Q: On February 14, the Sweden’s Statement of Foreign Policy 2024 was presented during the Foreign Policy debate in the Riksdag. Do you have any comment on the content related to China in the statement?

A: Democracy is the right of the people in every country, rather than the prerogative of a few nations. There are no identical political systems in the world, neither is there a political model that fits all. Given the different national conditions, each country's political system should be determined by its own people. For democracy, there is nothing can be said to be the best, while there is always scope for improvement. Democracy takes different forms, and there is no one-size-fits-all model. It would be undemocratic in itself to measure the diverse political systems in the world with a single yardstick or to examine different political civilizations from a single perspective. Only the people of the country are entitled to the final say on whether the country is democratic or not. The Chinese people have full confidence in the development path chosen by themselves. The history and facts have proven that this is a successful path which suits China’s national conditions and can lead to national prosperity and people’s happiness. We are eager to learn from the conducive achievements of other civilizations, and welcome helpful suggestions and constructive criticism. We will not, however, accept sanctimonious preaching from those who feel they have the right to lecture us. Democracy cannot be carried out mechanically or to be imposed upon others, and should not be used as political tools to intensify ideological or bloc confrontation. All countries should uphold the principle of equality and nondiscrimination, respect others’ models of democracy, share experience with others while exploring their own paths, prosper respectively and together, and contribute their due share to human progress.

The one-China principle is common consensus of the international community and a universally-recognized norm governing international relations. It is also the political foundation for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with relevant countries. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese and brooks no foreign interference. “Taiwan independence” is irreconcilable with cross-Strait peace and stability, just like fire and water. The separatist activities by “Taiwan independence” elements in Taiwan and the support and connivance of foreign forces are the biggest threat to peace in the Taiwan Straits. To ensure real peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, it is absolutely essential to unequivocally oppose any act for “Taiwan independence”. No one cherishes cross-Strait peace more than us in China. We are committed to striving for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But we will not accept any attempt by anyone or any force to curb our effort in stopping separatist activities for “Taiwan independence”. And we will not allow anyone or any force to meddle in China’s internal affairs under the disguise of seeking peace. No one should underestimate the firm resolve, stance will and strong ability of the Chinese people in safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will achieve national reunification and Taiwan will inevitably return to the embrace of the motherland. We urge the Swedish side to abide by basic norms governing international relations, honor its political commitments made to the Chinese side and take concrete actions to uphold cross-Strait peace and stability.

The so-called oppression of the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China is completely false. There are 56 ethnic groups in China. The Uyghurs are equal members of the big family of the Chinese nation. At present, Xinjiang enjoys social stability, sustained economic growth, ethnic unity, religious harmony and continuous improvement in people’s livelihood. These facts are there for international community to see. The accusations against Xinjiang’s human rights situation and so-called Uyghur cultural genocide are nothing but distortion of facts and confusion of right and wrong. We firmly oppose interference in China’s internal affairs using Xinjiang-related issues. Facts have repeatedly proven that moves to politicize human rights issues and practice double standards are unpopular in the world. Any attempt to use Xinjiang-related issues to suppress and contain China will never succeed. Lies can not cover up the truth, and those who seek to smear China by manipulating Xinjiang-related issues will not have their way. China welcomes friends from all countries to visit Xinjiang and experience first-hand Xinjiang’s social stability, economic prosperity, ethnic harmony and freedom of belief.