2020年4月27日外交部发言人耿爽主持例行记者会
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang’s Regular Press Conference on April 27, 2020
当前，非洲新冠肺炎疫情快速蔓延，非洲国家抗疫任务艰巨。为进一步加大对非洲国家抗疫工作的技术支持，中国外交部会同中国国家卫健委将组织召开“中非连线、携手抗疫”系列视频技术交流会，届时中国抗疫专家将同非洲国家政府官员和专家围绕疫情防控策略、临床救治、检测方法、边境检疫、风险评估等主题进行专题交流。首次会议将于北京时间今天下午4点举行。
The COVID-19 pandemic is fast spreading in Africa, posing daunting challenges to African countries. To provide further technical support to Africa, the Foreign Ministry and the National Health Commission will organize a series of video conferences on technical exchange on COVID-19, during which Chinese medical professionals will share their know-how with African officials and experts on epidemic prevention and control, clinical diagnosis and treatment, test methods, border quarantine and risk assessment. The first conference will be held at 4pm (Beijing time) today.
中方对非洲疫情形势和面临的挑战感同身受，已经并将继续在力所能及的范围内向非洲国家提供各种形式的支持和帮助。中方将根据疫情发展和非洲国家的需要和愿望，向非洲国家提供更多抗疫物资，派遣更多医疗专家组，加快推进非洲疾控中心建设，加强中非公共卫生和疾病防控合作。我们愿与非方共同努力，夺取抗疫斗争的最终胜利。
China deeply relates to what Africa is experiencing in face of challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19. We have provided and will continue to provide our utmost support and assistance to African countries through various means. In light of the development of the epidemics and African countries’ needs, China will offer more anti-epidemic supplies, send more medical teams, accelerate the building of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and step up China-Africa cooperation in public health and disease prevention and control. We are ready to work with Africa to achieve the final victory against COVID-19.
韩国广播电视台记者：报道称，最近中国向朝鲜派遣了医疗队，帮助朝鲜应对新冠肺炎。但也有报道称中方医疗队赴朝是为了对金正恩委员长进行治疗。目前中方已经向朝鲜派遣了医疗专家组吗？如果是，这是否与金正恩委员长的健康状况有关？
KBS: It is reported that China recently sent a medical team to the DPRK to help it deal with COVID-19. But there are also reports that the team was to treat Chairman Kim Jong Un’s condition. Has China sent a medical team to the DPRK? If so, does it have something to do with Chairman Kim’s health?
耿爽：你把两件事联系到一起了，我恐怕要分开来说。
Geng Shuang: You put the two things together, but I’m afraid I’ll answer them separately.
关于第一个问题，据了解，新冠肺炎疫情发生以后，国际红十字会等国际机构曾向朝鲜提供过防疫物资援助。中方也向朝方提供了一些检测试剂，以备不时之需。当前疫情在全球快速蔓延，中国将继续在做好国内疫情防控的同时，在力所能及的范围内，向有需要的国家提供援助。
First, after the COVID-19 broke out, as far as I know, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international institutions gave the DPRK anti-epidemic supplies. China has also provided the DPRK with testing reagents in case they might be needed. As the pandemic is spreading rapidly around the world, while containing it at home, China will continue to provide assistance to countries in need to the best of our ability.
关于你的第二个问题，上周的记者会曾有类似提问。我当时说，不知有关报道的消息源是哪里。对你刚才的提问，我同样也要说，不知道有关报道的消息源何在，我目前没有信息可以提供。
As for your second question, I recall a similar one was asked last week, and I said I don’t know the source of the news story. To your question, I don’t know where such news came from either, and I have no information to offer at the moment.
日本广播协会记者：中方派医疗队前往朝鲜是为了协助应对疫情吗？
NHK: Has China sent a medical team to the DPRK to help deal with COVID-19?
