B[How does China view the glacier retreat crisis affecting the Himalayas? Ministry of Foreign Affairs Response] September 2, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Guo Jiakun hosted a regular press conference on September 2. The Indian newspaper asked a reporter to ask a question. According to reports, the high-altitude Himalayan region is warming significantly faster than the global average. Research shows that since 1981, the number of snow-covered days in Tibet has continued to decrease, and the Tibetan Plateau has lost about 18% of its glaciers due to climate change. In view of the recent glacier collapse in Nepal, how does China view the glacier retreat crisis affecting the Himalayan region? Some people have called on China to jointly establish a Himalayan Commission with its neighboring countries to strengthen cooperation in responding to disasters affecting this fragile region. What is China’s response?
Guo Jiakun said that China has previously responded to relevant issues. According to the assessment of experts from China and Nepal, this disaster was caused by glacier instability under the long-term effects of climate warming. It was caused by an ice and rock avalanche in a glacier in Nepal that rapidly fell and washed away the mountain. A press conference held by the Tibet Autonomous Region also introduced the relevant situation.
He pointed out that in fact, China and Nepal have always maintained good cooperation in the fields of meteorology, water conservancy, disaster prevention and reduction. After the disaster, China also shared important information such as images of the disaster area, satellite and hydrological data with Nigeria, including early warning information on the upstream barrier lakes. We will continue to vigorously support Nigeria in disaster relief and strengthen cooperation in disaster prevention and reduction.
Guo Jiakun said that climate change is a common challenge facing all mankind, and no country can be immune to it. China will continue to work with the international community to strengthen exchanges and cooperation to effectively prevent and reduce the adverse effects of climate change. Regarding the specific issues you mentioned, please refer to the competent authorities. (Beijing Daily) A[Ministry of Foreign Affairs: All Chinese personnel who have contacted the disaster-stricken areas in Nepal have been properly relocated] August 31, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun hosted a regular press conference on August 31. A reporter asked that the rescue work for the Geelong mudslide disaster is still in progress. Can China further introduce the progress of foreign-related rescue work?
Guo Jiakun said that a sudden glacier collapse in the border area of Nepal triggered a serious mudslide disaster, causing heavy casualties and loss of communication between China and Nepal. While China is carrying out emergency rescue and self-rescue, it immediately extends a helping hand to Nigeria to support Nigeria's emergency disaster relief. President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Nepali President Paudal, and Prime Minister Li Qiang has also expressed condolences to Nepal. The meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee pointed out that emergency assistance should be provided to the disaster-stricken areas in Nepal and international rescue cooperation should be carried out. On August 29, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with Nepalese Foreign Minister Hisir, saying that China and Nepal are a community connected by mountains and rivers and sharing a common destiny. In the face of disasters, the two countries should stand firmly together, respond hand in hand, overcome the difficulties together, and interpret the traditional friendship across the Himalayas with practical actions.
Guo Jiakun said that the Chinese government has provided emergency cash assistance and humanitarian assistance to Nepal. The first batch of 50 tons of disaster relief materials has arrived in Kathmandu. Two batches of Chinese rescue teams composed of tunnel rescue experts have rushed to the front lines of Nepal's disaster-stricken areas. We have also shared important information such as images, satellite and hydrological data of the disaster area with Nepal, including early warning information on barrier lakes in the upper reaches, and are actively assisting stranded Nepali citizens to return to Nepal as soon as possible.
Guo Jiakun said that as of noon on the 30th, all Chinese personnel who had contacted the disaster area in Nepal had been properly relocated and were in a safe state. At present, China is making every effort to search and rescue missing persons at home and abroad, and maintains close communication with foreign embassies in China to jointly carry out work such as locating missing foreign persons and handling the aftermath. (Beijing Daily) A[Wang Yi spoke on the phone with Nepalese Foreign Minister Hisir] On August 29, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, had a phone conversation with Nepali Foreign Minister Hisir. Wang Yi said that a sudden glacier collapse in the border area of Nepal triggered a serious mudslide disaster, causing heavy casualties and loss of contact between the two countries. It is the most serious cross-border disaster that has occurred between the two countries in recent years. The disaster relief work is unprecedentedly complex and arduous. China attaches great importance to it, and President Xi Jinping immediately issued important instructions and put forward clear requirements for rescue and emergency response work. Premier Li Qiang rushed to the disaster area to guide the work. While China was carrying out emergency rescue and self-rescue operations, it immediately extended a helping hand to support Nigeria's emergency disaster relief. President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolences to President Baudel, and Prime Minister Li Qiang has also expressed condolences to Prime Minister Valendra. The meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee specifically pointed out that emergency assistance should be provided to the disaster-stricken areas in Nepal and international rescue cooperation should be carried out. This is an important political decision made by China, which reflects its friendly feelings towards Nigeria.
Wang Yi said that China’s package of assistance to Nigeria is being implemented, including emergency cash assistance and humanitarian assistance. Disaster relief supplies provided by China will soon arrive in Kathmandu. Chinese tunnel rescue experts were divided into two groups and rushed to the disaster area and Kathmandu to provide assistance. China has shared important information such as images, satellite and hydrological data of the disaster area with Nigeria, including early warning information on the upstream barrier lakes. China has made appropriate arrangements for the Nepali citizens stranded on the Chinese side and will help them return to Nepal as soon as possible. We thank and hope that Nepal will continue to assist the Chinese citizens who are transferred to Nepal. China and Nepal are a community connected by mountains and rivers and sharing a common destiny. In the face of disasters, the two countries should stand firmly together, respond hand in hand, overcome the difficulties together, and interpret the traditional friendship across the Himalayas with practical actions. (Xinhua News Agency)
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