On the afternoon of September 6, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on Chairman Jia Qinglin's visit to Japan, the Six-party Talks, the Darfur issue, and the US-India nuclear cooperation for civilian use.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, I would like to make an announcement. At the invitation of the Japanese government, Chairman Jia Qinglin of the CPPCC will pay an official good will visit to Japan from September 12 to 18.

Now the floor is open.

Q: Would you please share with us more information about Chairman Jia Qinglin's visit to Japan? Besides Tokyo, will he visit other places?

A: The arrangement of Chairman Jia's visit to Japan is still under discussion.

This year marks 35th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan relations and it is also the year for culture and sports exchanges between the two countries. The bilateral ties are faced with important opportunities for development. Based on the three important political documents between China and Japan, China is ready to join hands with Japan to promote the bilateral strategic and reciprocal relations. We shall enhance the exchanges and cooperation in various fields, expand people-to-people exchange, and deepen the friendly affection between the two peoples so as to press ahead with healthy and steady development of China-Japan relationship.

Q: The US, India, Australia, Singapore and Japan held a joint military exercise today. What is your comment? Do you regard it as a threat to China?

A: In today's world, China holds that countries shall conduct dialogue and cooperation based on the new security concept of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation so as to ensure common security and shared growth. A harmonious and stable Asia-Pacific featuring mutual-trust among countries is in the common interest of all countries in the region.

China has actively participated and built a peaceful, cooperative and progressing Asia-Pacific. We are willing to make joint efforts with other countries to increase mutual-trust through dialogue, enhance cooperation by building up mutual-trust and achieve win-win result through cooperation.

Q: The leaders of China and Australia have agreed to establish the annual strategic dialogue mechanism. What is the purpose of the mechanism? Is it aimed to check similar cooperation Australia has with the US and Japan? Second, during the APEC meeting, President Bush calls on countries to further their efforts in addressing climate change. Does China believe APEC is a proper venue to discuss climate change? Will China take any new initiative on climate change?

A: President Hu Jintao is paying a state visit to Australia now. This morning he held talks with Prime Minister Howard.

They agreed to enhance dialogue and mutual trust as well as increase consensus and cooperation so as to promote the in-depth and comprehensive development of China-Australia relations. President Hu made four proposals. First, to enhance close high-level exchanges and establish strategic dialogue. The two sides agreed to establish China-Australia annual strategic dialogue mechanism so as to enhance dialogue and communication on major issues concerning the long-term development of China-Australia relations as well as world peace and development. Second, to deepen economic cooperation and trade for mutual benefit and win-win result. Third, to expand people-to-people exchanges so as to increase the friendship between the two peoples. Fourth, to strengthen communication and coordination with a view to building a harmonious Asia-Pacific. After President Hu and Prime Minister Howard concluded their talks, they attended the signing ceremony of six cooperation documents covering the fields of economy, trade, energy, justice and culture.

As for your second question, China supports the APEC leaders' meeting issue a declaration on climate change to voice the positive political will of all parties. We hope that based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities set in the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, the parties can conduct broad consultation to strive for an achievement balanced in content and reflecting the consensus of all parties.

The Chinese Government attaches great importance to and actively deals with climate change. In accordance with the strategy of sustainable development, we have taken effective measures to deal with climate change and protect the ecological environment which have generated prominent achievements. In the future, we will continue to make joint efforts with the international community to actively seek the effective way to address climate change within the framework of sustainable development.

Q: I have two questions. Some reports say that Chinese hackers launched attacks against government computer networks of Germany, the US and the UK. Has China conducted any investigation on this? My second question is, recently, some reports suggest that China is likely to voice its opposition to the US-India pact on civilian nuclear cooperation within the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Are these reports valid? What is China's position on the US-India nuclear deal?

A: On your first question, the Chinese Government has always opposed to and forbidden any criminal acts undermining computer systems. We have explicit laws and regulations in this regard. We have also expressed our willingness to further strengthen international cooperation. Any accusation of Chinese military force attacking computer systems of foreign governments is groundless, irresponsible and out of ulterior motives. As far as I know, up till now, the Chinese police have not received any request for investigation assistance from the relevant countries.

