SCIO press conference on China's COVID-19 assistance and international development cooperation

CRNTT:

Some part of overseas public opinion suggests that China's foreign aid has not been transparent enough. What measures has the Chinese government taken to increase the transparency of its foreign aid projects? Thank you.

Zhou Liujun:

China's foreign aid has always been open and honest. I should emphasize that a press conference like this one, in which chairman Luo Zhaohui instructs the whole team to take initiative and release information and interact with friends from the media, demonstrates that we prioritize the promotion of foreign aid and increased transparency. Chinese leaders have repeatedly expounded on China's foreign aid policies, concepts, the overall situation and significant measures at major international occasions, such as the UN conferences, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

In recent years, the Chinese government has presented its foreign aid situation through the release of white papers. The first white paper was issued in 2011 by the Chinese government, and it provided a comprehensive and systematic introduction to China's foreign aid policies, funds, methods, distribution and management. In 2014, we issued the second white paper on foreign aid. This white paper gave a comprehensive and objective introduction to aid funds, methods and distribution between 2010 and 2012. In January this year, which marked the third anniversary of the establishment of the CIDCA, we took the opportunity to issue a white paper entitled "China's International Development Cooperation in the New Era." It focuses on the international community's interests in China's international development cooperation and outlines China's principles and policies for international development cooperation following the 18th CPC National Congress. Moreover, it highlights the positive contributions China's international development has made in terms of building a community with a shared future for mankind in the new era. It also proactively responds to the international community's concerns.

I want to emphasize that, after the establishment of the CIDCA, we immediately launched an official website, WeChat public account and overseas social media accounts. Friends from the media have been welcome to visit and browse. The channels are an easy way for the public at home and abroad to get information about China's foreign aid. We will continue to explain the foreign aid situation to the public and release relevant information and data in a timely manner through the various channels. Thank you again for your concern, interest and support. Thank you.