On December 23, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions on India-Pakistan relations, China sending convoy naval vessels to the Aden Gulf and seas off the Somali coast and etc.
Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Since I have no announcement to make, I’d be happy to take your questions.
Q: Given the deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan, in case conflicts broke out, would China give Pakistan strategic and military support at the latter’s request?
A: Both India and Pakistan are friendly neighbors of China. We hope the two countries could properly settle relevant issues and improve their relations through dialogue and consultation. As two major countries in South Asia, India and Pakistan could contribute to regional peace and stability by improving and developing their relations. China will, as always, support the two countries’ efforts in improving relations and safeguarding regional peace and stability.
Q: The US has filed a WTO case against China using subsidies to promote export of its "famous brands". With the world economy slowing down, are you concerned that there could be more similar complaints and even trade protectionism as countries are desperate to give a boost to export?
A: These questions should be referred to the Ministry of Commerce. It’s true that the two countries have some different views and even frictions over trade, but these issues should be properly settled though friendly consultation on an equal footing. With the financial crisis sweeping across the globe, we should make positive response, and meanwhile, keep alert to all sorts of trade barriers and protectionism.
Q: It’s reported that over 200 Chinese citizens from Jilin, Hebei and Jiangsu Provinces were tricked to become construction workers in Romania. Now they have nothing but expiring visas, arrears and prospect of repatriation. Do you have any comment?
A: If this is true, the Chinese Government, the Foreign Ministry and our Embassy in Romania will make representations with the Romanian Government, carry out investigation and properly handle the issue to safeguard our citizens’ legitimate rights and interests.
Q: The Indian Government insists that terrorists involved in the Mumbai attacks are from Pakistan, now even some Pakistani officials privately confirmed this. Yet the Pakistani Government refuses to admit. The US has taken side. Did China talk with Pakistan on this issue? Are you satisfied with Pakistan’s investigation of the Mumbai attack?
A: With regard to the Mumbai terrorist attack, we have already voiced strong condemnation. We believe the international community should intensify cooperation and jointly combat terrorism. Further investigation is needed. Meanwhile, we hope India and Pakistan could ease their strained relations through consultation and dialogue and properly handle the issue, which is favorable for peace and stability in South Asia.
Q: China has decided to send convoy ships to the Aden Gulf to restrain piracy. Does this mean China is adopting a new diplomatic policy to protect its overseas interest by extending military strength?
A: About China’s sending convoy vessels to the Aden Gulf and seas off the Somali coast, this mission is based on UN Security Council Resolutions and with consideration of the practice of other countries. The purpose is to ensure the safety of Chinese ships and personnel on the route and protect vessels of international organizations carrying humanitarian materials. This is in line with international laws, UN Security Council Resolutions and the request of the Somali Government. China pursues a path of peaceful development, and adopts a national defense policy which is defensive in nature. This is a reflection of Chinese Government’s commitment to safeguarding world peace and stability and concept of “putting people’s interest first, exercising state power for the people”. In the future, the Chinese diplomacy and military will continue to make positive contribution to world peace and stability.
Q: The US President-elect Obama plans to close the Guantanamo Prison in two years. The German Foreign Minister has reportedly said that Germany will receive the prisoners, including the 17 Chinese members of the “Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement”. Could you comment?
A: We have said on many occasions that the 17 terrorist suspects detained at the US military base of Guantanamo are members of the “Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement”, which is listed as a terrorist group by the UN Security Council. The Chinese Government requires these terrorist suspects be repatriated to China. We firmly oppose any countries receiving these people.
Q: I have two questions. About the convoy fleet, are there any Foreign Ministry officials going to be on board? My second question is Rice will visit China after the New Year, which is her last trip as Secretary of State. I was wondering whether there are any details like when she’s coming, what she’ll be doing and whom she’ll be meeting with?
A: As far as I know, on the three ships, there will not be any officials of the Foreign Ministry on board.
About the second question, China and the United States are having communications and consultations regarding Secretary Rice’s visit to China early next year, which marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. Therefore, a series of major celebrations will be held in the two countries. Secretary Rice will be here to attend the events. During the visit, she will meet with leaders of China and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. We will keep you updated of this visit.
Q: There are indications that Israel may launch large-scale attacks to the Gaza Strip soon. If that happened, which side would China take?
A: The issue of Palestine is at the core of the Middle East Question, which remains pending and has affected peace, stability and development across the Middle East. China welcomes and supports the efforts of Palestine and Israel to settle disputes through political negotiations, rather than the use of force. We follow closely the current peace process between Israeli and Palestine, and the developments in the Gaza Strip. We urge all parties concerned to take concrete measures so as to relieve the tensions between Palestine and Israel and the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We support the efforts of the international community to promote the peace process, and look forward to substantial progress at an early date.
Q: The Indian Foreign Minister said that India’s patience has been tested on the terrorist issue regarding Pakistan, which is not doing enough to combat terrorism. And there is the talk of air strikes. Will China contribute to preventing possible conflict between India and Pakistan?
A: I would like to reaffirm that China hopes to see India and Pakistan solve the problem through dialogue and consultation, work together to improve their relations and combat terrorism. China looks forward to a peaceful and stable region. This position has been made known to India and Pakistan on various occasions.
If there are no more questions, thanks for coming. See you!