As to your second question, we have noticed that, at present, there are still some different opinions within the NSG on releasing the restrictions of nuclear export to India. We believe that all countries can carry out cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy under the precondition of abiding by the international obligations. The relevant cooperation should be conducive to maintaining and strengthening the principles and validity of the international non-proliferation mechanism.

Follow-up: Does this mean that China thinks that the NSG has no reason not to approve the US-India nuclear cooperation pact?

A: I have already clearly stated the Chinese Government's position on this question. I am willing to repeat it. We believe that all countries can carry out cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy under the precondition of abiding by the international obligations. The relevant cooperation should be conducive to maintaining and strengthening the principles and validity of the international non-proliferation mechanism. We would participate in the discussions on the relevant issues under this principle.

Q: I have two questions. First, according to a report of the Washington Post on September 5, the head of National Agency of Food and Drug Control of Indonesia said that Chinese officials, in the meetings with her, suggested that Indonesia lower its safety standards on imported Chinese products, which was rejected by her. Could you confirm? My second question is also related to the first one. Some Southeast Asian countries believe that China treats the developed countries and the developing ones differently on food safety standards. What's your comment?

A: The report of the Washington Post is purely groundless and not in line with facts. According to what we have learned from the authorities in charge, an visiting Indonesian government delegation had discussions yesterday on food safety with Chinese authorities including the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. The situation you mentioned does not exist. The head of the Indonesian delegation also confirmed that they did not say anything like that.

As for your second question, the import and export products of China must be in line with China's regulations, laws and standards, and also meet the standards and requirements of the importing countries. This is a policy that China has consistently adhered to. The Chinese Government believes that inspection and quarantine should be conducted scientifically through dialogue and cooperation on an equal footing. It is not fair to determine export supervision and quarantine standards based on the size or strength of the trading partners. China will not do that itself, nor does it wish to see other countries have that kind of practice.

Q: The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is visiting Sudan recently. What's your comment? How is it going to help the peace process in the Darfur region? What diplomatic measures has China taken recently for resolving the Darfur issue?

A: China appreciates the positive efforts of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in resolving the Darfur issue properly, and supports the UN to play an important role on this.

We hold that, under the current circumstances, the international community should cherish and safeguard the sound momentum, make full use of the trilateral consultation mechanism among the Sudanese government, the UN and the AU and press ahead with the peace-keeping and political processes in a balanced way, so as to help Sudan improve the humanitarian and security conditions in Darfur and resolve the Darfur issue comprehensively and properly.

The Chinese Government has all along played a positive and constructive role on the Darfur issue. The special envoy of the Chinese Government on the Darfur issue, Ambassador Liu Guijin, is visiting the US and the UN from September 3 to 12. He will make extensive contact with officials, congressmen, researchers and media.

Q: The DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan is in Beijing now. Please update us.

A: The Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei met with the DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan this morning. Kim briefed Wu on the development of the DPRK-US working group meeting. They also exchanged views on the working direction of the next phase of the Six-Party Talks.

Q: It's reported that Taiwan will convene the "Taiwan-Africa Summit" on September 9. What's your comment?

A: The purpose of the Taiwan Authorities to hold the "Taiwan-Africa Summit" is to intensify its unpopular splitting efforts of "Taiwan Independence" in the international community. China-Africa friendship is the trend of the times. The vast majority of African countries stick to one-China principle, and oppose to Taiwan's secessionist activities. Any attempt against the trends of history can get nowhere.

Q: Has the visiting DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan confirmed that the DPRK will disable its nuclear facilities before the end of the year? Is China concerned about the US-India nuclear cooperation?

A: On your second question, I have already expounded China's position on that just now. I have nothing more to add.

On your first question, the DPRK has put forth some specific plans on complete declaration of all nuclear programs and disableing its all nuclear facilities recently. Relevant parties will hold consultation and further discussion on relevant issues during next session. We will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the other parties, so as to do a good job in the next phase and press ahead with the talks in a stable manner.

Q: When will the next session be held?

A: China is making active coordination with other parties on the date of the second phase of the 6th round of the Six-Party Talks. We will update you after the date is fixed.

If there is no question, thank you for attendance. See you next week.