On the afternoon of November 28, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu held a regular press conference.

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

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President Tassos Papadopoulos of the Republic of Cyprus will pay a state visit to China from December 4 to 8.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: It is reported that DPRK's chief delegate to the Six Party Talks Kim Kye-gwan has arrived in Beijing and will meet with the US representative Hill and Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei later today. Please confirm.

A: The heads of the Chinese, the US and DPRK delegations to the Six Party Talks will hold bilateral and trilateral meetings today in Beijing. Yesterday Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei met with the Japanese chief delegate Kenichiro Sasae and ROK chief envoy Chun Yung-woo respectively and exchanged views on the Six Party Talks and issues of common interest.

Q: Kim Kye-gwan, DPRK's chief negotiator, stated after arriving in Beijing this morning that the DPRK has taken defensive measures through nuclear test, making it in a dignified position to return to the Talks. He stressed DPRK's stand as a nuclear state. What's China's comment on this? Has China already come up with a specific date for the resumption of the Talks? Does China feel necessary to set up certain conditions to ensure practical result out of the Talks?

A: The NPT and Resolution 1718 adopted by the UN Security Council have clear-cut regulations, which represent the common consensus of the international community. China stands resolutely against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Our position on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is consistent, clear and firm.

We hope the parties concerned would seize this opportunity to conduct in-depth consultation on each other's views and concerns with practical and flexible attitude in order to create conditions for the resumption and progress of the Talks.

Q: Please brief us on the progress of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Nicaragua.

A: China is willing to establish and develop normal state relationship with the Latin-American countries having no diplomatic ties with China on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the UN Charter. Nicaragua is also included.

Q: Is there a trilateral meeting today among the chief delegates of China, the US and DPRK? Did the US and DPRK chief envoys meet with each other bilaterally? Has China come up with a specific date for the resumption of the Six Party Talks?

A: As I have mentioned, the heads of delegations to the Six Party Talks from China, the DPRK and the United States will hold meetings today in Beijing, which involve bilateral and trilateral meetings. I am yet to get the up-dates of the meetings. As for the date of the resumption of the Talks, it is still under consultation.

Q: The Left Wing candidate claimed victory in the presidential election in Ecuador. What's China's comment on this? Does China plan to hold a Five-Party Talks since five head delegates are now in Beijing? Why the Russian delegates are not here for the preparatory meeting of the Talks?

A: On your question for the Six Party Talks, parties concerned are having consultation in Beijing. We hope they would make full use of the opportunity to exchange views and conduct in-depth consultations. China advocates the settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and negotiation. We hope the parties involved would seize the opportunity to ensure the early resumption and substantial progress of the Talks.

With respect to the Ecuador's presidential election, on November 26, Ecuador held the second round of presidential election smoothly. The official result of the votes is yet to be released. We believe that Equator can realize the smooth transition of power. It is also our belief that the new government of Equator can lead its people to make constant new achievements in safeguarding national stability as well as promoting economic and social progress.

Q: Can you please brief us on the agreements signed between China and Pakistan during President Hu Jintao's visit to Pakistan?

A: During his recent visit, President Hu signed 54 documents and five joint statements or declarations. It is a visit of significance. China and Pakistan also issued a joint statement during the visit. Both sides believe that all-weather friendship and comprehensive cooperation have now become the outstanding characteristic of China-Pakistan relationship. China-Pakistan friendship has become the example for developing nations and neighboring states to live with each other amicably. China is ready to strengthen the good-neighborly friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation with Pakistan so as to press ahead with the strategic partnership with Pakistan. Relevant agreements signed during the visit have been fully covered by the press, including a free trade agreement and a five-year plan for the development of China Pakistan economic cooperation and trade.

Q: Does substantive progress of the Six Party Talks include DPRK's renunciation of some of its nuclear program? China, the US and the DPRK reached consensus last month on the resumption of the talks. However, the date still hasn't been set. What is the major obstacle?

A: We observe that it is imperative for relevant parties to return to the track of dialogue and negotiation. The Six Party Talks remain to be the most effective way to achieve a nuclear-weapon free peninsula. We hope that relevant parties can make concerted efforts for the earlier resumption of the Talks.

Q: It is reported that China is planning to invest US$5billion to build a Chinatown in Jeju of ROK. Can you confirm? Secondly, the Darfur issue will be discussed at the summit meeting of the African Union. What comment does China have?

A: As for your first question, we have taken note of relevant reports, which are false after our investigation.

As for your second question, China values relevant parties' recent diplomatic efforts. The Darfur issue is now at a critical juncture. We hope all parties to keep the momentum of dialogues in line with the pragmatic and prudent principle, conduct candid communications, seek common grounds and reach a consensus at an early date. All parties' concerns need to be addressed for the realization of peace and stability in the Darfur region. China is ready to play a constructive role.

Q: Did President Hu Jintao briefed President Bush on his visit to the four Asian countries during their telephone conversation last night?

A: Last night, President Hu Jintao had a telephone conversation with President Bush. The two mainly exchanged views over China-US relations and issues of common interest.

Q: Can you comment on the recent cease-fire between Palestine and Israel? Tomorrow marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. What position does China hold on the Palestine issue?

A: Palestine and Israel have just announced a cease-fire, which marks a positive step towards easing the tension between the two sides. China welcomes the cease-fire. We hope the two sides can seize the opportunity and resume peace talks as soon as possible.

Tomorrow marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The issue of Palestine is at the core of the Middle-East question. The way out is to conduct political negotiations on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace" and build an independent Palestine state which coexists with Israel in peace.

Q: Will there be bilateral meetings between the DPRK and the US representatives for the Six-Party Talks?

A: The head of DPRK's delegation for the Six-Party Talks arrived in Beijing today. The meeting among heads of delegations from China, DPRK and the US is still underway. I haven't got specifics for the meeting, which includes bilateral and tri-lateral discussions.

Q: Did the heads of delegations from China, the US and DPRK have lunch together today?

A: I didn't attend the meeting, which hasn't concluded yet. I am yet to get the details.

Q: Can you tell us the arrangements for the meeting between the ROK and Japanese heads of delegations?

A: As for bilateral meetings between other parties, I advise you to refer the question to relevant sides.

If there are no other questions, see you next time. Thanks for your presence today.