Written Interview with Asharq Al-Awsat by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang

　　一、您如何评价中沙关系？两国合作最重要的领域和前景是什么？

　　Q1: What is your assessment of the Saudi-Chinese relations? What are the most important areas and prospects for cooperation between the two countries?

　　答：中国有句古诗，相知无远近，万里尚为邻。中沙关系正是这句诗的生动写照。两国虽相隔万里，但情深谊长。建交33年以来，中沙关系全面快速发展，政治互信不断深化，互利合作硕果累累，成为相互尊重、真诚相待的好朋友，共谋发展、合作共赢的好伙伴，相知相亲、互学互鉴的好兄弟，树立了不同文明国家友好交往的典范。

　　Qin Gang: Let me quote a line from a classical Chinese poem, “Good friends feel close to each other even when they are far apart.” This vividly captures the relations between China and Saudi Arabia. Our two countries, though thousands of miles apart, enjoy a long-standing and deep friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago, we have seen all-round, rapid growth of the bilateral relations, as evidenced by deepening political trust and fruitful cooperation of mutual benefit. We have become good friends treating each other with respect and sincerity, good partners pursuing common development and win-win cooperation, and good brothers enjoying mutual understanding and mutual learning. Together, we have set a fine example of friendly exchanges between countries of different civilizations.

　　当前，中国正致力于以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴，沙特也在推进经济多元化发展，两国关系发展面临新的机遇。去年12月，习近平主席对沙特成功进行国事访问，并出席首届中国—阿拉伯国家峰会和中国—海湾阿拉伯国家合作委员会峰会。习近平主席同萨勒曼国王和穆罕默德王储兼首相深入交流，为新时代中沙关系发展指明了方向、规划了路径，标志着中沙关系迈上新的高度。

　　China is now advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, and Saudi Arabia is pushing forward economic diversification. This brings new opportunities to the growth of our bilateral ties. Last December, President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Saudi Arabia and attended the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. He had in-depth exchanges with His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, pointing the way forward and charting the course for growing China-Saudi Arabia ties in the new era and marking a new height in our bilateral relationship.

　　面向未来，中方将继续把沙特置于中国中东外交优先位置，与沙特一道，进一步深化共建“一带一路”倡议同沙特“2030愿景”对接，携手推动落实全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议和全球文明倡议，在共同发展中实现优势互补，在共同进步中推进民族振兴，不断赋予中沙全面战略伙伴关系新的时代内涵。

　　Looking ahead, China will continue to see Saudi Arabia as a high priority in its Middle East diplomacy. China hopes to work with Saudi Arabia to enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Saudi Vision 2030, and put into action the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, to realize complementarity through common development, advance national rejuvenation through shared progress, and add new dimensions to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

　　二、沙特代表团已抵达德黑兰讨论重开使馆和驻马什哈德领馆，伊朗代表团也已抵达利雅得为重开使馆做准备。对此您如何评价？沙伊和解将在多大程度上加强本地区的安全和稳定？

　　Q2: There is a Saudi technical team in Tehran to discuss the mechanisms of reopening the Kingdom’s embassy and consulate in Mashhad, in exchange for a visit by the Iranian team to Riyadh to discuss restoring the work of the Iranian embassy in the Kingdom. What would you describe this step? To what extent will the Saudi-Iranian agreement enhance security and stability in the region?

　　答：近期，沙伊双方按照“北京协议”确定的路线图和时间表，向对方国家派遣复馆工作组，迈出改善关系的实质性步伐，中方对此表示欢迎。阿拉伯有句谚语，“耐心行事的人，实现自己的愿望”。中方相信，沙伊双方只要继续秉持和解和建设性姿态，按照双方已经达成的共识推进改善关系进程，就一定能增信释疑，实现睦邻友好。

　　Qin Gang: Based on the roadmap and timetable set out in the Beijing Agreement, Saudi Arabia and Iran have sent to each other embassy reopening working groups, taking a substantive step toward improving their relations. China welcomes this development. As an Arabic proverb says, those who act with patience will realize their wishes. China believes that as long as the two countries continue to act in a reconciliatory and constructive manner, and advance the improvement of relations according to the common understandings already reached, they will be able to increase mutual trust, dispel misgivings and build friendly and good-neighborly ties.

