Q: On the early morning of January 3 local time, Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in an airstrike at Baghdad's airport. The US confirmed it launched the attack. Does China have any comment?

A: China has been closely following the relevant situation. We oppose the use of force in international relations and believe that all sides should earnestly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected, and peace and stability of the Gulf Region in the Middle East must be upheld. We urge the relevant parties, the US side in particular, to remain calm and restrained and avoid further escalating the tensions.

Q: Does China have any comment on what comes out of the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea?

A: The 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea has concluded and released a communique. We noted that this meeting reviewed the recent achievements made by the DPRK in various fields, especially in the economic field and pointed out the goals and direction for its future social and economic development. As a friendly close neighbor, China supports the DPRK in remaining committed to developing its economy, improving its people's living standards, and striving to make new achievements in its socialist cause.

The communique also sent out important information about the DPRK-US relations. China hopes that the DPRK and the US will resume dialogue as soon as possible and achieve outcomes, meet each other halfway for positive interaction, and work to break the deadlock and make new progress in the political settlement of the Peninsula issue.

Q: Russia assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1. It reportedly made some proposals on future BIRCS cooperation. Does China have any specific expectations on Russia's presidency and the BRICS cooperation this year?

A: BRICS is a cooperation mechanism with global influence among emerging markets and developing countries. In recent years, there has been a growing cohesion within BRICS countries, as BRICS countries enjoy stronger practical cooperation and rising influence and ascend to become a significant force in international affairs.

The international landscape we are facing today is very complicated against the headwind of rampant unilateralism, protectionism, power politics and bullying practices. The international community is attentively watching how BRICS countries react to these challenges and play a constructive role in international affairs. As this year's president, Russia plans to hold the 12th BRICS summit in Saint Petersburg. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of states, China-Russia relations are marching into a new era of mutual support, in-depth integration, innovation and mutual benefit. China fully supports Russia in its presidency and will closely collaborate with Russia and other BRICS countries to ensure the success of the Saint Petersburg summit.

As BRICS enters into the "year of Russia", China hopes that BRICS cooperation will make new progress and achieve new outcomes. BRICS countries will consolidate their strategic partnership, advance the three-pillar-driven cooperation in the areas of economy, peace and security and people-to-people exchanges, and expand "BRICS plus" cooperation. China also hopes that BRICS countries will play a positive role in safeguarding world peace and development, championing international fairness and justice, adhering to multilateralism and the multilateral trading system, and make greater contribution to the building of the community with a shared future for mankind.

Q: A follow-up question on US air strikes in Baghdad. Does China think this operation was a lawful act? Iran official said that Iran will take revenge for the general's assassination. What influence will this have on the situation in the region?

A: Like I just said, we oppose the wanton use of force or threat of use of force in international relations and believe that all sides should follow the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations to handle their relations and resolve differences. Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected, and peace and stability of the Gulf Region in the Middle East must be upheld. We urge the relevant parties, the US side in particular, to remain calm and restrained and avoid further escalating the tensions. This serves the interests of all parties.

Q: Iranian General Soleimani, who has had the most important role in combating and defeating ISIS, al-Nusra and other terrorist groups in the region, has been assassinated by the US forces in Baghdad early this morning. How do you evaluate this provocative act and its effects on Middle East peace and stability ?

A: As I said, China has been closely following the relevant situation. We oppose the use of force in international relations and believe that all sides should earnestly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected, and peace and stability of the Gulf Region in the Middle East must be upheld. We urge the relevant parties, the US side in particular, to remain calm and restrained and avoid further escalating the tensions.