On the afternoon of January 10, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Iranian nuclear issue, the Six-Party Talks, Indian Prime Minister Singh's visit to China, the explosion in Icheon, ROK and etc.

Jiang: Good afternoon! I will start with one announcement:

As agreed by China and the US, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo and the US Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte will meet in China for the 5th China-US Strategic Dialogue from January 17 to 18. The dialogue mechanism was established in 2005 in light of the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries. Based on previous four rounds of fruitful dialogue, they will continue to have in-depth exchanges of views on China-US relations and major international and regional issues of mutual interest.

With that, I'm happy to take your questions.

Q: President Bush has persuaded some international investment banks in the US to cut off financing to Iran, accusing Iranian companies of using the banks to finance terrorist organizations. Would the Chinese Government also suggest its state-owned banks to step up scrutiny and cut off financing to Iranian companies?

A: We have taken note of relevant reports. We believe that the best resolution for the Iranian nuclear issue should be dialogues and negotiations. Given the current circumstances, the international community should intensify diplomatic efforts and break the deadlock for an early resumption of talks so as to seek for a comprehensive, lasting and proper solution.

Q: Reports said that a Japanese globe manufacturer in China had to mark Taiwan as "Taiwan Island" under the pressure of Chinese authorities. Would you please confirm and comment?

A: I am not aware of the specifics. "One China" principle is upheld universally by the international community. Foreign companies in China should abide by Chinese laws and regulations.

Q: US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill has arrived in Beijing for discussions about the DPRK nuclear issue. Can you brief us on his scheduled meetings here and update us on the Six-Party Talks? Did China talk with the DPRK about the declaration of its nuclear program?

A: Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei will meet with US Assistant Secretary of State Hill in Beijing later this afternoon, and we shall learn the specifics later. The second-phase action of the Six-Party Talks is moving ahead steadily, during which all parties concerned have expressed political will to deliver their respective obligations and conducted sound communication and coordination. We hope that all parties concerned will continue to work together and meet with each other half way to phase in the goals in the Joint Statement.

Q: Some Indonesian media report that Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan will visit Jakarta. Could you comment on this?

A: I am not aware of that yet, but I can double check for you.

Q: Switzerland will not take part in the dressage competition in Hong Kong during the Beijing Olympics due to climate reasons. How would you comment on this?

A: I suggest you refer to competent authorities for the Olympic Games.

Q: US Pacific Commander, Admiral Keating will be visiting China in the coming days. He is believed to plan to raise Kitty Hawk's rejected port call to Hong Kong last year. Will Chinese authorities provide him additional information? What would China say on that issue? Are there any new developments of China's relations with Malawi and the Marshall Islands?

A: As for Admiral Keating's visit to China, I suggest you refer to the Ministry of Defence. To my knowledge, he will be in China from January 13 to 16. Besides Beijing, he will also visit Shanghai and Guangzhou.

As to Kitty Hawk's port call to Hong Kong, we have expounded on China's position on many occasions.

About the relation between China and Malawi, up till now, I have no information to release. But our policy is consistent. We are willing to build up and develop friendly relations and cooperation with all countries in the world on the basis of the "One China" principle and Five Principles of peaceful Co-existence.

Q: Would you update us on Indian Prime Minister Singh's visit to China?

A: In the previous two Press Conferences, I already briefed you on Prime Minister Singh's visit to China. Mr. Singh will be visiting China from January 14 to 15. He will have talks with Premier Wen Jiabao and meet with President Hu Jintao and Chairman Wu Bangguo. Also, Prime Minister Singh and Premier Wen will attend the founding ceremony of the China-India joint medical team in memory of Dr. Kotnis. At present, the relationship between China and India is enjoying a sound momentum of development with frequent high-level visits, increasingly strengthened political mutual trust, and steady progress in our cooperation in a wide range of fields. We hope that Prime Minister Singh's visit to China will bring our strategic partnership of cooperation to a new high.

Q: The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid proposed to establish a mechanism of cooperation with China to provide aids to Africa. Will China accept such a mechanism?

A: China is open-minded and cooperative when it comes to contributing to peace, stability and development in Africa by communicating and cooperating with all countries and regional organizaions that truly care about Africa. Both China and Europe have a long history of exchanges and cooperation with Africa, and both are committed to peace, stability and sustainable development in Africa. We are ready to talk with the EU on how to step up our communication and cooperation on African issues. We also believe that the international community, while exploring ways to consolidate cooperation in Africa, should fully respect and listen to Africa's own opinion.

Q: Could you update us on the casualties of Chinese citizens in the Icheon fire, ROK, their identity and aftermath.

A: I understand that you are interested in this case. The lastest report I receive says that up till now, 12 Chinese citizens were killed and one severely wounded. Due to the complicated circumstance there, the precise identity of these citizens are still under investigation. The ROK Government said that it would facilitate the families of the victims to go to the ROK. We have repeatedly urged the ROK Government to take measures to properly handle the aftermath.

Q: During his visit to China, will Indian Prime Minister Singh bring up to Chinese leaders the boundary issue and Dalai's Government-in-Exile in India?

A: I believe that during Prime Minister Singh's visit to China, leaders of the two countries will have an in-depth exchange of views on the bilateral relations and extensive international and regional issues of mutual interest. I'm not in a position to speculate on the topics to be covered. As for the China-India boundary issue, the negotiation in this regard has made important progress, which can be reflected in the three meetings between the special representatives of the two countries last year. We are ready to work with India together to find out an equitable and reasonable framework resolution that is acceptable to both countries. As for the Tibet question, the position and policy of the Indian Government is clear. We believe the Indian Government will continue to adhere to the policy and honor its commitments.

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