　　沙伊两国持续改善关系，不仅翻开沙伊关系新的篇章，也为对话协商化解国家间矛盾分歧树立了榜样。当前，中东地区国家间关系正掀起一股“和解潮”。事实证明，挑拨矛盾、加剧对立来控制地区安全、服务自身利益，不得人心，不会长久。只有秉持共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观，走对话而不对抗、结伴而不结盟、共赢而非零和的新型安全之路，才能实现长治久安。

　　The continued improvement of Saudi Arabia-Iran ties has not only turned a new page in the relations between the two countries, but also served as a fine example for resolving differences and disagreements between states through dialogue and consultation. There is now a wave of reconciliation in the relations between Middle Eastern countries. What has happened shows that acts to control regional security and serve one’s own agenda by stoking discord and increasing antagonism are unpopular and won’t work for long. Enduring peace and security can only be realized by following the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and a new path to security featuring dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum. 

　　作为中东国家的好朋友、好伙伴，中方将坚定支持中东国家开展建设性的沟通对话，坚定支持地区国家坚持战略自主、加强团结协作，为促进中东安全稳定贡献中国智慧、中国力量。

　　As a good friend and good partner, China will firmly support Middle Eastern countries in having constructive communication and dialogue, firmly support regional countries in pursuing strategic independence and enhancing solidarity and collaboration, and contribute Chinese ideas and efforts to promoting security and stability in the Middle East.

　　三、美国以伊朗核威胁为借口，宣布向波斯湾派出一艘可携带154枚“战斧”巡航导弹的核潜艇。对此您如何评价？

       Q3: America announced that it had sent a nuclear submarine to the Persian Gulf carrying 154 Tomahawk missiles under the pretext of imminent Iranian threats. What is your comment?

　　答：中东需要缓和而不是紧张，需要对话而不是对抗。中东是中东人民的中东，不是谁家的后院。我们敦促有关国家为促进中东和平稳定贡献正能量，而不是相反。

      Qin Gang: What the Middle East needs is de-escalation, not tensions, dialogue, not confrontation. The Middle East belongs to the people of the region. It is no one’s backyard. We urge relevant countries to bring positive energy to peace and stability in the Middle East, not the opposite.

　　四、在同习近平主席会晤后，马克龙总统对美立场明显改变，拒绝以对抗中国来讨好美国，并寻求减少对美元的依赖。这是双方会晤成果吗？中方对此如何评价？中国是否试图替代美国在欧洲的地位？

       Q4: French President Emmanuel Macron showed a different French and European stance towards America after his recent meeting with His Excellency Chinese President Xi Jinping, and refused to confront China to please America, but to demand the release of the European and French currencies in the US dollar. Is this the product of his discussions in China? How does China view this position? Will China try to present the American alternative to Europe?

　　答：法国总统马克龙对中国的访问非常成功，习近平主席同马克龙总统进行了友好深入的交流，就中法关系、中欧合作以及应对全球性挑战达成重要共识。中欧关系、中法关系不针对、不依附、不受制于第三方，中法高层交往无意影响各自对美关系，中国无意替代美国在欧洲的地位，同时我们反对美方干扰破坏中欧、中法关系，反对美方胁迫欧洲排斥疏远中国。

       Qin Gang: President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to China was a great success. President Xi Jinping had friendly and in-depth exchanges with him, and the two Presidents reached important consensus on China-France relations, China-Europe cooperation and on meeting global challenges. The relations between China and Europe and between China and France are not targeted at, attached to, or dictated by any third party. The high-level engagement between China and France is not intended to interfere with either side’s relations with the United States. China has no intention to supplant the place of the US in Europe. At the same time, we oppose US moves to disrupt and sabotage China’s relations with Europe and with France, and US attempts to coerce Europe into excluding or distancing itself from China.

