On the afternoon of October 9, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Six-party Talks, the peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula, the situation in Myanmar and etc.

Liu Jianchao: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Long time no see. I believe all of you have enjoyed a pleasant holiday and come back for a busy season. I wish you all the success in your work.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: It is reported that the ROK suggested a four-party summit, including the DPRK, ROK, China and the US, on the establishment of a peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula. What's China's position on that?

A: China believes that having a peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula in place serves the interest of the people on the Peninsula as well as peace, stability and development of the region. China is supportive of the establishment of such a peace mechanism. As a signatory party to the Korean War Armistice Agreement, naturally, China is going to play a positive role in this process.

Q: What's China stance on a UN Security Council statement condemning Myanmar junta's recent crackdown on demonstrations?

A: China closely follows the situation in Myanmar. We have taken note that the situation in Myanmar is getting calm lately, which is the result of the concerted efforts of relevant parties and the international community. We hope the Myanmar situation further develop in the positive direction.

Any step taken by the Security Council should be very prudent and responsible, conducive to the meditation efforts by the UN Secretary General and the achievement of stability, reconciliation, democracy and development in Myanmar. I'd like to stress, China is opposed to imposing sanctions or pressure because that will do neither good to ease the situation in Myanmar nor resolve the issue.

Q: In the past few days, some human rights groups called for boycotting the Olympic Games, requesting China to pressure on Myanmar. What's China's position?

A: The Chinese Government adopts a constructive and responsible attitude on the Myanmar issue. It is witnessed by all that China has played a constructive role. Those attempting to take advantage of this issue and boycotting the Olympics for their own political purpose are unpopular and will definitely get nowhere.

Q: Could you brief us on the details of China's assistance to Myanmar? Will China scale down its assistance? Does China give more assistance to Myanmar than Japan?

A: I'd like to point out that China and Myanmar are friendly countries with profound friendship among the two peoples. Our bilateral relations are established on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. Following the principle of equality and mutual benefit, China and Myanmar develop trade and economic cooperation, which is a blessing for the two peoples. Developing good-neighborly friendship and cooperation with countries in the region including Myanmar is an established policy of the Chinese Government, which serves the common interest of all countries in the region. As to the specifics, I'm afraid I don't have the figures.

Q: At present, members of the Security Council disagree on the wording of a draft statement on the Myanmar issue. It is reported that China opposed the using of words such as "condemn" and preferred something as "deplored". Previously, your colleague refused to condemn the Myanmar government. Do you have any new comment? Besides, on the Six-Party Talks, in the following weeks, what measures will China take if the DPRK backlashed or pulled back its commitment?

A: As to your first question, China is taking an active part in the UN Security Council's consultations and discussions on the situation in Myanmar. The result of the consultation should be decided by the consensus of the Security Council. In a word, we hope that the Security Council adopt a responsible and prudent attitude. Any action taken must be conducive to promoting stability, reconciliation, democracy and development in Myanmar.

The situation in Myanmar is getting calm lately. We have taken note the positive efforts made by Mr. Gambari, the special envoy of the UN Secretary General on the Myanmar issue. We feel relieved to see the results of his recent visit to Myanmar and hope relevant parties there continue to exercise restraint so as to achieve long-term stability, national reconciliation and economic development in Myanmar.

As to your second question, on October 3, the second phase meeting of the sixth round of the Six-Party Talks issued a joint document on Implementing the Second-Phase Actions of the Joint Statement. It is another important document in the process of the Talks. China applauds the constructive efforts of all parties to push forward the Talks, and stands ready to implement this document in a comprehensive and balanced way by working with other parties to push forward the Six-Party Talks and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

At present, relevant work is under way. As agreed by all parties, the US will send a team of experts to the DPRK to make preparations for the disablement. Specifics of the next stage work will be decided through consultation. We hope the Talks and denuclearization process be further promoted on the basis of responsibility, flexibility and sincerity as we have seen from all parties.

Q: Mr. ElBaradei, IAEA Director-General will visit India and discuss with India the US-India nuclear cooperation agreement. Has China brought up the issue with India recently? Is there any change in China's position?

A: It is our view that relevant countries could have cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy under the precondition of fulfilling their due international obligations. On the other hand, when having relevant cooperation, parties involved should consider and address the concern of the international community. We believe they could exert wisdom and find out a proper settlement of the issue.

Q: Some EU senior economic officials called on China to step up its reform on RMB exchange rate system lately, and claimed that they will continue to exert pressure on China. Does China still adhere to its original stance on that issue?

A: Relevant parties including the EU and the US have expressed their concern in this regard. In fact, they must be fully aware of China's policy on RMB exchange rate which has been expounded on many occasions. As a matter of fact, the RMB has appreciated over 9 percent for the past two years, which is the result of our endeavor to reform the exchange rate system. I believe that China will continue to press ahead with the reform and we are willing to conduct dialogue and communication with relevant parties on this.

If there are no more questions, thanks for your presence.