On the afternoon of November 22, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on China-Indian joint military training, the international conference on the Middle East, the Darfur issue, climate change and etc.

Liu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I will start with two announcements.

At the invitation of US Secretary of State Rice, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will attend the International Conference on the Middle East in Annapolis, Maryland from November 26 to 27.

At the invitation of the People's Bank of China, Mr. Juncker, President of the Eurogroup, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Luxemburg, Mr. Trichet, President of the European Central Bank and Mr. Almunia, EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs will visit Beijing from November 27 to 29. During the visit, the delegation will have in-depth exchange of views with China on China-EU economic and financial cooperation.

Now the floor is open.

Q: President Chavez of Venezuela mediated in the negotiation between Colombian Government and Power Armed Revolution of Columbia on the exchange of hostages. Do you have any comment on his efforts?

A: We express concern over the abduction of hostages in Colombia and applaud the efforts of relevant parties including those of President Chavez to resolve the issue.

Q: The head of the UN hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur said that the mission can not succeed because the Sudanese government doesn't cooperate. How will China try to ensure the success of the mission?

A: As I told you Tuesday, China will send its peacekeeping engineers advance team to Darfur on 23, this Friday. This is an important measure and step of China to ensure peace in the region and to support UN's peacekeeping efforts.

On the deployment of the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur, we shall give full play to the role of the tripartite mechanism among UN, AU and the Sudanese Government so that they can reach an agreement and put the mission into place at the earliest possible date so as to promote the peace process in the Darfur region.

Q: Is there any new arrangement on the Six-party Talks? Premier Wen Jiabao said in Singapore that China and India will have a joint military training. Does it have any thing to do with the US arms sales to Taiwan?

A: On the first question, China is contacting relevant parties on the next phase of the Talks. The parties concerned hold positive attitude on the next round of the Head of Delegation's meeting in general. I believe that parties concerned all agree the next meeting will be held in due course when necessary.

As to the second question, according to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Exchanges and Cooperation between the Defence Ministries of China and India as well as the consensus between the leaders of the two militaries, there will be a joint training. Competent authorities will discuss the specifics. China hopes the training will enhance the mutual understanding, friendship and build trust between the two armies and enable them to contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity. This joint training is not targeted at any third party.

You raised the question of the U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan. We have always resolutely opposed to it and urged the US side to take concrete actions, strictly abide by the "One China Policy" that it has reiterated on many occasions, and honor its commitments on the three joint communiqués, including the August 17 Communiqué.

Q: Chinese Ambassador to Japan said that China is preparing for President Hu Jintao's visit to Japan next year. Please confirm. The US presidential candidate Hillary accused China of exporting problematic toys to the U.S., which will harm the health of American children as Christmas gifts. Do you have any comment?

A: On your first question, the resumption of exchange of leaders' visits between China and Japan last year played a significant role in promoting the improvement and development of bilateral relations. We are positive towards the high-level exchange of visits between our two countries and attach great importance to it. As to the plan next year, we are communicating with Japan through diplomatic channels. When the specific date is decided, we will update you.

On your second question, we have taken note of the concerns of relevant parties and made significant efforts to improve the quality of our exporting toys. We believe that the concerted efforts of competent supervisory authorities and enterprises as well as cooperation among relevant countries will better guarantee the quality of Chinese products, including toys, making them continue to be popular among international consumers. We wish children abroad a safe and merry Christmas and believe Chinese toys will bring them happiness!

Q: When and where will the Chinese and Indian militaries hold the joint training?

A: Please refer to competent authorities for details of the joint training.

Q: What role will China play in the upcoming International Conference on the Middle East?

A: We endorse and stand ready to participate in all international endeavors that are conducive to promoting the Middle East peace process. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will attend the International Conference on the Middle East in the US next week. China will work with all parties concerned to explore how to promote the peaceful resolution of the Middle East issue. We hope that with the extensive participation and joint efforts of the international community, the Middle East issue would be solved in a comprehensive, fair and reasonable way at an early date.

Q: Some people think that this conference is only a public relations step of the US. What does China expect from the conference?

A: Looking forward to the conference, the international community including Arabian countries is widely interested in it. China also hopes that this conference will bring about substantial achievements. We hope that all parties concerned, including Palestine and Israel, would step up contacts, explore the approaches and measures of promoting the Middle East peace process, and strive for positive results from the conference.

Q: The English version of "China Travel Information" of "Lonely Planet Destination Guide" was banned from circulation on the Mainland because it printed the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan in separate colors. What will be the conditions for its circulation on the Mainland, and how do you view Taiwan's reaction?

A: You asked about Tiawan's reaction. I am not aware of its reaction, nor do I care about it. What I do care is that the "One China" principle should be observed universally. It is China's unswerving position as well as the basic principle established in relevant UN resolutions that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, a fact that brooks no change. I hope that relevant publisher will comply with the "One China" principle. As for specific information, please refer to competent authorities.

Q: Can you comment on Dalai Lama's remarks that he may look for his reincarnation overseas?

A: The reincarnation of the Living Buddhas is a unique mechanism of the Tibetan Buddhism with relatively fledged religious rituals and historical conventions. It is respected by the Chinese Government which guarantees freedom of religious brief, and has been further clarified in the just-enacted Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of the Living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism. What Dalai said has obviously run counter to the religious rituals and historical conventions.

Q: The United Nations Climate Change Conference is soon going to be held in Bali Island, Indonesia. At present, the international community is appealing to developing countries, particularly China and India to bear more obligations on energy conservation and emission reduction. Meanwhile, China has developed its own standard for emission reduction. If the international standard coincides with China's own target, then will China accept it in principle, or will it insist that sovereign states have the right to make their own decisions?

A: China's position on climate change is loud and clear. Firstly, climate change, which bears on human survival and development, is a global issue that calls for global effort. Secondly, the developed countries should shoulder responsibility for their discharge in the past and take lead in emission reduction. Thirdly, developed countries should help developing countries with emission reduction by transferring technologies and providing financial support.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol should serve as the fundamental framework for international cooperation. The "common but differentiated responsibilities" between developed and developing countries, one of the important principles of the Convention, must be followed. Just now you asked whether China would accept the international standard if it coincides with China's own standard. This is a question of principle. China will take its due responsibility, but oppose to imposing any binding caps on the developing nations.

During the series of East Asia summit meetings, Premier Wen Jiabao delivered very important speeches on climate change, environmental protection and measures to be taken by China in related fields. I suggest you read these speeches carefully.

If there are no more questions, thank you for your attendance.