Liu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I will start with three announcements.

At the invitation of the Chinese Government, Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore Goh Chok Tong will visit China from April 12th to 18th.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kasymzhomart Tokayev will pay an official visit to China from April 11th to 13th.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Antanas Valionis will pay an official visit to China from April 12th to 19th.

With that, I am happy to take your questions.

Q: The U.S. State Department released recently a report entitled ''Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2005-2006.'', which accused China of controlling the freedom of expression. What's your comment on that? Will that be discussed during the summit meeting between China and the U.S.?

A: China has made universally-recognized achievements in the field of human rights protection. The Chinese people fully enjoy human rights and freedom as guaranteed by China's Constitution and other laws, with which the vast majority of the Chinese people are satisfied. The efforts of the Chinese Government are well received by the international community. We advise that the U.S. should reflect upon its own human rights problems, correct the wrong practice of applying double standards on the issue of human rights and cease interfering with the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of human rights. As to whether relevant human rights issues would be raised in the upcoming meeting between China and U.S. leaders, I have no information yet.

Q: Two questions on Wu Yi's visit to the U.S.. It is said that during Wu Yi's visit to the U.S., China and U.S. will sign a series of contracts involving Boeing planes and software. Could you brief us on that? The 17th Joint Committee on Commerce and Trade meeting will be held soon, what expectations does China have and what demands will China raise on this meeting? How will China do to ease the trade tension between China and the U.S.?

A: A delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs including 202 members from 111 enterprises are traveling with Vice Premier Wu Yi to visit the U.S., they will hold trade promotion activities of various kinds in 14 cities of 13 U.S. states, and will sign many commercial contracts and agreements with their U.S. counterparts. They will also purchase many commodities, including involve agricultural products, airplanes, software, automobiles and parts, electronic components, telecommunication products and medical equipments. As far as I know, some agreements are currently being signed in succession, others are under negotiation.

As to your second question, China and the U.S. are important economic and trade partners to each other. Last year, the bilateral trade volume between China and the U.S. amounted to U.S.$211.6 billion, and the actual U.S. investment to China has reached U.S.$51.1 billion. At present, the U.S. is the second largest trading partner to China, while China is the fourth largest market to the U.S. export. We believe that developing Sino-U.S. trade and economic relations complies with the interests of both countries and peoples. The Joint Committee on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) is an important mechanism for China-U.S. cooperation. We hope that both sides could discuss issues of each other's concern in a balanced way in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit. On this JCCT meeting, both sides will exchange in-depth views on a series of questions existing in the trade and economic relations between China and U.S., we hope that this meeting could achieve beneficial achievements.

Q: In recent days, a handful of Japanese leaders accused China of setting preconditions for the summit meeting between the two countries, saying that the issue of Japanese leaders' paying homage to the Yasukuni Shrine could not be linked to the summit meeting. What's China comment on that? Second question. The Northeastern Security Cooperation Dialogue (NEACD) will begin in Tokyo this Sunday. Christopher Hill, Head of the U.S. delegation to the Six-Party Talks and heads of other delegations will also attend the NEACD. Will Vice Minister Wu Dawei attend the meeting?

A: As to your first question, Japanese leaders stubbornly paid homage to the Yasukuni Shrine where Class A criminals of the World War II are worshiped, this has been a severe blow to the feelings of the Chinese people and the political basis of the Sino-Japanese relations. As a result, the Sino-Japanese relations is facing difficulties, which is a fact known to all. Eradicating the above man-made obstacle at an early date and pressing ahead with the improvement and development of the bilateral relations comply with the common aspiration and fundamental interests of both peoples, as well as the general expectation of the international community.

As to your second question, the 17th NEACD will be held in Tokyo, Japan from April 9 to 11. NEACD is the informal consultation mechanism for security cooperation and dialogue on Northeastern Asia. The participants will mainly exchange views on the security situation of Northeastern Asia. Officials from China's Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense and scholars will attend the NEACD in their private capacities. China supports NEACD's positive discussion on the security issue of Northeastern Asia and its constructive role in enhancing the understanding and trust between different countries and promoting regional security dialogue. Just now you asked whether Vice Minister Wu Dawei is going to conduct consultations with his counterparts in Tokyo on the issue relating to the Six-Party Talks. The information which I just got was that Vice Minister Wu Dawei doesn't have a plan to attend the NEACD, yet he will go to Tokyo at the same period to contact with delegation heads from other parties and to exchange views on the issue of the Six-Party Talks. China has always held that the Joint Statement of the Fourth Round of the Six Party Talks should be implemented as soon as possible. This complies with the interests of parties concerned and is also conducive to peace and stability of the region. Parties concerned should work together for an early resumption of the Six Party Talks, and to make positive progress in implementing the Joint Statement.

