Q: It is reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan recently put forward and actively advocated a new draft resolution on the Security Council reform. What position does China hold on this draft? Japan has consulted many times with the United States over the draft. Some Japanese official claimed that they had also kept in touch with China. What's China's comment on this?

A: We haven't seen the draft yet. China has a clear position on the Security Council reform. We support the Security Council in enhancing its authority and efficiency through reform, and giving priority to increasing the representation of the developing countries and granting greater opportunity to more small and medium-sized countries to participate in the Security Council decision making. The reform should appropriately address the interests of all parties and find a solution acceptable to all on the basis of thorough consultation. We oppose any forced voting on plans that still cause major differences.

On your second question, last December, Japanese Deputy Vice Foreign Minister in charge of Foreign Policy Bureau Masaharu Kono paid a working visit to China as the guest of Japanese Embassy in China. At his request, China exchanged views with him on the Security Council reform and reiterated China's position mentioned above. The officials in charge of both sides have not made contact again over the Security Council reform since then.