Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on September 21

　   问：据报道，美国务院9月20日宣布，因中方违反“通过制裁打击美国对手法”，将对中国中央军委装备发展部及该部负责人实施制裁。中方对此有何评论？ 

　　答：中方对美方上述无理做法表示强烈愤慨，并已提出严正交涉。 

　　美方有关做法严重违反国际关系基本准则，严重损害中美两国、两军关系。我们强烈敦促美方立即纠正错误，撤销所谓制裁，否则美方必须承担由此造成的后果。 

Q: According to reports, the US Department of State announced on September 20 that it would impose sanctions on the Equipment Development Department (EDD) of the Central Military Commission and its director for violating the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). What's your comment? 

A: The Chinese expresses strong indignation at this above-mentioned unreasonable action by the US and has lodged solemn representations. 

The relevant US action has seriously violated the basic norms governing international relations and seriously damaged the relations between the two countries and the two militaries. We strongly urge the US side to immediately correct their mistake and withdraw their so-called sanctions, otherwise the US will have to bear the consequences. 

　　问：美国国务院表示将通过实施制裁，敦促与俄罗斯国防和情报部门有合作关系的国家终止合作。中俄是否将继续在有关领域保持合作？ 

　　答：中俄是全面战略协作伙伴。双方一直按照平等互信、互利共赢的原则，在包括防务在内的各领域保持着正常的交流与合作。有关合作旨在维护两国的正当利益，维护地区的和平与稳定，不违反国际法，也不针对第三方。我们将同俄方一道，继续落实两国领导人达成的重要共识，推动两国战略协作向更高水平发展。 

Q: The US State Department also said that it will continue to pursue sanctions and urge countries to end relations with Russian defense and intelligence sectors. I wonder if China will still continue to cooperate with Russia in the relevant area? 

A: China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners of coordination. Our two sides maintain normal exchanges and cooperation in defense and other areas with the principle of equality, mutual trust and mutual benefit. The relevant cooperation aims to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of our two countries and uphold regional peace and stability. It does not violate international law or target any third party. We will join hands with Russia to continue to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of our two countries and elevate our strategic coordination to a higher level. 

　　问：我们是不是可以这样认为，中俄防务领域合作将继续下去，不受美国制裁的干扰？ 

　　答：我想我刚才的回答已经很清楚了。 

　　问：你能否提供关于梵蒂冈代表团访华的细节？他们何时来华？将同中方哪位官员会面？ 

　　答：关于这个问题，我已经回答过好几次了。 

　　我目前没有可以提供的消息。中梵之间保持着有效的接触和沟通。 

Q: Should we presume that the defense cooperation between China and Russia would continue as it is without any disruptions, despite the US sanctions? 

A: I think the response I have given just now is clear-cut enough. 

Q: Do you have any details on the visit of the Vatican delegation? When are they coming? Who will they meet? 

A: As to this question, I have responded to it many times. 

I have no information to offer to you at this point. China and the Vatican maintain effective contact and communication.