# Qin Gang

Qin Gang (Chinese: 秦刚) (born March 1966) is a Chinese diplomat who briefly served as Minister of Foreign Affairs between 30 December 2022 and 25 July 2023. Previously he served as Chinese Ambassador to the United States and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was also the twenty-second spokesperson since the spokesperson system was established in the ministry back in 1983.

## Quotes

* The so-called China's "debt trap" in Africa is a narrative trap imposed on China and Africa. Projects and cooperation carried out by China in Africa contributed to Africa’s development and the improvement of people’s lives. The African people have the biggest say in this. China will continue to respect the will of the African people, and bring tangible benefits to the African people through China-Africa cooperation based on the realities in Africa, so as to achieve better common development.
** Foreign Minister Qin Gang's response to the allegation that China is creating a "debt trap" in Africa (11 January 2023)
* China never pays lip service, let alone forces one's hand. China will successfully transfer the Africa CDC Headquarters to African friends, which will be fully operated and managed by the African Union. If Africa is in need, China will continue to do its utmost to provide support and assistance.
** Foreign Minister Qin Gang's speech at the completion ceremony of the Headquarters of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (11 January 2023)
* China and the United States are two biggest economies. Our interests are so intertwined. The two countries are interdependent over the past decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Our trade and business relations have made remarkable achievements, benefiting the two countries and benefiting the world. We are natural partners, because our economies are highly complementary.
** "Ambassador Qin Gang Takes an Interview with Forbes" (5 May 2022)
* China has a good record of keeping promises. We honor our words with actions.
** "Ambassador Qin Gang Takes an Interview with Forbes" (5 May 2022)
* We have differences, but we don't believe tariffs, trade wars are the choice. The best choice is to have a dialogue and negotiations to find mutually acceptable solution based on the principle of mutual respect and mutual accommodation. One side shouldn't impose its own interest and its own thinking on the other side. We need to talk with each other, to learn from each other, to respect each other.
** "Ambassador Qin Gang Takes an Interview with Forbes" (5 May 2022)
* China makes its observation and conclusion based independently- based on the merits of the matter itself.
** "Transcript: Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang on Face the Nation" in CBS (20 March 2022)
* Recently, some people in other countries, especially in the United States, are linking Taiwan to Ukraine and playing up the Taiwan question. What I want to point out is that they are totally different. The Taiwan question is China’s internal affairs. Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory, while the Ukraine crisis is a problem and conflict between two sovereign states, Ukraine and Russia. So they are different in nature. There are no comparison to be drawn between them. On Taiwan, China’s position is very clear, and we are committed to achieving reunification of the country.
** "Transcript of Ambassador Qin Gang’s Interview with “Talk With World Leaders”" (27 March 2008)
* The Taiwan issue is the biggest tinderbox between China and the United States. If, you know the Taiwanese authorities, emboldened by the United States, you know, keep going down the road for independence, it most likely will involve China and the United States, the two big countries, in the military conflict.
** "China's ambassador to the U.S. warns of 'military conflict' over Taiwan" in NPR (28 January 2022)
* People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are Chinese. China will not commit to giving up the un-peaceful means for reunification because this is a deterrent
** "China's ambassador to the U.S. warns of 'military conflict' over Taiwan" in NPR (28 January 2022)
* Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than forty years ago, China-U.S. relations have made historic progress, despite some twists and turns and the many differences in our social systems, histories, cultures, and approaches to development. We are ready to work with the United States to respect each other, peacefully coexist, and pursue cooperation.
** "The Global Nature of Science, Technology and Innovation: An interview with Ambassador Qin Gang, China's Ambassador to the U.S." in Science & Diplomacy (17 December 2021)
* When China and the United States work together to address global issues as the ones I just mentioned, and jointly manage the uncertainties of emerging technologies, we can deliver greater benefits to our two peoples and better prepare humanity for an uncertain future. Limitations on that collaboration, including restrictions on Chinese scientists and students, are in the interest of neither side.
** "The Global Nature of Science, Technology and Innovation: An interview with Ambassador Qin Gang, China's Ambassador to the U.S." in Science & Diplomacy (17 December 2021)
* When China and the United States work together to address global issues as the ones I just mentioned, and jointly manage the uncertainties of emerging technologies, we can deliver greater benefits to our two peoples and better prepare humanity for an uncertain future. Limitations on that collaboration, including restrictions on Chinese scientists and students, are in the interest of neither side.
** "The Global Nature of Science, Technology and Innovation: An interview with Ambassador Qin Gang, China's Ambassador to the U.S." in Science & Diplomacy (17 December 2021)
* The goal of China’s diplomacy today is to work towards world peace and promote global development. We value the role of science and technology in diplomacy.
