On the afternoon of November 23, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu held a regular press conference.

Jiang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to begin with two announcements.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Foreign Minister of Albania Besnik Mustafaj will pay an official visit to China from November 26th to December 1st.

At the invitation of the Government of United States of Mexico, Chinese Minister of Communications Li Shenglin will attend the presidency transfer ceremony of Mexico on December 1st as the special envoy of Chinese Government.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: Lebanese Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel was assassinated on 21st. What's China's comment?

A: China condemns the assassination. We hope the parties concerned in Lebanon will keep calm in order to maintain political stability and ethnic unity.

Q: The US State Department announced that Head of the US Delegation to the Six-Party Talks Hill will visit China again. Can you confirm? On Tuesday of last week, Hill said the Six-Party Talks will be resumed in mid-December. Does China expect the Talks to be held at that time? In addition, it is reported that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin is in Hong Kong and likely to return to Beijing. Please confirm. Will he meet Chinese leaders?

A: I am not aware when exactly Assistant Secretary Hill will come to Beijing. The date of the next round of Six-Party Talks is pending further discussion. China hopes that the parties concerned will show a flexible and practical attitude, make efforts in the same direction and create conditions for the early resumption and progress of the Six-Party Talks.

Thaksin's trip in China is his private arrangement. We don't have any information to share.

Q: On November 21, the parties concerned in Nepal signed a Comprehensive National Peace Agreement. What's China's comment?

A: As Nepal's neighboring country, China hopes that Nepal will maintain peace and stability. The Chinese Government welcomes the recent conclusion of Comprehensive National Peace Agreement by the parties concerned in Nepal. We sincerely hope that the parties concerned in Nepal will continue to push forward the peace process, so as to benefit the Nepalese people and make contribution to the regional peace, stability and development.

Q: President Hu Jintao is going to start his visit to Pakistan. Since this is the first visit by Chinese president over ten years, what expectation does China have?

A: President Hu Jintao will pay a state visit to Pakistan on 23rd to 26th. This visit has a milestone significance. We hope it will deepen the strategic and cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan, cement our traditional friendship and help steadily boost our mutually beneficial cooperation on all fronts.

Q: President Hu Jintao concluded his first state visit to India today. What's your comment?

A: President Hu Jintao is going to conclude his state visit to India. This visit is one with great significance and rewarding result. Leaders of two countries made in-depth exchange of views. President Hu Jintao also made exchange with people from many communities. The two countries issued a Joint Declaration, which gave a thorough account of the future direction of bilateral relations. We believe China-India relations will forge ahead on the track planned by the governments of two countries.

Both China and India hold that China-India relationship has significance far beyond bilateral scope and is one of the most important bilateral relationships to each other in their foreign relations. The Chinese Government is committed to developing long-term, stable strategic and cooperative partnership with India, which is its set policy and strategic decision. We hope to work together with India and steadily push forward bilateral relations.

Q: Can you offer the latest news on China's plan to contribute troops to the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon? What measures will China take to help achieve peace and stability in the Middle East?

A: China has always closely followed and supported the peace process in the Middle East. Regarding the question of UN Interim Force in Lebanon, China believes that implementing Resolution 1701 of the Security Council is important to the stability of Middle East. We have made commitment to the UN and is discussing with them on the numbers of troops to be dispatched.

Q: When Hill visits Beijing again next week, will any DPRK representative come to Beijing as well? Did China invite any DPRK representative to Beijing?

A: I don't have exact information on the date of Assistant Secretary Hill's visit to Beijing. China will continue to exchange views on the resumption of the Six-Party Talks with all parties concerned, including the US.

Q: You said Chinese Minister of Communications will visit Mexico. On top of attending the presidential inauguration ceremony, will he meet with Mexican leaders and sign bilateral agreements?

A: I am not aware of Minister Li Shenglin's itinerary in Mexico now. But I'd be glad to help you get some information.

Q: Which official will be sent by China to the ASEAN summit in early December?

A: The tenth summit of ASEAN plus China, Japan and the ROK will be held in Cebu, Philippines in mid-December. China attaches great importance to this meeting and will send a high-level delegation. Once the arrangement is settled, I will inform you at an appropriate time. The theme of this meeting is to review and look into the prospect of 10+3 cooperation. Chinese leader will make in-depth exchange of opinion with counterparts from other countries on how to consolidate and deepen 10+3 cooperation against the new backdrop and strive for the long-term goal of building East Asian Community with 10+3 as the main channel. We hope this meeting will be fruitful.

Q: DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister Kang Sok Chu said at the airport that the DPRK will not abandon nuclear weapon development. What's China's comment? Why can't the date of resuming the Six-Party Talks be fixed now?

A: China stands for realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and hopes the parties concerned will take earnest action to create favorable conditions for the resumption and progress of the Talks.

Regarding the date of the Six-Party Talks, the parties concerned need more consultation. I don't have exact information to offer now.

Q: It is reported that the Interpol expressed concern over DPRK's counterfeiting US dollars. What cooperation did China have with the Interpol on DPRK's counterfeiting US dollars?

A: China has consistently attached importance to combating illegal financial activities, including money laundering and counterfeiting. In recent years, we signed international conventions in this field and earnestly honored our commitment. Chinese law enforcement organs will handle the financial crimes within our territory according to law.

Q: Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori visited Taiwan from 21st to 23rd and met with Chen Shui-bian and others. He was also awarded an order by the Taiwan authority. What's China's comment?

A: The Taiwan question bears on China's core interest and the political foundation of China-Japan relations. Japan ignored China's solemn concern and permitted former Prime Minister Mori to go to Taiwan, meet Chen Shui-bian and accept his order. We express our strong dissatisfaction and regret. We require the Japanese government to honor its commitment on the Taiwan question, and take effective steps to properly handle Japan-Taiwan relations. In particular, it should not have any political exchange with "pro-independent" forces in Taiwan.

If there are no questions, I'll put an end to today's press conference. Thank you for your presence.