On the afternoon of January 30, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu held a regular press conference. Jiang answered questions related to President Hu Jintao's visit to Africa, the Six-Party Talks and the Darfur issue.

Jiang: Good afternoon, everyone. I would like to begin with two announcements:

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Robert Fico of the Slovak Republic will pay an official visit to China from February 5 to 9.

As agreed by all the parties, the third phase of the fifth round of the Six-Party Talks will be held in Beijing from February 8.

Now the floor is open.

Q: How long will the next round of Six-Party Talks last? What will be on its agenda and what's its goal? Will Assistant Secretary Hill discuss with China the outer space test with China on the sideline of the Six-Party Talks?

A: The duration of the Talks will depend on its development. We hold an open attitude towards it. During the adjournment, relevant parties conducted helpful contact on how to push forward the Talks to achieve progress and implement the Joint Statement, which have laid foundation for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks. China will closely cooperate with all other parties to press ahead with the Talks for positive progress. We hope all parties to continue their active stances, strengthen dialogues and enhance trust, so as to fully implement the Joint Statement and realize the goal of de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

As for your second question, the Chinese Government always upholds the peaceful use of outer space and opposes the weaponization and arms race of outer space. We maintain that the best way to prevent weaponization and arms race of outer space is to sign relevant international legal documents. China, Russia and other countries have submitted many working documents to the Disarmament Committee of UN and gained extensive support. China is ready to work with all other parties to achieve this goal.

Q: Some critics call China's investment in Africa "new colonialism". What's your comment?

A: Both the African people and the Chinese people fell victims of the aggression and plundering of colonialism in history, no one understands colonialism better than them. The development of China-Africa relationship doesn't begin from today when energy and resources become heated discussions. China-Africa cooperation dates back to 50 years ago. As developing countries, both China and African nations are facing the mission of common development. While developing relations with Africa, China always follows the principle of equality, mutual benefits and common development. The cooperation between China and Africa is open and transparent without directing to any third party.

Q: The debris generated by China's recent outer space test may pose a threat to other space craft. What comment do you have on it?

A: As for this issue, the Chinese Government has repeatedly elaborated on its position. We maintain that outer space, as the common wealth of the whole mankind, should be used for peaceful purpose. We are ready to strengthen international cooperation in this regard. Our position of opposing weaponization and arms race of the outer space remains unchanged.

Q: Does China support posing sanctions on Sudanese officials in charge of the Darfur region? Does China consider building a monitoring mechanism over arms sale to Sudan?

A: The Chinese Government has always followed closely the Darfur issue and hopes to seek a proper solution through political negotiations which will take into consideration of the interests of all parties. Recently, the Darfur issue gained positive progress. We hope all relevant parties to seize the opportunity, keep the momentum of dialogue and reach a consensus over how to properly resolve the Darfur issue at an early date. We hold that Security Council should adopt a resolution at an early date to authorize the UN to fund the African Union's troops. The Chinese Government will continue to play a constructive role in the Darfur issue.

The Chinese Government consistently adopts a prudent and responsible attitude towards arms sale. We have strict laws and regulations on it. China only exports military products to sovereign countries and requests the commitment of relevant countries not to transfer China's weapons to a third party. We strictly abide by relevant UN resolutions and do not export military products to the countries and regions on UN arms embargo list. China has only limited arms sale to Africa, which is confined to conventional weapons in a very small amount.

Q: What's China's expectation for President Hu's visit to Africa?

A: President Hu left Beijing this morning, starting his 8-country visit to Africa. The purpose of this visit is to promote the traditional friendship between China and Africa, strengthen pragmatic cooperation and enhance common development between China and Africa.

Q: Will China participate in the U.S.-DPRK financial talks?

A: China will not participate in the financial talks between the U.S. and the DPRK, which will be held today. We hope the two parties can find proper solution to relevant issues on the basis of previous positive consultations.

Q: Will China send its observers to the election of the Turkmenistan President?

A: As far as I know, China hasn't received the invitation from Turkmenistan yet.

Q: Will the proposal made by the U.S. and ROK be discussed in the upcoming Six-Party Talks? What's your comment on the DPRK agreeing to return to the talks?

A: All parties hold a positive attitude towards the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks, and have made helpful contact and consultations. We hope the third phase of the Talks can make in-depth discussions on the concrete measures in the initiative period to implement the 9·19 Joint Statement, and explore the establishment and improvement of relevant working mechanism.

Q: Will the Talks last until "the Spring Festival"?

A: The duration of the Talks depends on how the Talks goes. China will consult with other parties.

Q: If there is no substantial result out of the financial talks between the U.S. and the DPRK. Will it affect the Six-Party Talks adversely?

A: In the second phase of the fifth round of the Six-party Talks, the six parties agreed to take coordinated steps in accordance with the principle of "action for action" and implement the Joint Statement in a phased manner. Relevant parties have shown positive gesture in this regard. We hope the parties concerned continue to take a candid and pragmatic attitude in strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding so as to take a further step in the implementation of the Joint Statement.

Q: What will be the first step in implementing the Joint Statement? The DPRK's nuclear disarmament or more aid from other parties to the DPRK?

A: The Six-party Talks is a gradual and complex process. It is the practical and effective mechanism for the settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. The six parties all adhere to the peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation. In previous rounds of Talks, all are making efforts towards this goal. The parties concerned made corresponding commitment in the Joint Statement. In this phase of the Talks, we hope relevant parties can have an in-depth exchange of views on the specific actions in the initial phase of the implementation of the Joint Statement. We are willing to join hands with other parties for positive progress in this phase of the Talks.

Q: Can you tell us the amount of debris generated by China's outer space test?

A: I have no information in this regard.

Q: What is the purpose of China's outer space test? Is there any potential threat? Does it mean China will join the arms race in outer space?

A: On the test itself, we have made explanation to the public and the countries concerned. I have no more to add here. China is willing to make efforts with other countries to formulate a binding outer space treaty so as to effectively prevent the weaponization of the outer space. We hope relevant parties can work with us in this regard

Q: Next month, the UN outer space committee will hold a meeting in Vienna. Will China send a representative to attend the meeting?

A: I think you refer to the workshop meeting of the UN outer space committee to be held in Vienna from February 12 to 23. The Chinese delegation will attend the meeting.

If there are no more questions, thank you. See you!