Q: I have three questions. Some analysts say that Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's visit to the DPRK is aimed at easing its dissatisfaction towards the military exercises between the US and the ROK. Do you see any connection here? Besides, will Mr.Cao Gangchuan meet with Kim Jong-II? Secondly, what does "internal affairs" mean? China criticizes the U.S. human rights report of interfering with China's internal affairs, whileas strongly condemns the Japanese leader's homage to the Yasukuni Shrine. Are you interfering with Japan's internal affairs? Thirdly, will China and Kazakhstan sign any energy agreements during Kazakhstan Foreign Minister's visit to China?

A: Regarding the first question, I think it is a bilateral exchange between China and the DPRK which is not directed against any third country. Such exchanges are conducive to the development of relations between the two countries and armies, as well as to further enhancement of mutual trust and cooperation and regional peace and stability. I haven't got any information on whether Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met with Mr. Kim Jong-II during his stay in the DPRK.

As for your second question, I find you tend to raise some highly theoretical questions. If you read carefully the UN Charter, you may find a quite clear description on what will be a country's internal affairs. You mentioned the human rights issue, we consider it essentially internal affairs of a country. But we don't oppose to or reject bilateral dialogues between countries on human rights issue on the basis of equality and mutual respect, so that we can learn from each other to promote the development of human rights worldwide. What we oppose is to interfere in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.

The reason that we oppose Japanese leaders' visits to the Yasukuni Shrine is because Class-A war criminals who inflicted tremendous sufferings to Asian peoples including the Chinese people are worshipped there. Japanese leaders' homage to such a place can not be deemed as internal affairs. It bears on the feelings of other countries and important political foundation for relations between Japan and other relevant countries including China. If this issue failed to be resolved, it is detrimental to relations between Japan and China as well as other relevant Asian countries.

As for your third question, Kazakhstan Foreign Minister will visit China from 11th to 13th. Premier Wen Jiabao, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Foreign Minsiter Li Zhaoxing will meet with or talk with him. The two sides will exchange views over China-Kazakhstan relations and international and regional issues of common interests. It is the first visit of Kazakhstan foreign minister since the forming of new Kazakhstan administration. The visit will have positive impact on improving friendly and good-neighborly relations between China and Kazakhstan as well as promoting bilateral relations in all fields.

Q: I have two questions on Latin America. This week some experts and Latin American officials are holding a meeting related to global economic forum in St.Paul of Brazil. One of main topics at the annual meeting is the impact of China's economic development on Latin America, about which many Latin American countries are worried. What message does the Chinese side want to convey to these countries?

A: As for your first question, what does China's economic development mean for Latin America? Challenge or opportunities? China pursues an open policy. First of all, we pursue a road of peaceful development politically. We will not be a threat to anyone. Secondly, we pursue a road of equality and mutual benefit in carrying out economic cooperation with foreign countries. This means when conducting economic and trade cooperation with any country or region, China will take into account of both China's interests and those of relevant countries. We will not gain our interests at the price of others. We always stress mutual benefit and win-win solution, which we hope our Latin American partners can understand. In recent years, constantly deepening development of China-Latin America relations, stronger political mutual trust and expanding economic and trade cooperation have brought both peoples tangible benefits. We hope the two sides can make joint efforts to push forward cooperation in all fields and achieve a win-win result that benefits all.

Q: China will begin to take the rotating chair of UN from April. During this period, what role will China play in resolving the issues in Iraq, Iran, the Middle East and South Asia, for instance the disputes between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue?

A: China is committed to promoting world peace and common development, no matter as the permanent member of UN Security Council or as the rotating chair. China plays its due role in a number of major international issues. On the Iraqi issue, Iran and Korean Peninsula nuclear issues, China is actively promoting peace through dialogue and seeking a proper solution to these issues through peaceful means.

As for the relations between India and Pakistan, we have taken note of continuous improvement and enhancement of cooperation and mutual trust between the two. This displays the sincerity and determination of the two countries to continue the peace process. As a friendly neighbor of India and Pakistan, we welcome these signs and hope the two sides can seize the current historic opportunities, properly settle their disputes including that over Kashmir through negotiations and consultations so as to achieve common development and press ahead with peace and prosperity in South Asia.

 

 

Q: It is reported that the Chinese Government informally invited Palestinian Foreign Minister Zahar to head a Hamas delegation to visit China. Some reports said that Israel lodged a protest against it. Can you confirm?

A: I have seen relevant reports. Some information is not accurate. As far as I know, the Chinese side does not have the plan yet.

