Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang's Regular Press Conference on 5 April 2007

On the afternoon of 5 April, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang held a regular conference and answered questions on Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to ROK and Japan, the Six-Party Talks, Navy Commander Wu Shengli's visit to the US and other issues.

Qin: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have three announcements to make:

At the invitation of the Bo'ao Forum for Asia, Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the NPC will attend and deliver a keynote speech at the 2007 annual conference of the Forum to be held in Bo'ao, Hainan Province, from April 20 to April 22. During the conference, Chairman Wu Bangguo will also meet with relevant state leaders and other delegates present.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates Abudullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan will pay an official visit to China from April 8 to 15, 2007.

Chinese special envoy Sun Bigan on the Middle East issue will visit Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Israel, and visit the EU en route from April 9 to 18. He will exchange views on the current Middle East situation, the Palestine-Israel issue in particular, with relevant parties.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: It is reported that the DPRK is reluctant to shut down its nuclear reactor in Nyongbyon before the deadline of 60 days. Can you confirm? What in China's view has made the DPRK refuse to honor its commitment on time? Does it mean February 13 joint document will fall apart?

A: It is in the interest of all parties concerned to implement the agreement on initial actions, press ahead with the Six-Party Talks and denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. We hope that all the parties concerned can show more flexibility and continue their constructive efforts, so as to find a solution that addresses the concern of every party and is acceptable to all.

All parties should strive to implement the February 13 joint document. China, including the government of Macau Special Administrative Region, is willing to carry on the active and constructive discussion with the parties concerned.

Q: Yesterday, Premier Wen said in an interview that a China-Japan High-level Economic Dialogue Mechanism will be set up. On the part of China, what will be the significance and goal for the dialogue? Who will attend? In what particular areas does China want to step up cooperation with Japan, such as energy conservation and environmental protection? Premier Wen talked in particular about cooperation in the fields of finance and small and medium-sized enterprises. How will the two countries strengthen cooperation in these fields? Will China request Japan to state explicitly its opposition to "Taiwan independence" apart from supporting the one China policy?

A: You asked about the China-Japan High-level Economic Dialogue Mechanism to be established between. We hope to enhance mutual understanding through this mechanism and exchange views on major economic issues as well as the specific fields and content of bilateral cooperation, in order to reach more consensus. As an important part of the exchange and cooperation between China and Japan, this mechanism is of great significance for promoting bilateral cooperation in trade, economy and investment. It will also help the momentum of improvement and development of bilateral relations. The two sides have to make further consultation on specific arrangements.

As for the key areas for bilateral cooperation, Premier Wen made it clear yesterday. China and Japan are close neighbors and strongly complementary in the economic field. The two countries share a huge potential and bright prospect for cooperation in trade, economy, finance, enterprise issues, including the issues related to small and medium-sized cooperation. We hope the two sides will steadily step up exchange and mutually beneficial cooperation.

As for your third question, the three political documents between China and Japan should be strictly abided by and implemented because they serve as the cornerstone of China-Japan relations and guarantee the constant, healthy and steady development of the bilateral relationship. We look forward to Japan's proper handling on the Taiwan issue which bears on the political basis of China-Japan relations. It is in accordance with interests of Japan and other countries to oppose Taiwan's independence and safeguard the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straight.

Q: A report from Washington says that during the visit of Vice Admiral Wu Shengli, Chinese Navy Chief, the US Navy Chief has asked China to consider participating in global maritime partnership initiatives to help maintain international maritime security. Is China considering supporting and participating in the One Thousand Ship Navy Plan to respond to crisis and emergencies at sea?

A: At the invitation of Chief of the US Navy Operation Admiral Mullen, Vice Admiral Wu Shengli, Commander of the PLA Navy, is now in the United States for a visit. As far as I know, Admiral Wu has already finished his visit to Hawaii and Washington, where he met with the Deputy Secretary of Defense England, Chairman of the US Joint Chief of Staff Admiral Pace, Secretary of US Navy Winter, PACOM Commander Admiral Teating, and Admiral Roughead, Pacific Fleet Commander and had frank, pragmatic and in-depth exchang of views. In the following days Admiral Wu will visit some navy base and college. As an important project of China-US military communication this year, Vice Admiral Wu's visit will play a positive role in promoting mutual understanding and trust and expanding exchange and cooperation between the PLA and the US Forces, especially between the two countries,

As for the plan you mentioned, I suggest you consult relevant authorities.

Q: A report says that during Premier Wen's visit to the ROK, he will pose to establish a China-ROK military hotline mechanism. Can you confirm? Besides, what other suggestions will Premier Wen put forward?

A: I do not have the information on the topics to be discussed during Premier Wen's visit, including the military hotline. And the news will be released in due course. China and the ROK are close neighbors. The communication and dialogue on defense and security between the two is of great significance for regional peace and stability and the smooth development of bilateral relationship. We are willing to explore with the ROK about that.

During the visit, Premier Wen will discuss with the ROK President Roh Moon-hyun, meet with ROK Prime Minister and people of all walks of life. He will exchange views with the ROK leaders on how to promote China-ROK good neighborly friendship and overall cooperative partnership as well as expand the cooperation between two countries in economy, trade, education, culture and international and regional issues.

Q: Last week China signed a military agreement with Angola on offering military materials and supplies. Can you tell us what exactly those materials and supplies are?

A: I don't have information on that and the Foreign Ministry is not in charge of those things.

If there are no other questions, thanks for coming. Goodbye!