耿爽：我刚才说的是，中方向朝方提供了一些检测试剂，以备不时之需。检测试剂跟医疗队是两个概念。而且我也说了，当前疫情在全球蔓延，中方将在做好国内防控工作的同时，继续在力所能及的范围内向有需要的国家提供帮助。
Geng Shuang: What I just said is that the Chinese side has provided the DPRK with some testing reagents in case they might be needed. Testing reagents and a medical team are two different concepts. I have also said that as the pandemic is spreading rapidly around the world, while containing it at home, China will continue to provide assistance to countries in need to the best of our ability.
路透社记者：有消息称，中方曾寻求阻止欧盟发布指责北京散播有关新冠肺炎疫情虚假信息的报告。中方为何这么做？
Reuters: There are reports that China sought to block a EU report alleging that Beijing was spreading disinformation about the coronavirus outbreak. Why did China do that?
耿爽：首先我要指出，中方一贯反对制造和传播虚假信息，反对任何人、任何机构采取这种行为。中方是虚假信息的受害者，不是发起者。
Geng Shuang: First I must stress that China stands against the creation and spread of disinformation by any individual or institution. China is a victim rather than a source of disinformation.
新冠肺炎疫情发生以来，中国政府本着公开、透明、负责任的态度，及时分享抗疫信息和经验，积极开展抗疫国际合作，在力所能及的范围内向其他国家提供支持和帮助。中方的所作所为得到了国际社会的高度认可和积极评价。
Since the pandemic broke out, in an open, transparent and responsible manner, the Chinese government has been sharing information and experience, participating in anti-pandemic international cooperation, and providing support and assistance to other countries to the best of our ability, which has won acclaim from the international community.
可以说，中方是靠自身的艰苦努力、真诚态度和责任担当赢得了国际社会的赞许。这不是靠散布虚假信息就能得来的。
It is fair to say that the we earned the international recognition with our arduous efforts, sincerity and fulfillment of responsibilities, not through spreading disinformation.
当前形势下，散布虚假信息、相互指责无助于抗疫国际合作。国际社会应共同抵制虚假信息，和衷共济、精诚合作，早日战胜疫情，共同维护全球的公共卫生安全。
Disinformation and recriminations are not good for global cooperation in this fight. The international community should cooperate in good faith to assist each other, vanquish this pandemic at an early date, and jointly safeguard global public health security.
深圳卫视记者：我们注意到，近期美社会各界对美政府应对新冠肺炎疫情的质疑声日趋增多。4月4日，《华盛顿邮报》刊发深度调查文章，全景式回顾梳理了美方在疫情发生最初阶段应对不力的表现和原因。4月13日和19日，哥伦比亚广播公司、CNN记者分别在白宫记者会上质疑，既然美政府早知疫情会全球扩散蔓延，为何不尽快采取防疫措施。4月14日，《大西洋月刊》网站发表文章称，美政府没有采取强有力的防控措施，这是美疫情大暴发的最主要原因。4月21日，《洛杉矶时报》报道，根据美加州圣克拉拉县当地卫生官员公布的尸检报告，美最早一例新冠肺炎死亡病例于2月6日出现了，比美疾控中心此前确认首例死亡病例时间提早了近1个月。圣克拉拉县官员还称，加州最早的感染病例可能出现在去年12月。请问中方有何评论？
Shenzhen TV: More people in the US are casting doubts on the US government’s response to the pandemic. On April 4, Washington Post published an in-depth investigative article that gives a panoramic view of how and why the US government handled the epidemics poorly at the early stage. On April 13 and 19 at the White House press briefings, CBS and CNN journalists questioned the delay in the US government’s response to COVID-19 when it already knew the potential risks of the global spread. On April 14, The Atlantic said in an article that the main reason for the huge outbreak of cases in the US is a lack of forceful government measures. On April 21, the Los Angeles Times reported that according to the autopsy results released by Santa Clara County health officials, the first death case from the novel coronavirus was actually on February 6, almost one month early than the first known death declared by the US CDC. Santa Clara officials also said that people in California may already be infected as early as last December. What is your comment?
