On the afternoon of January 11, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference. Liu answered questions relating to Myanmar, Iraq, Sudan, Israeli Prime Minister's visit to China, EU's arms embargo on China, and China-Japan relationship.

Liu: Good afternoon! Now the floor is open.

Q: The US submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council condemning Myanmar's military government. What is your position on that? If China does not agree on the draft resolution, could you tell us why? Second, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert yesterday, Premier Wen Jiabao said China hopes Israel resume dialogues with Syria and Lebanon. What is the response of Olmert? Does China reach any agreement with Israel on the issue?

A: On the first question, we believe the question of Myanmar is purely the internal affairs of Myanmar. The international community may make some constructive efforts to settle the question, supporting mediation efforts by ASEAN and the special envoy of the UN Secretary-General and encouraging the government of Myanmar to further cooperate with the international community. The situation in Myanmar does not impose any threat to peace and security of the region and world at large. China is firmly opposed to the interference with the question of Myanmar by the UN Security Council. Myanmar's neighbours, including ASEAN countries and Non-allied Movement hold identical view on the question. China urges the countries concerned to take a cautious and responsible attitude and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.

Second question, Premier Wen and Prime Minister Olmert exchanged views on the Middle East issue. As you mentioned, Wen said China hopes Israel can have dialogue and negotiation with Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Olmert said Israel is ready to solve the Middle East issue through peaceful negotiation on the basis of peaceful co-existence. Israel appreciates China's enduring constructive efforts for the settlement of the Middle East issue. Israel hopes China play a larger role and stands ready to maintain consultation with China on the Middle East issue.

Q: President Bush made a speech this morning on sending more soldiers to Iraq. What is your comment? Second, does China support it? Do you believe it is conducive to peace in Iraq? Third, the special envoy on Sudan of the US President met with Chinese officials. Could you share more information? Will China impose more pressure on the Sudanese government to settle the Darfur issue peacefully?

A: We take note of the speech by President Bush. Iraq has undergone long-time turbulence and its reconstruction is confronted with many difficulties. The development of the situation in Iraq bears on regional security and stability, which will enable the Iraqi people to live a peaceful and tranquil life at an early date.

Second question, I believe, for peace and stability to prevail in Iraq and the Iraqi people to live in peace and tranquility, "Iraqi people governing Iraq" must be realized at an early date. Various factions in Iraq shall realize reconciliation and Iraq shall become a state respecting human rights and economic development. This is the final way out for Iraq.

Third question, the visit to China by the special envoy on Sudan of the US President is ongoing. Both sides exchanged views on relevant questions on Sudan. The US expressed its concern on the Darfur issue, and China made its position clear. Both agreed to maintain consultation on the Darfur issue. At present, relevant talks are still going on.

Q: Some overseas Uygur organizations demand China to allow UN observers to investigate the raid on terrorists in Xinjiang. What is your response?

A: I am convinced that the international community has taken note of China's firm position and actions in counterterrorism. The operation in Xinjiang was taken after collecting solid evidence. The strike on international terrorist forces including East Turkistan terrorist force is in the interest of China as well as that of relevant countries. There should not be double standards in counterterrorism. At the same time, no country wants to see another Al-Qaeda in China.

Q: Yesterday Olmert said he was surprisingly pleased by China's position on the Iranian nuclear issue. Please tell us China's position on the issue. Do you know who is the new head of East Turkistan Islamic Movement?

A: The position of the Chinese government on the Iranian nuclear issue is quite clear. Yesterday Premier Wen explicitly elaborated on China's position when meeting with Olmert. China is opposed to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and endorses the international non-proliferation system. Resolution 1737 adopted by the UN Security Council reflects the concerns of the international community on the Iranian nuclear issue. Under the current circumstances, the international community shall strengthen diplomatic efforts to resume negotiation for a peaceful solution. Premier Wen also expressed China's willingness to continue its constructive role in properly solving the issue.

Second question, ETIM has been enlisted as a terrorist group by the UN. There are irrefutable facts proving the crimes committed by ETIM. China's firm and resolute strikes against the group in light of the consensus of the international community should be supported worldwide.

Q: During Israeli Prime Minister's visit to China, has he discussed with China about Israel's arms sales to China? During the summit meeting yesterday, Japanese Prime Minister Abe and British Prime Minister Blair talked about the removal of EU's arms embargo against China. Abe said the lift of the embargo may affect the security in East Asia. What comment does China have on his remarks?

A: As for your first question, Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Olmert didn't touch upon the issue during their talk.

Your second question is not new. China has reiterated its position on the lift of EU's arms embargo against China on many occasions. It is aimed at removing the political discrimination against China that we urge the EU to lift the embargo. EU should comply with the trend and make a correct decision at an early date. Relevant sides should stop obstructing the lift of EU's arms embargo against China. China pursues a road of peaceful development. It is unreasonable and groundless for Japan to see the removal of arms embargo against China as a threat to the peace in East Asia.

China-Japan relations are now standing at a new starting point. We hope Japan can work with us to make unremitting efforts for the development of bilateral relations instead of doing the opposite.

Q: The Human Rights Watch claimed China's condition of human rights deteriorated last year. What comment do you have?

A: The organization you mentioned has conducted the so-called watch on China for many years. Regrettably, though claims to watch, the organization always suffers eyesight problems some other times, it wears colored glasses or squints. Since it is deeply biased, instead of out of good will, its reports are often politically motivated with false content

In accordance with the constitutional principle of respecting and safeguarding human rights, the Chinese Government is working on promoting all-round economic and social progress, pushing forward the judicial reform as well as improving democracy and legal system so as to build a equitable, just and harmonious society and realize all-round development of human beings. China's human rights conditions have been constantly making headways. Relevant organizations should face up to China's progress in human rights, take off their colored glasses and view China in a fair and just way. Different countries have different national conditions, so it is normal for them to differ on human rights issue. We are ready to conduct dialogue with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and equality. We oppose to exerting political pressures on other countries under the pretext of human rights and interfering in other countries' internal affairs.

Q: Next week the Canadian Minister of Trade and Finance will visit China, please brief us on some details. Whom will he meet with and what issues will they discuss? Besides, President Hu Jintao has agreed to visit Japan at a time convenient to both. Can you confirm the visit will be in June? What issues will the two sides talk about?

A: As for the Canadian Trade and Finance Minister's visit to China, I advise you to refer your question to the spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Commerce. We hold a positive attitude towards developing economic and trade cooperation with Canada. We are ready to work with Canada to promote bilateral cooperation in all fields including economic relations and trade.

As for your second question, I have answered a similar question at the press conference on Tuesday. During Prime Minister Abe's visit to China on October 8th last year, the two sides agreed to resume high level exchanges of visits. The two sides will conduct communication and consultation through diplomatic channels. If there is further information, I will keep you updated.

If there are no other questions, we conclude here! Thanks for your presence.