驻澳大利亚使馆发言人就澳媒炒作中国科考船途径澳附近海域答记者问

问：据报道，一艘中国科考船日前出现在澳大利亚南部海域。个别澳媒称，科考船系军民两用的“间谍船”，航经澳海底电缆。请问中方对此有何评论，中国科考船此行的目的是什么？为什么会出现在澳大利亚南部海域？是否担心此举将影响即将开始的澳联邦大选？

答：中方注意到有关报道，同澳方通过外交渠道就此保持密切沟通，对有关媒体污蔑抹黑中国科考船的行径表示强烈不满。在此，中方愿强调以下几点：

首先，中方科考船此行是例行的正常科考活动。“科学无国界”。近年来，中国同多国实施联合科考，为全球保护海洋生物多样性、推动可持续发展作出积极贡献。任何政治化、污蔑化科考活动的行为，都是对全球科学事业的不尊重。

其次，中方科考船航线参照沿途海域气象预报，并依照国际航道规划。科考船在澳大利亚专属经济区没有执行作业操作，属正常航渡行为，完全符合《联合国海洋法公约》在内的国际法。

第三，中方科考船此行不针对第三方，同中澳关系和澳联邦大选无关。中方一贯奉行不干涉别国内政原则。澳联邦大选属于澳内政，中方对此不评价、不介入、不干涉。中澳是全面战略伙伴关系，深化友好合作符合两国和两国人民的共同利益。中方愿同澳方从战略高度和长远角度看待和发展两国关系，深化政治互信，聚焦互利合作，实现共赢发展。希望相关媒体秉持全面、客观、真实的报道原则开展涉华报道，不要疑神疑鬼，妄加揣测，为两国关系发展营造良好舆论环境。

Remarks of the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Australia on Australian Media’s Hype of China’sResearch Vessel off the Australian Coast

Q: It is reported that a Chinese research vessel passed the south of the Australian coast in recent days. Some Australian media claimed that the vessel following the underwater cables is a so-called “spy ship” and can be used for dual purposes. What is your response and what are the objectives of the vessel? Why is it on the south of the Australian coast Is China worried about its consequences for the upcoming Australian federal election?

A: We have noted relevant reports and maintained close communication with the Australia side through diplomatic channels on this issue. The reports covered by some Australian media outlets are nothing but smearing the research activities of the Chinese vessel. We are strongly against that and hereby would like to elaborate three points as follows.

First and foremost, the recent activities are parts of routine scientific research of the Chinese vessel. As science knows no borders, over recent years China has conducted joint scientific expeditions with multiple countries, making positive contribution to global marine biodiversity protection and sustainable development. Politicizing or stigmatizing of the research activities is disrespectful to global scientific development.

Secondly, the route of the Chinese vessel was set accordance with the international waterway and taken into consideration of the coastal weather forecast. The vessel has all along carried out normal activities at sea and has performed no operation in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which fully comply with the international laws, including UNCLOS.

Thirdly, these activities are not directed at any third party and have nothing to do with China-Australia relations, let alone the Australian federal election. The Australian federal election is Australia’s internal affairs. China always upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and does not want to participate in, interfere with, or comment on Australia’s election. China and Australia are comprehensive strategic partners, and deepening friendly cooperation serves the common interests of our two countries and peoples. China is willing to join hands with Australia and develop our bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, deepen political trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to achieve common development.

We hope that relevant Australian media outlets cover China in a comprehensive, objective and faithful manner, stop the groundless suspicion and speculations, and provide sound atmosphere for bilateral relations.