AFP: Can you give any confirmation or details today about the reported restrictions on Australian imports?

Wang Wenbin: I took similar questions many times in recent days. I'd like to emphasize that the Chinese competent authorities' measures on foreign imports are in line with Chinese laws and regulations and international customary practices, and are responsible for Chinese consumers and domestic industries. They are reasonable, legitimate and thus beyond reproach.

Opening up is China's basic state policy. Upholding a vision of openness, cooperation, solidarity and mutual benefit, China will stay committed to greater opening up. We act on our words. The measures we announced at the second CIIE to deepen opening up have been implemented in an all-round manner. Over the past year, China's import of goods and services grew much faster than the global average. The third CIIE is being held as scheduled despite the pandemic, and companies across the world are proactively participating. The World Bank's Doing Business Report 2020 ranks China higher at the 31st place in the world. Judging by the facts, there's no doubt that China has achieved tangible outcomes in advancing opening up and win-win cooperation.

I noticed that some in Australia have recently been questioning China's measures, with some even accusing China of violating international trade rules. I'd like to point out that since 2018, more than 10 Chinese investment projects have been rejected by Australia citing ambiguous and unfounded "national security concerns". That includes banning Chinese companies from its 5G network building and putting restrictions in areas like infrastructure, agriculture and animal husbandry. So far Australia has launched as many as 106 anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations against Chinese products, while China only initiated four investigations against Australian goods. Between China and Australia, which country is breaching the principles of market economy and the bilateral free trade agreement? And which country is reneging on its commitments, undermining cooperation and taking discriminatory measures? The facts are all too clear.

As we underscored repeatedly, mutual respect is the basis and prerequisite for state-to-state cooperation. Once again we urge some in Australia to reflect upon their deeds, do more things that are conducive to mutual trust, cooperation and the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, and create favorable conditions and atmosphere for bilateral practical cooperation across the board.