On the afternoon of June 1, 2006, Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference.

Liu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'll start with an announcement:

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President of the Kyrghyz Republic Kurmanbek Bakiyev will pay a state visit to China from June 9 to 10.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: Who will hold talks with Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Autonomous Government Al Zahar during his visit to China? Will China consider having further dialogue with the Hamas-led Palestinian government? Do you plan to grant the Palestinian government financial aids? Hamas has not renounced the armed struggle. Does China take it as a terrorist organization? If not, why?

A: On your first question, Palestinian Foreign Minister Zahar comes to China to attend the second ministerial meeting of China-Arab Cooperation Forum as head of the Palestinian delegation. He made a speech at the meeting. Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will meet with him on the sideline of the meeting.

Regarding your second question, we think the Palestinian government was elected by the Palestinian people through democratic election, and thus should be accorded the respect of the international community. I have not heard that the two sides discussed the assistances issue during his visit. But the Chinese government has always been closely following the humanitarian situation in Palestine, and will continue to offer humanitarian assistances to Palestine within our capacity.

On your third question, we have never labeled Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Q: What achievement has the just concluded China-Arab Cooperation made, in particular on the energy agreement? The Korean Central News Agency reported today that the DPRK invited Hill to visit there, so as to discuss the content of the peace agreement between the US and the DPRK? What's your comment?

A: On your first question, the second ministerial meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum concluded today with full success. During the meeting, President Hu Jintao met with the Arabian delegates and summarized together the important significance of the smooth development of China-Arab relations over the past five decades. Meanwhile, they put forward important proposal on the future development of China-Arab relations. State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan clearly expounded on the connotation of the new China-Arab partnership at the opening ceremony of the meeting. China and Arab countries made an in-depth discussion on the establishment of new China-Arab relations and the consolidation of China-Arab Cooperation Forum. Broad consensus has been reached. The two sides signed the Communiqué of the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum. We will issue the statement at an appropriate time. Please keep a close watch. Other documents include the Action Plan of China-Arab Cooperation Forum, 2006-2008, the Joint Communiqué between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Arab League on the Cooperation on Environmental Protection and the Memorandum of Understanding on China-Arab Business Conference. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and continue to work on the all-embracing cooperation framework for the forum with political, economic and cultural cooperation as its priority. Cooperation on investment, environmental protection, culture and human resource development will be enhanced, and people-to-people exchange expanded. We deem this meeting a very important one, with far-reaching impact on the development of China-Arab relations.

Regarding your second question, I have not come across the report of the Korean Central News Agency yet. But we believe that stronger contact between the two sides and their frank and serious discussion on the outstanding issues will contribute to narrowing differences and resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Q: Was the Palestine-Israel issue discussed during the China-Arab Forum?

A: During the ministerial meeting, China and the Arab countries exchanged views on the regional and international issues of common interest. Both sides maintained that the Middle East issue should be solved in a fair and reasonable way on the basis of the UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace." We have taken note of the remarks of Foreign Minister Zahar, head of the Palestinian delegation, stating that the Palestinian government will study the "Arab peace initiative" with a serious and positive attitude. We believe the remarks of Foreign Minister Zahar presented a positive signal and we welcome that. China has always stood for the peaceful solution of the Middle East issue through political negotiation on the basis of the UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace." We support all the plans aimed at political solution of the Middle East issue, including the "Arab Peace Initiative". We hope the international community will continue its effort to encourage the new Palestinian government to proceed from the fundamental interest of the Palestinian people and the overall interest of the peace in Middle East. It should also be encouraged to take more positive position, commit itself to renouncing violence, accept the agreements reached between Palestine and Israel and resume the peace talks with Israel.

Q: Dalai Lama is visiting Belgium. What's the position of the Chinese Government on his visit? Have you made representations to Belgium? Will Chinese leaders go to watch World Cup matches in Germany?

A: On your first question, we have reiterated the policy of Chinese Central Government on the Dalai question on many occasions. Dalai is a political exile who engages in secessionist activities. We oppose to the practice of any country to offer him a venue or podium for such activities. We have made solemn representations to Belgium on this matter.

I am not aware of anything on your second question. We wish this World Cup match a smooth, safe and successful one.

Q: The US said it was ready to join the negotiation between the six countries and Iran. But Iran responded by denouncing it as a sham. What's China's comment?

A: We support any effort that is helpful to the peaceful solution of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiation. We welcome the US announcement of its willingness to solve the nuclear issue through negotiation with Iran. We have consistently believed that the direct dialogue between the parties concerned will help build trust and create conditions for the proper solution of the issue.

Q: President Bush just nominated Paulson as the US treasury secretary. What impact will his appointment have on China-US trade relations and the RMB revaluation? The EU Trade Commissioner Mandelson will visit China. What will be discussed between him and Chinese officials?

A: On your first question, we have taken note of the nomination of a new treasury secretary by President Bush. We are willing to work together with the new secretary to further develop the mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries in the fields of trade, economy and finance. We have stated our policy on the RMB exchange rate on many occasions and this policy remains unchanged.

On your second question, at the invitation of Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the EU Trade Commissioner Mandelson will visit China on June 5 to 9. During his visit, Minister Bo Xilai will hold talks with him. The two sides will exchange views on trade, market economy status, intellectual property rights protection, the development agenda of WTO Doha round and other issues.

Q: Does China diplomatically recognize Palestine? Did Palestine request assistances? What's your comment on the International Press Institute's requirement for China to quit internet press control?

A: China has consistently supported the restoration of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent country. China recognized the State of Palestine as early as in 1988.

On your second question, we are closely following the humanitarian situation in Palestine and ready to offer humanitarian assistances to it. During Foreign Minister Zahar's stay in China, the two sides did not talk about this matter.