　　法国是有独立自主传统的大国，一直积极推动欧洲战略自主。战略自主是维护自身独立的应有之义，是符合欧洲利益的选择。特别是欧洲深受冷战之苦，应当成为合作共赢的舞台，而不是地缘政治的棋盘。

       France is a major country with a proud tradition of independence, and has been actively promoting Europe’s strategic autonomy. Strategic autonomy is essential to upholding one’s independence and is a choice that is in Europe’s interest. There is every reason for Europe, a continent that has suffered deeply in the Cold War, to become a stage for win-win cooperation, rather than a geopolitical chessboard.

　　中欧作为全球两大力量、两大市场、两大文明，中法作为联合国安理会常任理事国，中欧关系、中法关系既关乎双方福祉，也关乎全球稳定和繁荣。中方始终视欧洲为多极化世界中的独立一极，我们愿同欧方和法方一道，坚持相互尊重、合作共赢，克服干扰和困难，推动中欧全面战略伙伴关系不断发展。

       China and Europe represent two major forces, markets and civilizations in the world. China and France are both permanent members of the UN Security Council. China-Europe relations and China-France relations concern not only the well-being of the two sides of the relations, but also stability and prosperity of the entire world. China always sees Europe as an independent pole in the multi-polar world. We wish to work with Europe and with France to uphold mutual respect, pursue win-win cooperation, overcome disturbances and difficulties, and take forward the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

　　五、一些观察人士将中俄元首会晤视作两国结成战略联盟，打造多极化世界秩序核心的开端。对此您如何评价？

       Q5: Some observers consider the results of the recent Chinese-Russian summit as the beginning of a strategic alliance to form the nucleus of a multi-polar world order. What is your comment?

　　答：长期以来，中俄关系之所以能够经受住国际风云考验，关键在于找到了一条大国战略互信、邻里友好的相处之道，这条道路坚持不结盟、不对抗、不针对第三方，致力于相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢，完全超越了零和博弈、阵营对垒的旧思维旧模式，既不对世界上任何国家构成威胁，也不受任何第三方的干扰和挑拨，代表着时代进步和历史发展的正确方向。

       Qin Gang: Over the years, China-Russia relations have stood the test of shifting international dynamics. The key is that the two countries have found a path for major countries to build strategic trust and good-neighborliness, a path of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and non-targeting any third party. Committed to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, the China-Russia relationship rises above the old mindset of zero-sum game and bloc rivalry. It poses no threat to any country, and will not be affected by the interference or instigation of any third party. The bilateral relationship is in keeping with the right direction for the advance of the times and the course of history.

　　个别国家总是热衷于炒作“中俄结盟”，这是“以小人之心度君子之腹”，是典型的冷战思维，也反映了他们世界观的过时和贫乏，只看到单极世界中的结盟对抗，看不到多极世界里的合作共赢。

       But still, certain countries are always keen to hype up a so-called “China-Russia alliance”. To quote a Chinese proverb, such acts are “gauging the heart of a gentleman with one’s own mean measure”. They are a typical show of the Cold War mentality and reveal an outdated and narrow worldview, where one sees only the alliances and confrontation in a unipolar world, not the win-win cooperation in a multi-polar one.

　　作为联合国安理会常任理事国和重要大国，中俄将继续致力于推进新时代全面战略协作伙伴关系，维护以联合国为核心的国际体系、以国际法为基础的国际秩序、以联合国宪章宗旨和原则为基础的国际关系基本准则，坚持真正的多边主义，推动世界多极化和国际关系民主化，也为人类发展进步作出应有贡献。

       As permanent members of the UN Security Council and important major countries, China and Russia will continue to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. The two countries will safeguard the UN-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold true multilateralism, promote world multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations, and contribute their due share to the progress of humanity.

