China has responded to questions concerning Philippine nationals in China, India’s decision to issue new “standard names” for locations in Arunachal Pradesh, and fresh U.S. sanctions targeting Cuban entities and individuals.

The comments were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press briefing, where Beijing outlined its positions on all three issues.

China Addresses Action Against Philippine Nationals

Responding to a question from the Global Times about Philippine nationals recently being investigated and handled in China, Guo Jiakun said China’s national immigration authorities have consistently strengthened supervision of foreigners who illegally enter, live or work in the country.

According to Guo, Chinese authorities recently carried out special operations in accordance with the law. He said action was taken against more than 100 Philippine nationals suspected of illegally working or living in China.

Guo stressed that the measures were conducted according to Chinese law and said immigration officials acted in a “standard and civil manner” during the operations.

He also stated that authorities ensured the protection of the rights and interests of the foreign nationals involved.

The Global Times question also asked whether the action could be viewed as a response to the Philippines’ frequent detention of Chinese nationals.

Guo’s response focused on China’s immigration enforcement measures and did not directly characterize the actions as retaliation against the Philippines.

China Rejects India’s New Names for Arunachal Pradesh Locations

Bloomberg asked China about India’s reported issuance on August 7 of “standard names” for 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs reportedly said that formally identifying the locations was intended to facilitate their accurate recognition and increase public awareness.

China strongly rejected the move.

Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing’s position that the Zangnan region is Chinese territory. He said China does not recognize what it describes as the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh” established by India.

According to Guo, India’s attempt to replace names that have long been used by China with its own “standard names” is “illegal, null and void.”

He further argued that changing or standardizing geographical names cannot alter China’s territorial position.

“Still less will it change the fact that Zangnan region belongs to China,” Guo said.

The latest remarks underline Beijing’s continued opposition to India’s naming and administrative measures concerning the disputed region.

China Criticizes New U.S. Sanctions on Cuba

Prensa Latina also asked Beijing about the United States imposing additional sanctions on Cuban companies and individuals, reportedly citing military cooperation involving China and Cuba as well as Cuba and Russia.

China again criticized Washington’s unilateral sanctions and its broader policy toward Cuba.

Guo Jiakun said China has repeatedly made its position clear and urged the United States to lift its sanctions and blockade against Cuba as soon as possible.

He rejected Washington’s characterization of China-Cuba cooperation, stating that the cooperation between the two countries is “above board.”

Guo also accused the United States of attempting to interfere in normal cooperation between China and Cuba.

China, he said, will continue to firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and opposing external interference.

Three Issues, One Consistent Message From Beijing

The three exchanges highlight Beijing’s positions on several sensitive international issues.

On the Philippines, China emphasized enforcement of its immigration laws and said action against foreign nationals illegally working or living in the country was conducted according to law.

On Arunachal Pradesh, Beijing rejected India’s latest geographical naming measures and reiterated its territorial claim over what it calls Zangnan.

On Cuba, China opposed U.S. sanctions and defended its cooperation with Havana, while calling for an end to Washington’s sanctions and blockade.

The comments reflect China’s broader emphasis on sovereignty, opposition to what it describes as external interference, and its insistence that disputes involving territorial claims and international cooperation should not be altered through unilateral measures.

Disclaimer: This article is based on statements attributed to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press briefing. Territorial claims and descriptions of disputed regions represent the positions of the respective governments and should not be interpreted as an independent determination of sovereignty.