Q: The US State Department issued 2007 and put China into tier 2 watch list for consecutive 3 years. It also criticized China's practice in dealing with illegal border-crossers from the DPRK. What is your response?

A: The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the protection of the rights and interests of the Chinese citizens and the cracking down upon trafficking activities concerning women and children. With our unremitting efforts, human trafficking activities in China have been decreasing and major progress has been made in this regard. China has also actively participated in the international law enforcement cooperation and conducted fruitful cooperation with relevant countries and international organizations in countering human trafficking and illegal immigration. We hope the US government can look at the issue fairly and objectively.

It is known to all that the illegal transgressors from the DPRK came to China for economic reasons and they are not "refugees" at all. The Chinese Government has been dealing with relevant issues in light of the domestic law, international law and the humanitarian principle, which has been universally recognized by the international community. The accusation by the US government to China is unreasonable.

Human trafficking and illegal immigration are the common challenges to the international community and the resolution needs joint efforts around the world. China will continue to commit itself to enhancing international cooperation in this field.