China on Japan, Ukraine and Biden getting COVID

(22 Jul 2022) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Beijing – 22 July 2022 1. Wide of news conference 2. Wide of journalists 3. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson: "Japan's new defense whitepaper condemns China's national defense policy, smears China's normal military development and maritime activities, hypes the so-called China threat and interferes in China's internal affairs on the Taiwan issue. China strongly deplores and firmly rejects this and has lodged solemn complaints with the Japanese side." 4. Wide of journalists 5. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson: "We once again urge Japan to earnestly fulfill its international obligations, dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a scientific, open, transparent and safe manner, stop pushing the sea discharge program, and stop pushing the discharge plan before reaching a consensus with all stakeholders and relevant international agencies. If Japan insists on putting its own private interests above the international public interest and taking a dangerous step, it will surely pay a price for its irresponsible behavior and leave a stain in history." 6. Mid of journalists 7. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson: "We welcome this (Ukraine-Russia deal to end food crisis). We hope that the parties concerned will maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiation and accumulate conditions for ending the conflict and achieving peace as soon as possible. This is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community. The international community should continue to support the dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine and strive to achieve more positive results." 8. Mid of journalist 9. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson: "Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a message of sympathy to U.S. President Joe Biden over his COVID-19 infection. In his message, President Xi said: 'Upon learning of Mr. President's infection with the coronavirus, I would like to extend my sincere sympathy and wish you a speedy recovery'." 10. Wide of news conference STORYLINE: China on Friday denounced Japan's annual defense paper that warns of escalating national security threats stemming from Russia's war on Ukraine and China's tensions with Taiwan. The whitepaper "condemns China's national defense policy, smears China's normal military development and maritime activities, hypes the so-called China threat and interferes in China's internal affairs on the Taiwan issue," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. China, Russia and North Korea top Japan's security concerns in the 500-page report. The paper doubled its contents on Taiwan from a previous edition last year. It raised concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its impact on Asia, possibly setting a precedent for what may happen between China and Taiwan. Wang also slammed Japan's nuclear regulator's approval of the the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea next year. Calling the move "extremely irresponsible," Wang warned Japan that it would "pay a price" if it pushed forward the discharge plan. Japan's local fishing communities and neighboring countries have long opposed the release. Asked about a deal that Russia and Ukraine are expected to sign on Friday in an effort to end the world food crisis, Wang said China "welcome" the progress. AP Video shot by: Liu Zheng =========================================================== Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...