On the afternoon of October 11, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on the China-Japan consultation on the East China Sea issue, the Myanmar issue, the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and etc.

Liu Jianchao: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let's start with your questions right away.

Q: Will China repatriate the detained Koreans who broke into the Korean international school? The ROK claimed that its diplomats were restrained by Chinese police at the spot, will China apologize to the ROK for that?

A: On the afternoon of October 9, the Korean international school in Beijing called the Chinese police reporting that four unidentified people broke into the school. In order to ensure the safety of the faculty and students and order of the school, Chinese police went to the spot immediately and took measures according to law. During the process, the ROK consular officials, displaying no respect for international laws and their status, obstructed Chinese police from performing their duty, violating relevant stipulations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. China expresses dissatisfaction to that.

At present, the police have detained the four people for investigation. Competent authorities will properly handle the case according to law.

Q: Venezuelan President Chavez visited Columbia lately, mediating between the Columbian government and the guerilla on the hostage issue. How do you comment on that? Could you brief us on the 10th round of China-Japan consultation on the East China Sea issue being held today in Beijing?

A: The Chinese Government has always followed the domestic peace process in Columbia. We welcome the positive efforts of the Columbian and Venezuelan government and the international community for the early release of the hostages. We believe that will be conducive to peace, stability and development of Columbia.

Regarding your second question, as agreed by China and Japan, the 10th round of consultation on East China Sea issue is being held today in Beijing. Mr. Hu Zhengyue, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Mr. Kenichiro Sasae, Director-General of Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Ministry will attend the consultation heading respective delegations.

China will continue to press ahead with the consultation proactively and pragmatically on the basis of the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries so as to find a joint development plan acceptable to both. We hope Japan make its efforts to meet with us half way.

Q: Jean-Claude Juncker, chairman of the Euro zone finance ministers said that he will visit China soon and hoped to establish a mechanism with China similar to the China-US SED. What's China's position? Secondly, there are reports saying that Aung San Suu Kyi's assistant died while in custody. The US wanted the UN Security Council to investigate it. What's your response? Thirdly, the US Congress may strengthen inspection over imported Chinese products recently. Is there any comment?

A: As to your first question, the Chinese Government and People's Bank of China have expounded on the position of the Chinese Government on RMB exchange rate. China will continue to reform the RMB exchange rate regime. This position remains unchanged. We stand ready to communicate and consult with relevant countries on an equal footing to increase mutual understanding. As to the specific visit, I suggest you refer to relevant authorities.

On your second question, the international community still follows the situation in Myanmar. China holds that the current situation in Myanmar is getting further eased. The international community should adopt constructive means to help Myanmar achieve stability, reconciliation, democracy and development. I believe that is the common aspiration and goal of the vast majority of countries around the world. I hope that those efforts be conducive to the mediation of the UN Secretary-General and the development of the Myanmar situation towards mitigation, stability, democracy and development.

The Chinese Government has endeavored to improve the quality of products for a fairly long period of time. On the one hand, we request the manufacturers that have quality problems to take effective measures to improve themselves; on the other hand, we hope the international community view the quality of Chinese products from an objective, scientific and fair perspective. We are willing to conduct dialogue with relevant countries on an equal footing.

Q: Chen Shuibian, "President" of Taiwan, said that China poses a threat to world peace. How do you respond?

A: First of all, I need to correct one mistake in your question. The way you addressed Chen Shuibian is not in line with the status of Taiwan. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Remarks from such a person are worthy of no comments.

Q: The US-led expert team will arrive in the DPRK. Did they have talks with Chinese officials during their stay in Beijing? Could you brief us on the meeting?

A: I have not heard of any contact between Chinese officials and those experts. I will double check that for you. Having said that, I believe that the US will exchange views with other parties on relevant issues in due course.

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