On the afternoon of February 26, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on the visit of US Secretary of State Rice to China, the Iranian nuclear crisis, the dumplings incident in Japan and etc. He also briefed the press on the talks between Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and US Secretary of State Rice in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and their subsequent joint press conference. (Please check the Latest News on the official website of the Foreign Ministry for the whole text of the meeting between Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Secretary Rice.)

Liu Jianchao: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Now, the floor is open.

Q: In their discussion over the Iranian nuclear issue, did Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and US Secretary of State Rice discuss the US proposed new sanction resolution at the Security Council?

A: The two sides exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue during the meeting. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi expounded on China's position and advocated a proper resolution of the issue through diplomatic negotiations. Relevant parties should intensify diplomatic efforts and exert creativity in seeking a long-term and all-round solution. China, the US and other members of the UN Security Council will continue the consultation over the draft UN resolution in a bid to create conditions for the peaceful resolution of the issue and resumption of dialogue between relevant parties.

Q: Some believe that the Chinese Government indicted "dissident" Hu Jia because of the Olympic Games or out of other political reasons. What do you believe is the true reason?

A: In China, anyone who violates the Chinese law will be penalized accordingly. I also believe this is general practice in any country around the world. In this case, Hu Jia shall not be exempted. Relevant groups and individuals shall be well aware that China is a country ruled by law and stop making irresponsible remarks on China's judicial system and proper handling of relevant issues according to law.

Q: According to the Nepalese media, the Nepalese government repatriated to China a Tibetan who illegally entered Nepal. Could you confirm? Why did China request Nepal to do so?

A: I am not aware of the specific case. However, the international community has a consensus on how to prevent and deal with illegal immigration. Therefore, countries shall strengthen cooperation in this regard.

Q: In the briefing last week, you mentioned that China and the Vatican have had some contact. Could you give us more details?

A: I would like to reiterate China's position on the China-Vatican relations. We always have sincerity to improve our relations with the Vatican and we persistently adhere to the two basic principles. First, the Vatican must sever the so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan. Second, the Vatican shall not interfere in China's internal affairs, including interference under the name of religion. On this basis, we are willing to explore ways to improve our relations with the Vatican. There has been contact between the two sides and we are willing to continue our constructive dialogue with the Vatican.

Follow-up: Could you elaborate on "interference in China's internal affairs"? Does it include Vatican's ordination of China's Catholic Church bishops?

A: We have expounded China's religious policy on various occasions. We are opposed to Vatican's interference in China's internal affairs, including China's religious affairs, in the name of religion.

Q: A Myanmar democratic movement organization recently called on the international community to boycott the Beijing Olympic Games, saying that China's support is an important reason for which the Myanmar junta could stay on power. Do you have any comment on that? Does China oppose boycotting Olympic Games for whatever reason?

A: As for your first question, I have no idea of the organization you just mentioned. Did it contribute to Myanmar's peace process? What makes it believe it is eligible to criticize China's policy toward Myanmar? China adopts a policy of good-neighborliness toward Myanmar. China-Myanmar friendly relation of cooperation is in the interests of people both in Myanmar and China. China's policy on the Myanmar issue is conducive to Myanmar's peace and democracy process, and the achievement of peace and reconciliation in Myanmar as well. I hope that organizations concerned could have a correct understanding of China's policy toward Myanmar which is friendly, out of good-will and conducive to the development of Myanmar.

I have expounded China's position for many times on the issue of the so-called boycotting Beijing Olympic Games. The Games is an event of great significance for the Chinese people, as well as an event that people around the world ardently anticipate. It should not be politicalized, nor should it be boycotted for the alleged political reasons, for it is not in conformance with the good will of the people around the world.

Q: How is the joint investigation by police of China and Japan on the case of poisoned dumpling in Japan going on? It is reported that a Vice Minister of China's Public Security Ministry is on field leading the investigation work. Could you confirm?

A: I have briefed you for many times on the joint investigation of the case by police of China and Japan. A Chinese delegation visited Japan not long ago and held talks with the Japanese police. Yesterday, Deputy Commissioner General of the Japanese National Police Agency Takaharu Ando discussed the issue with China's Vice Minister of Public Security Meng Hongwei during their talks on China-Japan police cooperation. Today, police from the two sides had further discussions on the issue. You can consult the Ministry of Public Security for the specific cooperation that police of the two countries have conducted. In sum, both China's quality inspection departments and police departments take the issue very seriously. We hope that a conclusion could be drawn at an early date through cooperation between China and Japan.

Q: Did Foreign Minster Yang Jiechi and Secretary Rice agree to resume the Sino-US human rights dialogue during their talks? If so, could you give us more details? In addition, did they bring up the issue of the Sino-US military hotline?

A: Regarding your first question, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Secretary Rice reached consensus on resuming the human rights dialogue during their talks. The two sides will discuss when to hold the human rights dialogue through diplomatic channels.

China and the US have been keeping in touch on setting up a military hotline. We hope that the two sides could reach a consensus on the specifics as early as possible.

If there are no further questions, thanks for coming.