　　六、请介绍下中方在乌克兰危机上的立场。习近平主席近期会与泽连斯基总统会面吗？美西方呼吁中国不要向俄罗斯提供武器，并威胁将对华实施制裁，对此中方如何回应？

       Q6: What about the Chinese initiative to solve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis? Will there be an imminent meeting between His Excellency Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Ukrainian counterpart in this regard? The West and America are calling on China to refrain from responding to Russia’s requests to obtain Chinese weapons. What is your comment? What is the expected Chinese response to America’s announcement of imposing sanctions on Beijing due to its position on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis?

　　答：乌克兰危机全面升级一年多来，至今依然形势复杂严峻，令人深感痛惜。现实再次证明，冲突战争没有赢家，制裁打压、火上浇油只会导致冲突螺旋升级。

       Qin Gang: It has been over a year since the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis, and the situation remains complicated and daunting. It is indeed deeply distressing. What happened proves once again that there is no winner in a conflict or war. Sanctions, suppression and provocation would only lead to a spiral of escalation.

　　中国不是乌克兰危机制造者，也不是冲突当事方，但作为联合国安理会常任理事国和负责任大国，我们没有隔岸观火，更没有递刀拱火，而是始终站在和平的一边，站在正义的一边，为和谈发声，为止战尽力，致力于危机的政治解决。

       China did not create the Ukraine crisis, and is not a party to the conflict. Nevertheless, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China does not choose to watch the fire from afar, still less add fuel to the fire. We have stood on the side of peace and justice, and exerted great efforts to facilitate peace talks and cessation of hostilities, working for a political settlement of the crisis. 

　　我们主动提出政治解决的中国主张。习近平主席在危机全面升级之初就提出了“四个应该”，即各国主权、领土完整都应该得到尊重，联合国宪章宗旨和原则都应该得到遵守，各国合理安全关切都应该得到重视，一切有利于和平解决危机的努力都应该得到支持。不久前，中方发布了《关于政治解决乌克兰危机的中国立场》，核心思想就是劝和促谈。

       We put forward our ideas for the political settlement of the issue. President Xi Jinping set out a “four-should” proposal after the full escalation of the crisis, namely, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be fully observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported. Not long ago,  we released the China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, and the core stance is to promote talks for peace. 

　　我们积极凝聚政治解决的国际共识。今年3月，习近平主席访俄期间，同普京总统就乌克兰危机进行了坦诚深入的交流，强调负责任的对话是解决问题的最佳途径。近来，习近平主席同访华的法国、巴西、欧盟等领导人会谈，共同探寻乌克兰危机的政治解决之道。日前，习近平主席应约同乌克兰总统泽连斯基通电话，明确指出对话谈判是唯一可行出路，希望各方通过对话共同为危机的政治解决积累有利条件，共同寻求欧洲长治久安之道。

       We worked vigorously to build international consensus on a political settlement. During his visit to Russia last March, President Xi Jinping had a candid and in-depth discussion with President Putin on the Ukraine crisis and stressed that responsible dialogue is the best way for finding solutions. In his recent talks with the visiting leaders of France, Brazil and the EU, President Xi Jinping discussed with them about the ways for achieving a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Last week, President Xi Jinping talked with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the phone at the latter’s request, in which he clearly underscored that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way forward, and expressed hope for all parties to have dialogue to accumulate favorable conditions for a political settlement and jointly explore ways to bring lasting peace and security to Europe.

