On July 3, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on Mexican President Calderon's visit to China, the situation in Mongolia, the six-party talks, and foreign leaders' attendance at the Beijing Olympic Games and etc.

Liu Jianchao: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to begin with an announcement.

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, President of the United Mexican States, will pay a state visit to China from July 9 to 12, 2008.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: President Hu Jintao will leave for Japan on July 7 to attend this year's G8 Outreach Session. The day he will leave for Japan coincides with the 71st anniversary of the Lugouqiao incident. Do you think it is quite sensitive for President Hu to go to Japan on that day? Another question, it is reported by Japanese media that Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will come to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games by a small plane of Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Do you have any comments?

A: The G8 Outreach Session is an international conference which involves 16 countries. Related arrangements including the agenda are set by all parties concerned through consultation. There are no special political implications on the date.

Q: Some countries link political issues with attendance at events of the Olympic Games. Do you have any comments? Also, could you brief us on the procedure of inviting foreign leaders to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games?

A: We have reiterated on many occasions that, in the spirit of the Olympic Charter, the Olympic Games should not be politicized. The spirit should be respected and followed by all members of the Olympic family. We will definitely not accept the politicization of the Olympic Games. Any attempt to link the Olympic Games with political issues and interfere into China's internal affairs will fail.

According to IOC's regulations and the usual practice of the Olympic Games, heads of state or government are invited by their respective national Olympic committees as registered distinguished guests to attend Olympic events. China respects the decisions of the national Olympic committees of all countries. As host of the 2008 Olympic Games, China will provide conveniences in line with the usual practice for foreign leaders attending events of the Olympic Games.

On the second question, I have not got any specific information on that, so I cannot make comments on that now.

Q: Were your previous comments targeted at French President Sarkozy? He said a few days ago that his attendance at the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony would hinge on progress in the contact between the Chinese Central Government and the Dalai side. How do you comment on that?

A: I have answered the question at Tuesday's briefing. My comments today are to further expound on the issue.

Q: Can you update us on the talks between Chinese relevant authorities and private representatives of Dalai? What are their requests? Have the two sides agreed to continue their contact?

A: Thanks for your question. Just like you, I am still waiting for relevant information.

Q: Since the National Olympic Committees invite the heads of state or government of respective countries to the opening ceremony of the Games. Why did China also invite some foreign leaders? In addition, will the DPRK leader Kim Jong ll attend the relevant activities of the Beijing Olympics?

A: I have explained the ways and procedures of how to invite heads of state and government to the Games. As the host of the 29th Olympics, China welcomes leaders of all countries to attend the Beijing Olympics.

For your second question, I haven't got any relevant information and not been authorized to release which foreign leaders will attend the Beijing Olympics. Please refer your question to the BOCOG. And I will keep you updated if I have any specific information.

Q: Please brief us on the agenda of Mexican President's visit to China.

A: President Calderon will pay a state visit to China from July 9 to 12, and this is his first visit to China as the President of Mexico. During his visit, President Hu Jintao will hold talks with him, and Chairman Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao will meet with him respectively. Leaders of the two countries will exchange views on further development of China-Mexico strategic partnership and international and regional issues of common interest. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will co-chair the 3rd Meeting of the Standing Committee between the two Governments with his Mexican counterpart Espinosa. Besides Beijing, President Calderon will visit Shanghai as well.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mexico, the bilateral relationship is proceeding smoothly, and China-Mexico Strategic Partnership has been established on 2003. In recent year, the high-level communication and cooperation in various fields including trade and economy, science and technology, culture, tourism and energy have made positive progress. China and Mexico are both developing countries, and the mutually-beneficial and friendly cooperation between the two countries will serve the interests of both peoples. We hope and believe that President Calderon's visit will vigorously boost the development of China-Mexico relations.

Q: Has the date for next round of the meeting of heads of delegation of the Six-Party Talks been fixed?

A: Now relevant consultations are still going on. We hope that all parties concerned could reach consensus on the specific date of the meeting at an early date.

Q: Recently the parliamentary election in Mongolia triggered unrest with some people dead or injured. Do you have any response to that?

A: We have taken note of the development of the situation in Mongolia. As a friendly neighbour of Mongolia, we hope Mongolia can maintain stability.

Q: President Sarkozy will announce his decision on whether to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics during his attendance to the G8 Summit. What is your response to his possible announcement? Will President Hu Jintao meet with him on the sidelines of the Summit?

A: I am not aware what will be expressed concerning your question by the French side during its attendance during the G8 Summit. You have raised a hypothetic question, so I cannot make response to that.

As to the meetings between President Hu and foreign leaders, we are having consultation with relevant parties right now.

Q: Has China tightened its control over the border area between China and Mongolia after the unrest? Has your Ministry announced any travel warning?

A: I have not heard of any special measures are taken in the border area. As a friendly neighbour of Mongolia, we hope it can maintain stability, China-Mongolia relations could enjoy sound development and the normal people-to-people exchanges will not be affected.

Q: It is reported that 10-odd years ago a Chinese American were sentenced in Shanghai for tax fraud. Not long ago, he was released on parole. Since China is to hold the Olympic Games and some major US officials will visit China soon, is there any special meaning for the release at the moment?

A: I am not aware of the specific case you mentioned. While we have a general principle, that is, China is a country under the rule of law, and the judicial organs will deal with relevant cases in accordance of Chinese laws.

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