business Advisory Council, and other stakeholders participated in the events.
has not yet said when this policy would take effect. Is there any update on this?
Lin Jian: Competent authorities will release information in due course after necessary procedures are completed. For specifics, please check back for updates on the MFA website and the website of the Chinese Embassy in the UK.
China Daily: We noted that the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls and other special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council jointly sent a letter to the Japanese government, expressing serious concerns over Japan’s failure to ensure access to truth and reparations for survivors of “comfort women.” China and other countries home to “comfort women” survivors provided supporting materials and comments as required by the special procedures, which could be found on the website of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Can you give us more information?
Lin Jian: The forced recruitment of “comfort women” is a serious crime committed by Japanese militarism that severely trampled on the rights of the victims. The evidence of the crime is ironclad and undeniable. There’s strong outrage in the international community over the crime.
Certain forces in Japan have long been trying to deny or even distort the history of the forced recruitment of “comfort women.” China has serious concern over Japan’s dishonest and erroneous attitude and practice towards the history of aggression, and has thus made clear once again its position on the case of “comfort women.” Japan needs to deeply reflect on its history of aggression and the disastrous suffering it has inflicted on the victims, properly handle the issue of “comfort women” and other issues left over from history with an honest and responsible attitude, and earn trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions.
Reuters: Two Chinese nationals are set to appear in court on Wednesday after Australian police charged them with foreign interference. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?
Lin Jian: I’m not familiar with the details of the case. China never interferes in other countries’ internal affairs. That said, we firmly oppose disrupting normal people-to-people interactions, exchanges and cooperation between China and relevant countries under the pretext of “foreign interference.” China urges Australia to handle the case prudently and properly and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals.
FE: You mentioned yesterday that China will provide support to Cuba within its capabilities. Could you specify what type of assistance Beijing is considering in light of Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis? Would this include fuel supplies or financial aid?
Lin Jian: I would like to reiterate that China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security and in opposing external interference. We strongly oppose actions that inhumanely deprive the Cuban people of their right to subsistence and development. As always, China will do its best to offer support and assistance to Cuba. Regarding the specific assistance programs, I would refer you to the relevant authorities. Such matters will be determined through bilateral consultations between China and Cuba.
AFP: Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump—he claimed that if Canada seeks a trade agreement with China, China would respond by stopping Canadians from playing ice hockey. He stated on Monday that the first thing China would do is terminate all ice hockey in Canada. Does China have a response to this claim?
Lin Jian: China and Canada have established a new strategic partnership that embodies the principles of equality, openness, inclusiveness, peaceful cooperation, and mutual benefit. This partnership does not target any third party. It serves the shared interests of both peoples and contributes to global peace, stability, development, and prosperity.