耿爽：的确，近期美国国内有不少质疑并担忧美国政府是否及时有效应对疫情的声音。这些声音包括，疫情到底最早何时在美国出现？美国政府是否隐瞒了什么？为什么急着向其他国家和国际组织“甩锅”？
Geng Shuang: Indeed, many in the US have been questioning and worrying whether the US government has responded timely and effectively to the outbreak. They want to get the facts straight: when did the first case occur in the US? Is the US government hiding something? Why is it so desperately seeking to pin the blame on other countries and international organizations?
在这些问题上，我们希望美国政府能够及时回应本国人民和国际社会的关切，是否也可以请世卫组织协助调查。
We hope the US government can timely respond to the concerns of its own people and the international community. The WHO may also be invited to help review this process.
流行性疾病是人类的共同敌人，中国人民和美国人民都是受害者，国际社会只有团结协作，才能战而胜之。我们希望美方本着公开、透明、负责任的态度，切实采取有效措施维护好本国人民的生命安全和身体健康，并同国际社会一道共同维护好全球公共卫生安全。
Infectious diseases are the common enemy of all mankind, and both the Chinese and American people are victims. Only through solidarity and cooperation can the international community win the war against the virus. We hope the US will adopt an open, transparent and responsible attitude, take effective measures to safeguard the life and health of its people, and work with the international community to safeguard global public health security.
路透社记者：你刚才说，是否也可以请世卫组织到美国去调查，那么，你认为应调查美国应对新冠肺炎疫情的哪些方面？
Reuters: You mentioned that perhaps the WHO may be called in to investigate the US, so exactly what do you think should be investigated about the US response to COVID-19?
耿爽：中国媒体记者刚才提问时援引了一段时间以来美国媒体、智库和专家对美国政府的质疑声音。听到这些声音，大家有理由表达关切。我们希望美国政府能够及时回应本国人民以及国际社会的关切。
Geng Shuang: The Chinese journalist cited some doubts on the US government from US media, thinktanks and professionals. Upon hearing those doubts, people have good reason to express concerns. We hope the US government can timely respond to the concerns of its own people and the international community.
澎湃新闻记者：美国媒体24日曝光了一份共和党参议院全国委员会向竞选机构发送的备忘录，这份长达57页的备忘录建议共和党候选人通过“积极攻击中国”来应对疫情危机。备忘录中强调了三条主要攻击路线，一是“中国掩盖真相导致病毒蔓延”、二是民主党人“对中国态度软弱”、三是共和党人将因中国导致疫情传播而推动对中国的制裁。备忘录还显示，共和党人有意在美国大选中继续炒作中国话题。中方有何回应？
The Paper: As exposed by American media on April 24, the National Republican Senatorial Committee has sent campaigns a detailed, 57-page memo advising GOP candidates to address the coronavirus crisis by aggressively attacking China. The memo stresses three main lines of assault: that China caused the virus “by covering it up,” that Democrats are “soft on China,” and that Republicans will “push for sanctions on China for its role in spreading this pandemic.” It also suggests that Republicans have indicated they plan to make China a centerpiece of the 2020 campaign. I wonder if you have any comment?
耿爽：我注意到有关报道。美国一些政治势力为什么总是千方百计要借疫情攻击抹黑中国，答案不言自明。
Geng Shuang: I noted reports on that. It’s just all too obvious why some political forces in the US have been obsessively attacking China using the pandemic as a weapon.
美方口口声声说“中方散布虚假信息”，如果报道属实，我们不禁要问：到底是谁在散布虚假信息？
The US claimed time and again that “China spreads disinformation.” If those reports are true, we must ask: who exactly has been the source of disinformation?