** "The Global Nature of Science, Technology and Innovation: An interview with Ambassador Qin Gang, China's Ambassador to the U.S." in Science & Diplomacy (17 December 2021)
* Climate change is a common challenge to mankind, and all countries need to work together to address it.
** "The Global Nature of Science, Technology and Innovation: An interview with Ambassador Qin Gang, China's Ambassador to the U.S." in Science & Diplomacy (17 December 2021)
* As Chinese ambassador to the U.S., I warmly and sincerely welcome you and the American people to visit my country. With its long history and a vibrant future, and the perfect blend of art and science, China will not let you down.
** "The Global Nature of Science, Technology and Innovation: An interview with Ambassador Qin Gang, China's Ambassador to the U.S." in Science & Diplomacy (17 December 2021)
* History is our best guide. It faithfully records the past journey, and gives us inspiration for the future.
** "Keynote Speech by Ambassador Qin Gang at the Commemoration for the 50th Anniversary of President Richard Nixon’s Visit to China" (25 February 2021)
* Our common “enemy” should be the major challenges concerning the survival and development of both countries and mankind, such as climate change, energy security, food security, global development gap, pandemics, nuclear proliferation, cyberattacks, emerging technologies getting out of control, regional hotspots. The new “Cold War” should not be used to define the time we live in. Competition and confrontation should not be the keynote of China-US relations.
** "Keynote Speech by Ambassador Qin Gang at the Commemoration for the 50th Anniversary of President Richard Nixon’s Visit to China" (25 February 2021)
* Over the past half a century, the China-U.S. relationship has kept moving forward despite twists and turns. It has not only had a profound impact on the two countries, but has also changed the course of history and the world significantly. The world today is going through major changes unseen in a century. As two big countries different in history, culture, social system and development stage, China and the United States are entering a new round of mutual exploration, understanding and adaptation, trying to find a way to get along with each other in the new era. The China-U.S. relationship has once again come to a new critical juncture, facing not only many difficulties and challenges but also great opportunities and potentials. Where this important relationship will be headed is vital for the well-being of the Chinese and American peoples and for the future of the world. The two peoples and the international community hope for a sound, stable and growing relationship between the two countries.
** "Ambassador Qin Gang Delivered Remarks to Chinese and American Media" (29 July 2021)
* The Yasukuni Shrine is a negative asset for Japan. If its leader is bent on holding this negative asset, it will become increasingly heavy. Unfortunately, the negative asset has become heavier overnight.
** Spokesman Qin Gang's response to the visit to Yasukuni Shrine of around 150 members of the Diet of Japan (22 April 2014)
* For the upcoming Chinese New Year, the Japanese leader's best message for the Chinese people and China-Japan ties should be this: he would step back from the brink regarding historical issues, acknowledge and correct his mistakes and never visit the Yasukuni Shrine again.
** Spokesman Qin Gang's response to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's new year message on a regular press briefing (24 January 2014)
* It is Abe who has shut the door on talks with Chinese leaders. The Chinese people do not welcome him. Now, Abe needs to admit his mistakes to the government and people of China, cut loose from the past and make a new start.
** Spokesman Qin Gang referring to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Dec 26 visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 Class-A World War II criminals, on a regular press briefing (30 December 2013)
* In 2023, we look forward to a more peaceful and stable world free from war and conflict. Peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticeable when we benefit from it. But none of us can live without it. Preserving peace requires the concerted efforts of us all. China will remain committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and to the path of peaceful development. China’s development will always be a boost to the force for peace in the world. We call on all countries to pursue common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, resolve conflicts and disputes through negotiation and consultation, and support all efforts that are conducive to peaceful settlement of crises, to light up the world with the sunshine of peace.
** "Chinese New Year Message to the Diplomatic Corps By H.E. Qin Gang Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China" (20 January 2023)
* In 2023, we look forward to a more united and cooperative world free from fragmentation and confrontation. Humanity sharing a common future is an indisputable reality, and solidarity and cooperation is the only viable path toward a brighter future. China will deepen and expand equal, open and cooperative partnerships, promote coordination and sound interactions among major countries, enhance friendship, mutual trust and convergence of interests with neighboring countries, and strengthen unity and friendship with fellow developing countries.
** "Chinese New Year Message to the Diplomatic Corps By H.E. Qin Gang Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China" (20 January 2023)

## External links

* http://underthejacaranda.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/memorable-quotations-from-qin-gang/