Q: What is your comment on the Middle East situation?

A: China is very concerned over the situation in the Middle East. During his meeting with Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister Gaetan Lavertu this morning, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan elaborated on China's position towards the Middle East. Minister Tang said that there is an escalation of tensions in the Middle East in recent days, including the bombing incidents in Jerusalem and Haifa. We expressed our strong condemnation of the incidents. At the same time, we wish to express our condemnation of Israel’s helicopter bombings of Gaza, especially the missile attacks on Arafat's presidential residence. We are deeply worried over the possible escalation of conflicts between Israel and Palestine as a result. We call upon the relevant parties to exercise restraint, avoid the further escalation of the situation, earnestly adopt effective measures and stop as soon as possible all sorts of conflict. It is also our hope that the parities go along with the international mediation efforts, have an early restoration of negotiations between Israel and Palestine and seek a peaceful solution of the question once for all.


Q: US Coordinator for Counter-terrorism Affairs Francis Taylor is coming to Beijing. Who will he meet in China? What does China hope to achieve through the talks? Besides, the United States conducted another anti-missile test and seemed to be successful. What is your comment?

A: From 5 to 6 December, US Coordinator for Counter-terrorism Affairs Francis Taylor will lead a delegation to China for an exchange of view on the bilateral cooperation against terrorism. During the visit, he will meet Deputy Foreign Ministers Li Zhaoxing and Wang Yi, Deputy Chief of Staff Xiong Guangkai and the Director-General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Foreign Ministry. He will also meet officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Finance and the People’s Bank of China.

On the second question, China’s position on missile defence is clear cut and consistent. We are not in favour of US missile defence system. We hold that the relevant parties should go through earnest and serious talks to seek a solution that accommodates the security interests of various sides, without damaging the international efforts for disarmament and arms control.


Q: The various Afghan parties have reached an agreement on the draft UN plan. What is your comment?

A: China welcomes and supports the results of the Bonn meeting. It is an important step to achieve peace, a smooth transition and stability in Afghanistan. We appreciate the efforts of the UN and the various parties of Afghanistan to this end. We are ready to work with  the international community to contribute to the settlement of the Afghan issue.


Q: The Afghan parties have agreed to the sending of UN Peace Keeping troops to Afghanistan. Seven countries have sent diplomats to Kabul. The prospect for a political solution to the Afghan issue now seems to be in sight. Will China take some concrete actions, such as sending diplomats back to Kabul?

A: On the sending of peace keeping troops to Afghanistan, China respects the agreement which has been reached by the relevant sides on this question under the leadership of the UN. We hold that the peacekeeping operations should have the authorization of the UN Security Council, win the consent of the Afghan people and contribute to peace and stability in Afghanistan. We are ready to contribute to Afghanistan’s peace keeping operations.

On the second question, we are considering the restoration, at an appropriate time, the normal works of China’s embassy in Afghanistan after the realization of reconciliation and the establishment of a transitional government in Afghanistan.