In a recent press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning criticized U.S. visa restrictions on Cuba, called for dialogue to resolve the Ukraine crisis, and urged Japan to acknowledge its historical actions. He confirmed China’s partnerships in deep-sea mining with Kiribati and addressed Chinese-Tai relations amid a visit from Thai ministers.
During a regular press conference on March 19, 2025, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning addressed concerns related to U.S. visa restrictions on Cuba’s medical missions. These restrictions, which the U.S. labels as “forced labor,” have faced criticism from CARICOM foreign ministers and Caribbean leaders. Mao highlighted Cuba’s significant contributions to global health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that more than 600,000 Cuban medical personnel have provided services to over 230 million people while saving over 12 million lives. He denounced the U.S. narrative as an excuse for its longstanding sanctions against Cuba, urging the cessation of coercive diplomacy and the removal of Cuba from the terrorism list.
On the topic of the recent conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Russia-U.S. relations and Ukraine, Mao expressed China’s consistent position advocating for dialogue to resolve the Ukraine crisis. China welcomes efforts for a ceasefire and believes that negotiations are crucial for achieving peace.
Responding to allegations regarding Chinese companies’ activities in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, Mao maintained that China’s position on Ukraine remains unchanged and is guided by the principles established by President Xi Jinping.
Mao discussed Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s upcoming visit to Japan amid tensions surrounding the Taiwan Strait and Japan’s historical responsibilities regarding Taiwan. The visit will focus on the China-Japan relationship, which Mao described as being at a critical juncture for improvement. He urged Japan to uphold pledges that support a constructive bilateral relationship and expressed hopes for progress in their discussions.
Addressing reports of a deep-sea mining partnership with Kiribati, Mao confirmed China’s commitment to cooperative endeavors grounded in mutual respect and adherence to international law. Additionally, concerning Thai ministers visiting Xinjiang to meet deported Uyghurs, Mao referred inquiries to relevant authorities while stressing lawful cooperation between China and Thailand in such matters.
Lastly, as the 80th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression approaches, Mao urged Japan to confront its historical actions and adhere to peaceful development principles, advocating for mutual trust and collaboration to further enhance China-Japan relations into the future.
The recent press conference with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted China’s firm stance against U.S. actions concerning Cuba, reiterated support for dialogue in the Ukraine crisis, and emphasized the importance of historical accountability in China-Japan relations. Furthermore, Mao reaffirmed China’s commitment to cooperative international endeavors and addressed queries regarding recent diplomatic engagements. The developments underscore China’s emphasis on multilateral cooperation and dialogue amidst geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: www.mfa.gov.cn
