China has addressed a wide range of international issues, including the deadly earthquake in Colombia, criticism over a Chinese missile test, Chinese investment in Spain, the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, tensions along the China-India border and military drills near Taiwan.

The comments were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing, where journalists raised questions concerning China’s position on several major international and regional developments.

China Expresses Condolences Over Colombia Earthquake

China expressed condolences following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake reported in Colombia on August 10, Beijing time. According to the information presented at the briefing, the disaster had resulted in more than 100 deaths and thousands of injuries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, expressing deep condolences over those who lost their lives and sympathy to the victims’ families and those injured.

Guo Jiakun said China believes that under the leadership of the Colombian government and President de la Espriella, the Colombian people will work together to recover from the disaster and rebuild affected areas.

China also said it is prepared to provide assistance where appropriate, depending on Colombia’s needs.

Regarding Chinese nationals in Colombia, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said there had been no reports of Chinese citizens being killed or injured in the earthquake at the time of the briefing. The Chinese embassy in Colombia was working to verify the safety of Chinese nationals in affected areas and provide necessary assistance.

Chinese nationals in Colombia were also advised to remain cautious because of potential secondary hazards following the earthquake.

China Rejects Criticism Over Missile Test

Another major issue raised during the briefing concerned a joint statement issued by the United States and certain countries at the Conference on Disarmament.

The statement reportedly criticized recent missile testing activity in the Pacific, alleging that the tests did not follow standard practices for providing advance notification. The countries argued that such activity could increase the risk of miscalculation and undermine regional stability.

The statement was widely viewed as referring to China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test conducted in July.

Guo Jiakun strongly rejected the criticism, accusing the United States and other countries involved of using arms-control mechanisms for political purposes.

He said the move demonstrated what China described as hypocrisy and double standards. Beijing urged the relevant countries to stop what it called the abuse of multilateral arms-control mechanisms.

China called for replacing confrontation with dialogue and creating conditions for greater communication and cooperation in the field of arms control.

China Calls for Fair Environment for SAIC Investment in Spain

The Foreign Ministry was also asked about reports that Chinese automaker SAIC Motor plans to establish its first European factory in Ferrol, Spain.

The proposed investment has reportedly attracted attention because of the project’s proximity to sensitive military and shipbuilding facilities. Spanish authorities are evaluating the investment from economic, industrial, employment and national-security perspectives.

Guo said China had noted positive comments from Spain’s central and local governments regarding the project.

Beijing said it is willing to continue deepening practical cooperation with Spain based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

China also urged Spain to provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies operating in the country.

China Says Military Cooperation With Cambodia Is Not Linked to Border Dispute

The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute was another key topic at the briefing.

Asked about reports concerning Chinese military equipment cooperation with Cambodia, Guo reiterated that China is a friendly neighbor of both Cambodia and Thailand and maintains normal military equipment cooperation with both countries.

According to Beijing, such cooperation is not directed against any third party and has no connection with the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.

China said it maintains open communication with both governments and that both Cambodia and Thailand understand Beijing’s position.

Guo emphasized that Cambodia and Thailand will remain neighboring countries and said resolving their border differences quickly would serve the long-term interests of people in both nations.

China said it has been making efforts to encourage dialogue and peace between the two sides, including supporting an early ceasefire and the resumption of bilateral contacts.

Beijing called on Cambodia and Thailand to work toward a peaceful settlement through friendly consultations and said China is prepared to continue playing a constructive role.

China Says China-India Border Situation Is Generally Stable

Questions were also raised about reports on Indian social media alleging increased Chinese military activity near the disputed China-India border.

Bloomberg and Reuters asked whether a recent military incident had occurred and whether China had increased military activity in the area.

Guo Jiakun said the China-India border situation is currently generally stable.

He pointed to the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs, which was held the previous week.

According to Guo, China and India agreed to maintain communication through both diplomatic and military channels and to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas.

The Chinese statement did not confirm reports of a new military incident or provide details supporting claims of increased military activity.

China Declines to Comment on Taiwan Drills Question

The final issue concerned Taiwan and reported Chinese navigation drills in waters east of the island.

The Financial Times asked about a statement from Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which reportedly condemned the drills, describing them as a threat to regional security and an attempt to create an impression that Beijing exercises jurisdiction over waters east of Taiwan.

Guo Jiakun declined to address the matter directly.

He said the question did not concern foreign affairs and referred journalists to information previously released by China’s Ministry of National Defense.

China Reiterates Positions on Regional and International Issues

The briefing highlighted Beijing’s positions on several sensitive international issues, ranging from disaster relief and arms control to investment, border disputes and regional security.

China emphasized humanitarian support for Colombia following the earthquake, rejected criticism of its missile testing, called for fair treatment of Chinese companies in Spain and maintained that its military cooperation with Cambodia is unrelated to the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute.

On the China-India border, Beijing described the situation as generally stable and pointed to continued diplomatic and military communication between the two sides.

Meanwhile, regarding the reported drills near Taiwan, China’s Foreign Ministry directed questions to the country’s Defense Ministry rather than commenting directly.

The statements collectively reflect Beijing’s continued emphasis on dialogue, non-interference, diplomatic communication and what it describes as mutually beneficial international cooperation, while firmly rejecting criticism it considers politically motivated.

Disclaimer

This article is based on statements attributed to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press briefing and reports provided in the source material. The views and claims described above are those of the respective governments or officials and should not be interpreted as independently verified facts by this publication. Readers should consult multiple credible sources for additional context and verification.