Hubei Media Group: The China Development Forum 2025 was held in Beijing. The theme of this year’s forum is “Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy.” Political figures from many countries and heads of multinationals attended the forum. What’s your comment?

Guo Jiakun: From March 23 to 24, the China Development Forum 2025 was held in Beijing. Premier of the State Council Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. He encouraged all parties to feel China’s vibrancy through its economic growth during the Spring Festival, understand China’s economic policies through the two sessions, and think about the right way to world development and progress through the evolving global landscape. His speech shows China’s confidence and resolve in continuing the good momentum of steady economic growth as well as its commitment to acting as a force of stability and certainty for world peace and development.

This year’s forum is attended by over 750 foreign representatives, including global companies from a larger number of countries covering more sectors. Among these multinationals, the first-time attendees outnumber the previous years. All these show that foreign-invested businesses continue to invest in China with optimism, which is a vote of confidence in China’s economic outlook.

China will steadfastly advance high-quality development and high-standard opening up. We welcome foreign businesses to seize opportunities, invest in China, prepare for the future, promote steady global growth, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and achieve greater development through mutually beneficial cooperation.

AFP: Canada has launched a dispute against China at the WTO over additional duties on agricultural and fishery products. What is the Foreign Ministry’s response to this?

Guo Jiakun: I’d refer you to competent Chinese authorities for the specific question. I want to point out that, in disregard of China’s repeated persuasion, Canada has insisted on taking discriminatory restrictive measures on some Chinese imports. This seriously violates WTO rules, disrupts normal trade order, and gravely harms China’s lawful rights and interests. The countermeasures China has taken are fully necessary, justified, reasonable and lawful. China urges Canada to take concrete steps to correct the wrongdoings, and provide a fair, non-discriminatory and predictable environment for the normal trade and cooperation between the businesses of the two countries.

Reuters: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued an executive order declaring that any country buying oil or gas from Venezuela will pay a 25 percent tariff on trades with the U.S. China is the biggest buyer of Venezuela’s oil. Will China stop its oil purchases from Venezuela to comply with Trump’s order?

Guo Jiakun: The U.S. has long abused illegal unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction,” and grossly interfered in the internal affairs of other countries. China firmly opposes such actions. We urge the U.S. to cease its interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs, lift its illegal unilateral sanctions against Venezuela, and take steps that contribute to peace, stability, and development in Venezuela and beyond. Trade wars and tariff wars have no winners. Imposing additional tariffs will only inflict greater losses on American businesses and consumers.

Beijing Daily: We noted that, at a symposium held by China, UN Under Secretary General Guy Ryder stressed China’s important role in supporting multilateralism and the UN. Can you share more with us on this?

Guo Jiakun: On March 24, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the international symposium themed “Strengthen the Role of the United Nations and Promote Multilateralism” in Beijing. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a written message.

He noted that, the successful convening of the UN Summit of the Future reflects the common aspiration of the international community for supporting and promoting multilateralism, strengthening the role of the UN and improving global governance. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. The international community hopes to see all countries work in solidarity and coordination to uphold what is right, steer the direction of our era, defend fairness and justice, safeguard world peace and stability, and promote global development and prosperity. As a founding member of the United Nations and a permanent member of the Security Council, China will continue to work with all sides to practice true multilateralism, safeguard the central role of the UN, and promote global governance that is based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit. Together, we will bring stability to a changing and turbulent world, inject positive energy in building a more just and equitable global governance system.

Under Secretary General of the UN Guy Ryder attended upon invitation and addressed the symposium. Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu attended and addressed the opening and closing ceremony of the symposium. The participating representatives engaged in lively discussions on topics including sustainable development, international peace and security, scientific and technological innovation, digital cooperation, as well as youth and future generations. There was a broad consensus that, under the current circumstances, it is imperative to strengthen the role of the UN, reinvigorate multilateralism, and foster solidarity and cooperation to jointly address global challenges. The representatives also commended China’s active and constructive role in this regard.

Reuters: The Chinese staff at Mintz Group have been released, according to the company today. Was there a probe into them and Mintz? What is China’s conclusion on the case?

Guo Jiakun: I’d refer you to competent authorities for anything specific.

China News Service: It’s reported the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, stated that the U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Philippines on March 28 to 29. During the visit, Secretary Hegseth is expected to meet with the Philippine President and Secretary of Defense. This visit underscores the solid alliance between the Ph