On your third question, we have reaffirmed the position of the Chinese government on many occasions. I want to illustrate the simple fact with numbers. Now, Chinese netizens have amounted to over 110 million. Chinese people are acquiring the important information they need through internet. It is a smooth information channel. According to the incomplete statistics, there are around 1.3 million plus online fora, on which people log frequently to express various views. The Chinese government does not control these views. Some people's accusation of Chinese government's control on internet defies facts. Certainly, the Chinese government does have necessary regulation on the information involving erotic or violent content or harmful to social stability. Such practice can also be found in other countries, including western countries. The measures for this purpose are all taken within the legal framework. On the question of press freedom, I'll offer you some other numbers. China has over 2000 newspapers and 8000 to 9000 periodicals. Such a huge number of media carriers express views of all kinds. We think that media supervision will be conducive to the government work and social development. Of course, the news reporting has to be conducted with the framework of law.

Q: Please tell us what Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Secretary of State Rice discussed in their telephone conversation. Can you brief again on China's position on the Iranian nuclear issue? Some analysts said that China's reluctance to impose sanction on Iran was mainly a result of the oil agreement between the two countries in 2004. Should Iran be sanctioned, China's interest would be undermined. What's your comment?

A: Last night, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Secretary of State Rice made a telephone conversation to discuss China-US relations and exchange views on the Iranian nuclear issue. Secretary of State Rice stated the position of the US on this issue. China reaffirmed its firm position on the importance of upholding the international non-proliferation regime. Meanwhile, China maintained that the Iranian nuclear issue should be peacefully resolved through political negotiation and diplomatic dialogue. We are willing to continue close contact and coordination with the US and other parties, and expect to formulate a package solution through joint efforts of all parties concerned, which should be feasible and acceptable to all.

As for China's position on sanction against Iran, we have reiterated on many occasions that we do not stand for arbitrary use of sanction, which is not definitely effective. To solve the Iranian nuclear issue through political negotiation and diplomatic dialogue is in the interest not only of China, but also of all the parties concerned. All parties concerned, including the US, wish to solve the issue through diplomatic negotiation. Now, the international community mainly focuses on how to work out a solution acceptable to all. The issue should be solved through dialogue and peaceful means. It is the only wise choice to make effort in this direction.

Q: Where will Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Foreign Minister Zahar meet? Will it be a face-to-face meeting?

A: As far as I am concerned, the two sides will meet this afternoon. I don't know the exact time. Since it is a meeting, they will certainly see each other face-to-face.

Q: What consensus has been reached on energy at the just concluded second ministerial meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum? It is reported that the Japanese government is ready to shelve the delimitation at the East China Sea. What's your comment?

A: During the ministerial meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, the two sides made a serious and in-depth discussion on the cooperation in many fields. Energy cooperation is an important field in China-Arab cooperation. The two sides discussed this issue. China-Arab energy cooperation is developed on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Such cooperation does not only serve the interest of the two sides, but also benefit the stability of international energy market. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in energy exploration and utilization, market and environmental protection. They also agreed to strengthen consultation and coordination at the international energy organizations.

On the East China Sea issue, China and Japan have held five rounds of consultation. The two sides are having close discussion on the time of the next round. We hope the two sides will steadily narrow their differences through consultation on the issue and finally reach consensus. Given the fact that the East China Sea is yet to be delimited and China and Japan have dispute on delimitation, China has consistently called for "shelving differences and seeking joint development". We are willing to make joint effort with Japan to this end.

Q: Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers reached an agreement on Japan-China security dialogue in Qatar. What significance does the dialogue have in China's opinion? When and where will the dialogue take place? Does China think it necessary to resume the suspended exchange of visits for naval fleets between the two countries as soon as possible?

A: Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers reached consensus in Qatar on resuming the security dialogue. We believe this has important significance to the improvement and development of China-Japan relations and will help the two sides have in-depth exchange in the security field, so as to build mutual trust and enhance understanding. We hope the dialogue will be resumed at an early date. As for the venue of the dialogue, it will be either China or Japan.

Regarding when the naval fleets will resume exchange of visits, I suggest that you should refer to Chinese Ministry of Defense. All in all, China is willing to do more to improve and develop China-Japan relations.

Q: Is China opposed to sanction for fear that any sanction against Iran will affect Iran's oil export to China?

A: To uphold the international non-proliferation regime on the Iranian nuclear issue serve the interest of China and of other countries in the world. China has a firm position on this issue. In addition, the peaceful solution of this issue through dialogue and diplomatic negotiation serves the interest not only of China, but also of other countries in the world.

China and Iran have cooperation in energy, including in the oil area. We need to find a solution in the common interest of all parties concerned. China does not pursue its private interest. It is China's consistent position to peacefully solve international dispute through dialogue and negotiation, which is applied to the Iranian nuclear issue, the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue and other issues. Do not narrow-mindedly interpret China's position of solution through dialogue as seeking its own interest.

Q: What's your comment on the latest development of Lai Changxing case?

A: I have stated the position of the Chinese government on the Lai Changxing case. I have nothing to add.

Q: Please offer some details on the meeting between Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and the DPRK Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun. What message did China convey to the DPRK side on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula?

A: Premier Wen Jiabao met with Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun during his visit, and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with him. The two sides discussed the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula at both meetings. Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun told the Chinese side the DPRK's position and idea on the resumption of the Six Party Talks. He reaffirmed that the final goal of the DPRK is to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. China in turn briefed Foreign Minister Paek its position on the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. We expect the parties concerned to take flexible attitude and adopt active moves for the early resumption of the Talks. Foreign Minister Paek left for Guangzhou today.

If there are no more questions, thank you for your presence.