中方坚决反对美国有些人硬把中国扯进美国的选举政治，拿中国说事捞取选票；我们也坚决反对美国有些人借疫情攻击抹黑中国，损害中方利益。
We firmly oppose the attempts of some people in the US to grab votes and undermine China’s interests by smearing China in the context of the pandemic and the US presidential elections.
韩国中央日报记者：据报道，中共中央对外联络部部长宋涛已赴朝鲜，你可否证实？另外，由50余名医生和护士组成的医疗队也已赶赴朝鲜，你可否证实？
JoongAng Ilbo: Reports say Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, has traveled to the DPRK. Can you confirm that? Also, can you confirm whether a medical team of about 50 doctors and nurses have been dispatched to the DPRK?
耿爽：我刚才回答你同事的提问时已经说过，我不知道这些报道的消息源是哪里。我没有这方面的信息可以提供。
Geng Shuang: Like I said to your colleague, I don’t know what your source is, and I have nothing to say about that.
路透社记者：目前，国际上有很多关于各国应对疫情不同作法的指责，中方会不会在将来某个时候支持对新冠病毒进行独立调查，包括病毒如何在中国产生的？
Reuters: Given these accusations flying about the different handling of the virus in various countries, is there a time in the future where China would support an independent investigation into the virus and how it began in China?
耿爽：首先我要强调，中国是首先报告新冠肺炎疫情的国家，但并不意味着中国就是新冠病毒的源头。我们多次说过，病毒源头问题是个科学问题，需要科学家和专业人士研究。当前一些政治人物就病毒起源进行政治操弄，借此攻击抹黑他国不得人心，他们的图谋不会得逞。
Geng Shuang: First I must underscore that being the first country to report COVID-19 cases doesn’t necessarily make China the origin of the novel coronavirus. Like we said repeatedly, the origin of the novel coronavirus is a complicated scientific matter that should be the subject of study for scientists and medical experts. Some politicians are trying to make political maneuvers over the origin to smear other countries, but their unpopular attempts will never succeed.
疫情发生以来，中方始终本着公开、透明、负责任的态度，第一时间对外介绍有关情况，第一时间对外分享病毒基因序列，第一时间对外开展抗疫合作。中方为国际抗疫斗争积累了宝贵经验，作出了重要贡献，国际社会对此有目共睹，也普遍给予高度评价。
Since the epidemics broke out, China has been fighting COVID-19 in an open, transparent and responsible manner. We reported the cases to the international community, shared the genome sequence of the virus, and carried out international cooperation to contain the virus, all at the earliest time possible. In this process, China has accumulated valuable experience and made significant contributions to the global fight, which has been witnessed and applauded by the international community.
这种情况下，一些人鼓噪所谓的“调查”，与当前国际社会携手抗击疫情的氛围不符，借此进行政治操弄尤其不得人心。
Against such a backdrop, the so-called “investigation” proposed by some people is not consistent with the general trend of concerted international efforts against the virus. Their political manipulation will make no waves.
中方将继续坚定地同国际社会并肩作战，共同抗击疫情。我们也将继续在力所能及范围内向其他国家提供支持和帮助。我刚才已宣布，中方将同非洲国家举行视频会议，并向他们提供更多的、具体的、实实在在的支持和帮助。
China will continue standing firmly with the international community to defeat the pandemic. We will continue helping other countries as much as we can. Like I announced earlier, there will be video conferences between China and African countries. We will also offer greater, more concrete support to them.
国际社会的当务之急，是聚焦抗疫合作，而不是相互指责，甚至鼓噪什么追责，这些都不具建设性。
The urgent task for all countries is still focusing on international cooperation rather than pointing fingers, demanding accountability and other non-constructive approaches.
追问：那么是否可以说，在当前政治形势下，对中国或任何国家进行独立调查是不可能的？
Follow-up: Is it correct to say that under the current political situation, an independent investigation is not possible into China or any other country?