Q: It is reported that the CNOOC is exploring the Chunxiao gas field. Could you please confirm? Second, you mentioned Vice Foreign Minister Wu will go to Tokyo. How can he meet with his counterparts in the Six-Party Talks, if he won't participate in the NEACD meeting? Third, it's reported that Japan will reduce its loan to China from April. What's China's comment? Fourth, why is President Hu's visit to the US still not announced?

A: On the Chunxiao gas field, what we are doing there is within China's sovereignty. You can refer to the relevant corporation for the specifics.

Second, Vice Foreign Minister Wu will meet and contact with his counterparts through relevant diplomatic channels to discuss the process of the Six-Party Talks.

Third, we think that a satisfactory conclusion of the loan to China based on the consensus between China and Japan serves the interests of both. Unilateral decision by the Japanese government will do no good to the improvement of Sino-Japanese relations.

Q:Can you brief us on the details of the visit by Senior Minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong to China?

A: At the invitation of the Chinese Government, Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore Goh Chok Tong will visit China from April 12th to 18th. During his visit, he will meet with Premier Wen, Chairman Jia Qinglin of the CPPCC and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan. Apart from that, he wil visit Suzhou and Shanghai. China-Singapore relations have maintained a sound momentum of development in recent years. Our two countries have exchanged high-level visits frequently, and have established the cooperation committee at vice-premier level. The cooperation focuses on key areas including the "going-out" strategy of Chinese high-tech enterprises, Singapore's participation in the development of the West Area, revigoration of the North-East old industry bases and personnel exchanges & training. As of now, Singapore is China's 7th largest trading partner and 8th largest investor. The total trade volume registered $33.15 billion last year. The actual investment volume reached $27.74 billion by the end of last year. We have conducted fruitful cooperation in promoting China-ASEAN relations and the east-Asia cooperation.

Q: Premier Wen talked about Sino-Japanese relations during the two sessions of NPC and CPPCC. Some Japanese said that the Japanese people shouldn't be blamed for the deterioration of the relationship. Why does China separate the Japanese people from the Japanese leaders, when talking about China-Japan relaltions?

A: There are lots of discussions on China-Japan relations recently. At Tuesday's press briefing, there were many questions in this regard, demonstrating profound interest of international community. I would like to take a few more minutes here on the question. First, how does the Chinese government take China-Japan relations? The Chinese Government always takes Sino-Japanese relations from strategic height and long-time prospective. Sino-Japanese relation is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world. The development of the bilateral relations serves the fundamental interest of the two countries and peoples, and complies with the aspiration of the people in region and international community. To this end, the Chinese Government attaches great importance to Sino-Japanese relations and is committed to developing good-neighborly relations and friendly cooperation with Japan.

Second, why does China set store by the historic issue? The historic issue constitutes a significant political foundation for the bilateral relations, as enshrined not only in the political document between China and Japan, but also in the feelings of the two peoples. If the historic issue can be properly handled, the bilateral relations can develop in a healthy, smooth and stable manner. We should respect history, draw on lessons from history so as to prevent historic tragedies from repeating themselves.

Third, the Chinese Government always takes a responsible attitude towards history, the people and future. President Hu Jintao reiterated not long ago that China will stick to the three political documents including the Sino-Japanese joint declaration. We will maintain the overall friendly Sino-Japanese relations through equal consultation in the spirit of "taking history as mirror and looking forward to the future", and handle the problems between the two nations. In the meantime, we should promote the exchanges and cooperation in various areas and promote the friendly affections between our two peoples.

During most part of the 2000-plus years' history of communication between our two countries, we hold friendly affections towards each other. It serves the common interest of the two people to understand and trust each other, and devote to the development of the Sino-Japanese relations. Sino-Japanese relations are now faced with difficulties, and we think the sticking point is Japanese leaders' visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals are worshiped, leading to political stalemate between the two countries. Most Japanese support friendly relationship with China, just as majority of the Chinese people do vice versa. It is common responsibility of our two governments to adopt positive measures and steps to improve and develop China-Japan relations constantly, so as to benefit our two peoples. The Chinese government has conveyed a clear message to Japan. We hope China's sincerity, goodwill and positive messages will get Japan's positive response.

Q: You have just mentioned that President Hu Jintao will pay visits to other countries apart from the US. Which are those countries besides Morocco?

A: Our diplomatic practice is to make formal announcement at a specific time. Please be patient for a few more days.

Q: Some analysts said that the purpose of civil nuclear cooperation between the US and India was to contain China. What's your comment?

A: We welcome the improvement and development of the US-Indian relations, and their commit to regional peace and stability. The nuclear cooperation between the two countries should be conducted peacefully in the context of honoring their international obligations. We hope that the relevant cooperation can comply with the international non-proliferation regime and help maintain and strengthen the regime.

If there are no other questions, thank you for your attendance. See you next time!