　　但令人感到遗憾的是，个别国家为了自身地缘政治私利，不愿看到战火尽快平息，炮制各种谣言谬论抹黑攻击中国，还对中国企业实施无理制裁，甚至借口乌克兰问题加紧向台湾出售武器，干涉中国内政。我相信，世界各国人民的眼睛是雪亮的，谁是谁非，自有公论。中方将继续同国际社会一道，为推动政治解决乌克兰危机发挥建设性作用。同时，我们坚决反对美国的霸权霸道行径，坚定维护自身的正当权益。

       Regrettably, certain countries, for their own geopolitical interests, do not want to see an early end of the conflict. They make up rumors and slanders against China, and impose unwarranted sanctions on Chinese companies. An individual country even uses Ukraine as an excuse to step up its arms sales to Taiwan to interfere in China’s internal affairs. I believe people around the world are clear-eyed about the situation, and will draw their fair conclusion on who is doing the right thing and who is in the wrong here. China will continue to work with the international community and play a constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. At the same time, we firmly oppose the hegemonic and bullying acts of the US and will resolutely safeguard our legitimate rights and interests.

　　七、中国对台湾岛及周边海域关键目标实施了模拟打击，请问打击的范围和规模是什么？近日美国官员再次窜访台湾，还有传闻称美台将举行军演，对此中方如何评论？中美会因台湾而爆发战争吗？

       Q7: China simulated strikes against “main targets in Taiwan”. What are the limits and size of these targets? What are the implications of recent visits by US officials to Taiwan? There is talk about US-Taiwan maneuvers and exercises. What is your comment? Do we expect a US-Chinese war to break out because of the Taiwan crisis?

　　答：台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，我们在台湾问题上坚定捍卫国家主权和领土完整，维护包括台湾人民在内14亿中国人民的权益，要打击的是企图分裂中国、策动台湾独立的势力。

       Qin Gang: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. On the Taiwan question, we stand firm in defending China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and safeguarding the rights and interests of the 1.4 billion Chinese people, including the people of Taiwan. The strikes are targeted at the forces attempting to split China and instigating “Taiwan independence”.

　　当前，台海局势持续紧张，根源在于台湾民进党当局“倚美谋独”，拒不认同一个中国原则。而美方为遏制中国发展，搞所谓“以台制华”，一边声称奉行“一个中国政策”，一边却执意与台湾民进党当局升级官方往来和实质关系；一边说不支持“台独”，一边却向台湾出售先进武器、纵容其“以武谋独”。

       The root cause of the current tension in the Taiwan Strait is the attempt by the DPP authorities in Taiwan to seek “Taiwan independence” by relying on the backing of the US and their refusal to recognize the one-China principle. The US, on its part, is exploiting the Taiwan question to contain China’s development. While claiming to follow a “one-China policy”, the US has kept upgrading its official exchanges and substantive relations with the DPP authorities; while claiming not to support “Taiwan independence”, the US has been selling advanced weaponry to Taiwan and conniving at the DPP authorities’ attempt to seek “Taiwan independence” by force.

　　台湾问题是中国核心利益中的核心。一个中国原则是中国同包括美国在内各国建立和发展关系的关键政治基础，也是二战后国际秩序的重要组成部分。当前，美方在台湾问题上的所作所为，不仅是对一个中国原则的严重违背，更是对战后国际秩序、国际关系基本准则的严重破坏。

       The Taiwan question is the core of China’s core interests. The one-China principle is the key political foundation for the establishment and development of relations between China and other countries, including the US. It is also an important component of the post-war international order. What the US is doing now on the Taiwan question is a gross violation of the one-China principle. It also seriously undermines the post-war international order and the basic norms governing international relations.

　　“台独”是危害台海和平稳定的最大威胁。中方始终坚持以最大诚意、尽最大努力争取和平统一的前景，但也保留采取一切必要措施的选项。美方如果真心希望台海和平稳定，就应该回归一个中国原则的本源本义，恪守中美三个联合公报和美领导人作出的政治承诺，明确反对和制止“台独”，而不是相反。

       “Taiwan independence” is the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China will continue to work with the greatest sincerity and exert its utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification. Meanwhile, we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures. If the US truly wants peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, it should return to the fundamentals of the one-China principle, honor the three China-US communiqués and the political commitments its leaders made, and unequivocally oppose and check “Taiwan independence”, not the other way around.

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8 MAY 2023