On the afternoon of 7 June, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Costa Rico, the outreach session of G8 Summit, China-Japan relations and other issues.

Jiang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I shall begin with an announcement:

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Alberto Gatmaitan Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines will pay an official visit to China from June 17 to 19.

Now I am happy to take your questions.

Q: Lee Deng-hui said at an interview with Japanese media that he visited the Yasukuni shrine just to pay respect to his brother, which was not a political activity. What's your comment on this? Have you made presentation to Japan?

A: From what Lee Deng-hui said and did in Japan, you can see clearly what he is pursuing. We once again express our strong dissatisfaction to Japan for allowing Lee's visit there.

Q: Today, China announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Costa Rico. What's your comment on this? Which country will be the next that you plan to establish such relationship with?

A: In line with the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China and Costa Rico established diplomatic relations on the basis of the Charter of the United Nations and the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence through friendly consultation. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Costa Rico serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, paves the way for the mutually-beneficial and friendly cooperation between the two countries and turns over a new page of the relations between China and Costa Rico. China has established diplomatic relations with 169 countries including Costa Rico, which fully shows that the One China Policy has become the universal consensus of the international community.

At present, there are still a few Latin American countries yet to establish diplomatic relations with China. We are willing to establish and develop normal national relations with these countries on the basis of the Charter of the United Nations and the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. The Taiwan issue is the only obstacle to the normalization of relations between China and these countries. We hope that relevant countries will go with the tide of history and make a right choice.

Q: The President of Costa Rica said that the shift of its diplomacy is mainly out of economic consideration. What kind of work has China done in this regard?

A: China and Costa Rica reached agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations through friendly consultation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The establishment of bilateral ties is to promote the friendly cooperation between the two sides and further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in politics, economy, culture, education, science and technology. There is but one China in the world. The government of the P.R.C is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Costa Rica proves again that the one-China principle is universally recognized by the international community.

Q: Will China begin large scale investment in Costa Rica? Will China give Costa Rica capital aid following the establishment of the diplomatic ties? In what areas will China and Costa Rica enhance cooperation?

A: The Taiwan question bears on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and it is China's internal affair. The resolution and will of the Chinese government and people including the Taiwan compatriots to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is firm. More and more countries establish diplomatic relations with China. It fully demonstrates that the one-China principle is universally recognized by the international community. Up to now, 169 countries have established diplomatic relations with China, which can never be done by splashing dollars.

China is now making preparation for setting up the embassy in Costa Rica. China looks forward to the visits to China by President Arias and other high-level officials at a time of their convenience. We are ready to develop friendly cooperation with Costa Rica in the fields of politics, economy, culture, education, science and technology based on equality and mutual benefit.

Q: Has China made representation to Japan on Lee Deng-hui's visit there? Will his visit affect the high-level exchanges between China and Japan, including the two leaders' meeting during the outreach session of G8 Summit?

A: China has made solemn representation to Japan on many occasions and stated our position clearly. The key to develop the bilateral ties is to stick to the principles and spirits enshrined in the three political documents and properly handle the Taiwan question and historical issues. We are ready to join hands with Japan to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders on the development of bilateral ties so as to press ahead with the relationship based on mutual trust and mutually-beneficial cooperation.

Q: The U.S.-based Cardinal Kung Foundation said in a statement on June 7 that a bishop in China's underground Catholic Church in Hebei province was detained by police. Can you tell us the reason?

A: I am not aware of the specifics of the case. But I can assure you that China is a country of rule of law. The Chinese government protects the freedom of religious belief of the Chinese citizens in accordance with law. The Chinese citizens enjoy full freedom of religious belief in line with law. The state and government at various levels protect the normal religious activities of the citizens. In China, everyone shall abide by the law and no one is entitled to engage in illegal activities under the pretext of religion.

Q: President Bush met with Rebiya Kadeer. What is your comment?

A: Every one knows well what kind of person Rebiya Kadeer is. She is a convicted criminal. The relevant remarks and activities of the US are blatant interference in China's internal affairs. We express strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to it.

Q: Recently President Bush said that China's political opening has not caught up with the pace of its economic reform. What is your response?

A: In the past nearly 30 years since reform and opening up, China has enjoyed economic development, social stability, and important progress in democracy and legal development. Chinese people enjoy extensive human rights and freedom in accordance with law. No one knows better than Chinese people on what the Chinese Government has done. The international community also thinks positively of that. The Chinese Government and people will unswervingly follow the road of building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Q: The US and Japan are pressing for a statement on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue at the end of the G8 Summit. What is your comment?

A: I have not heard that the Summit will discuss this issue. China hopes that relevant discussions can play a positive role for the resolution of the question.

On the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, we hope it can be properly resolved while the concerns of related parties can be addressed so that the initial actions can be implemented at an early date and the Six-party Talks process be pressed ahead.

Q: Will President Hu Jintao meet with Prime Minister Abe on the side lines of the G8 Summit? What is the specific time?

A: According to President Hu's schedule, today he will meet with the leaders of Nigeria, Senegal, Mexico, and India. He will also attend the collective meeting of the leaders from developing countries in the evening. Tomorrow morning he will attend the outreach session of the G8 Summit, then he will have talks with leaders from Russia, the US, France, Japan, Canada, Italy, and Germany.

Q: How many countries received China's aid last year? What is the amount and purpose?

A: This is not under the charge of the Foreign Ministry. China's aid to some developing countries is mutual assistance within the framework of South-South cooperation. We do not give money directly. Rather, we help build projects mainly involving some infrastructure projects bearing on the well-being of the people there.

If there is no more question. Thank you and see you!