Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s Regular Press Conference on November 28, 2025

Release of China’s New White Paper on Arms Control

On November 28, the Chinese government issued a white paper titled China’s Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in the New Era. This marks the first comprehensive statement on China’s policy in this area in 20 years. Guo Jiakun noted that earlier white papers were released in 1995 and 2005. He said this year carries historical significance as it marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the founding of the United Nations.

According to Guo Jiakun, the current global security and arms control landscape is challenging, with frequent regional conflicts and an escalating international arms race. He said humanity once again faces a critical choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, and cooperation and zero-sum competition. The white paper outlines China’s perspectives on international security and arms control in the new era, and describes China’s actions and achievements in international arms control efforts over the past 20 years, particularly since the 18th National Congress of the CPC. He said the document reflects China’s sense of responsibility in contributing to global security governance and maintaining international peace.

The white paper highlights China’s consistent participation in international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. It states that China is committed to improving the international security environment, strengthening security cooperation, addressing global security challenges and enhancing global security governance. Guo Jiakun said China seeks to promote world peace, support global development and defend international order.

He added that issuing the new white paper is a concrete step toward implementing the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. He said China will continue to uphold peace and justice regardless of changes in the international landscape and is willing to work with all peace-loving countries to support a multipolar world and inclusive globalization. He said China aims to strengthen the international arms control system under the framework of the United Nations and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

China’s Position on Statements by Japan’s Prime Minister

Responding to a question on Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi’s comment regarding Taiwan’s legal status, Guo Jiakun said China’s recovery of Taiwan was a result of the victory in WWII and forms part of the postwar international order. He cited several documents with legal effect, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which he said affirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. He stated that the issue of Taiwan’s status was resolved in 1945 and that the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 represented a change of government rather than a change in China’s legal status or territorial boundaries.

Guo Jiakun referred to the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, noting Japan’s recognition of the PRC as the sole legal government of China and Japan’s understanding and respect for China’s position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory. He said the Treaty of San Francisco was formed without the participation of key WWII parties such as the PRC and the Soviet Union, and violated the Declaration by United Nations of 1942 and the UN Charter. He said any content in the treaty related to China, including Taiwan, is invalid.

He criticized Prime Minister Takaichi for not referencing the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, and instead citing what he described as the invalid Treaty of San Francisco. He said the remarks undermine the political foundation of China-Japan relations, challenge the UN’s authority and distort the postwar international order. He urged Japan to correct its position, retract the remarks and fulfill its commitments as a UN member state.

China-South Africa Initiative Supporting African Modernization

Discussing the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa, Guo Jiakun said it was a key outcome of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024. The initiative, jointly announced by Premier Li Qiang and South Africa at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, has received broad attention and recognition.

He said the initiative aligns with the G20 Summit theme, the AU Agenda 2063 and Africa’s current priorities. It calls for upholding six principles in cooperation with Africa: justice and equitability, openness and win-win cooperation, people-centered development, diversity and inclusiveness, sustainable development and peace and security. The initiative identifies several key cooperation fields, including trade facilitation, green development, poverty reduction, healthcare, climate change, localized enterprise development and value chain enhancement. It aims to support African countries in pursuing modernization paths consistent with their national conditions and enhancing their representation in global affairs.

Guo Jiakun said China remains a steadfast partner in supporting Africa’s modernization and called on African nations and development partners to engage with the initiative, respect Africa’s choices and support its efforts toward peace and development.

Views on Japan’s Interpretation of Prime Minister Takaichi’s Remarks

In response to comments from the leader of Japan’s main opposition party, who suggested that Prime Minister Takaichi had effectively retracted her remarks by no longer referencing them, Guo Jiakun said the two are not equivalent. He said “not referring to” the remarks is different from “retracting” them. He called attempts to downplay or dismiss the remarks self-deceiving and reiterated China’s firm opposition.

Response to Reports on U.S.-Japan Communications

Addressing reports that U.S. President Trump asked Prime Minister Takaichi to lower the volume on Taiwan, Guo Jiakun said he would not comment on communication between the U.S. and Japan. He reiterated that the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair and does not tolerate external interference.

UN Special Rapporteur’s Remarks on U.S. Measures Against Cuba

Guo Jiakun commented on the findings of UN Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan following her visit to Cuba. He said her preliminary conclusions align with the recent UN General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba. He said China opposes the blockade and sanctions and urges the U.S. to lift the measures and remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

China’s Comment on Flooding in Thailand

Regarding reports that flooding in southern Thailand has caused at least 41 deaths, Guo Jiakun expressed sympathy for the victims. He said the flooding resulted from several days of heavy rain and caused significant casualties and economic losses. He expressed confidence that affected communities would recover under the Thai government’s leadership.

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