耿爽：各国当务之急是加强协调合作，共同抗击疫情，赢得这场人类同病毒斗争的胜利，而不是去搞什么政治操弄。这对当前的国际抗疫合作没有任何帮助，也不具建设性。
Geng Shuang: Like I said, the urgent task for all countries is to coordinate and cooperate to defeat the pandemic. Political maneuvers are just unhelpful and non-constructive.
路透社记者：第一，中方是否掌握朝鲜最高领导人现在的身体健康状况？第二，中方是否欢迎未来几个月全球疫情稍微缓和后，对病毒源头进行独立调查的建议？
Reuters TV: Firstly, as far as China understands, what state of health is the North Korean leader in at the moment? Secondly, does China welcome the idea of an independent investigation into the origin of the virus a few months down the line when things have calmed down a bit internationally?
耿爽：关于第一个问题，你的很多同行都已经问过了，我能告诉你就是我这里没有信息可以提供。在上周记者会上我也曾经说过，中朝是山水相连的近邻，我们愿意同朝方一道努力，推动两国关系不断向前发展。
Geng Shuang: Your first question was also raised by several other journalists. I’m afraid I have nothing to say on that. Like I said last week, China and the DPRK are close neighbors, and we will work with the DPRK to advance bilateral relations.
关于第二个问题，病毒溯源是科学问题，需要科学家和专业人士研究。有关研究只有将众多生物学信息和流行病学证据汇聚成相互印证的证据链，才算真正完成任务。
As for the second question, tracing the origin of a virus is a scientific matter that should be studied by scientists and professionals. The research of the origin of virus cannot be truly completed without forming a chain of mutually-corroborating evidence with a large amount of biological information and epidemiological findings.
与此同时，病毒溯源也是科学难题，往往需要较长时间，才能够有明确结论，而且存在一定不确定性。人类历史上许多疾病，对其源头的探索历经十几年甚至几十年，虽然取得一些进展，但一直未能得到最终的确切答案，研究工作至今仍在继续。
In the meantime, tracing the origin is a difficult scientific problem, and it often takes long to reach a clear conclusion, and there are also uncertainties. The process to trace the origins of many diseases in human history has taken over ten years or even decades. Although some progress has been made, definitive answers are yet to be found, with research still underway today.
目前世界各国科学家都在开展关于新冠病毒源头的研究，对病毒来源也提出了一些学术上的观点、猜想和假设。但到目前为止，国际上的初步研究结论尚不能明确新冠病毒的初始传播路径。因此，现在就新冠病毒的起源下确定性结论，既没有科学证据，也有违科学精神。
Scientists all over the world are carrying out research on the origins of the novel coronavirus. They put forward various viewpoints, hypotheses and speculations. However, the international preliminary research findings are unable to identify the initial transmission routes of the novel coronavirus. Therefore, at present, any definitive conclusion of the origin just lacks scientific evidence and is against the spirit of science.
这里我要指出，病毒溯源本身是科学问题，目的是防止此类疫情再次发生，对人类社会再次造成伤害，而不是去指责、归咎他人，更不是去搞什么追责和索赔，国际上没有这种先例，也没有相关法律依据。
Here, I would like to point out that the origin of the virus itself is a scientific issue, the purpose of which is to prevent such outbreaks from happening again and causing harm to the human society, rather than to blame others, let alone to pursue recriminations and retribution. There is no such precedent or legal provision internationally.
当前新冠病毒肺炎仍在全球扩散蔓延，世界各国应当聚焦疫情防控和病患救治。此时将溯源问题政治化，不仅有违科学研究的初衷，干扰相关的国际合作，而且不利于国家之间的互信，不利于全球携手抗击疫情。
As the COVID-19 is still spreading around the world, countries should focus on pandemic containment, diagnosis and treatment. Politicizing the origin of the virus is inconsistent with the purpose of relevant scientific research. It will only disrupt international cooperation in tracing the origin, undermine mutual trust between countries, and hinder global efforts to combat the pandemic.