On February 24, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu held a regular press conference and answered questions on China-US relations, situation on the Korean Peninsula, and etc.

Ma Zhaoxu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am very glad to have the opportunity to work with the media and press officers from foreign embassies. As the spokesperson of the Ministry, I will spare no efforts in promoting the mutual understanding and communications between China and the world. I believe we will enjoy pleasant cooperation.

First of all, I have two announcements to start with.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, will pay an official visit to China from February 28 to March 1.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mr. Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, will pay an official visit to China from March 1 to 3.

Now I’d like to open up the floor for questions.

Q: I’m delighted to become the first journalist to ask you a question. US Secretary of State Clinton just concluded her trip to China. How do you assess the importance of her visit?

A: At the invitation of Foreign Minster Yang Jiechi, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited China from February 20 to 22. During her visit, President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Dai Bingguo met with her respectively. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with her. The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern, including global issues. The visit produced positive results. Attaching great importance to the bilateral relations, both sides expressed their sincere aspiration to actively promote bilateral relations. Both agreed to maintain intensive dialogue and exchanges at high-level and other levels, and strengthen exchanges, coordination and cooperation in various fields. The visit enhanced mutual understanding between China and the US, expanded consensus and promoted the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations in the new era.

Q: The launching of a satellite in the DPRK is imminent. Could you comment on this launching? Are you supporting that the UN will put that up on the agenda and decide about measures against it?

A: China noted this development, hoping that relevant parties can do more to contribute to peace and stability on the Peninsula and in the region.

Q: The fourteenth ASEAN Summit will be held in Thailand at the end of February. Leaders from the ASEAN countries will attend the summit. Is China going to send an ambassador or delegation to the summit? How is the relationship between China and ASEAN?

A: China attaches great importance to relations with ASEAN. At the end of 2008, the Chinese Government appointed Madam Xue Hanqin, a senior career diplomat as the first Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN. I believe the appointment will play an important role in promoting friendly exchanges between China and ASEAN in various fields, and contribute to bilateral cooperation as well.

Q: Pakistani President Zardari wrote an article in the China Daily. In the article, he said that China can play a very important role in solving disputes among its Asian neighbors. Do you think China should play the role of an arbitrator in the dispute between India and Pakistan? During Mr. Zardari’s visit to China, State Councilor Dai Bingguo had a meeting with him. Did they discuss issues concerning the US air strikes in parts of Pakistan and the issue concerning the Mumbay attack?

A：From February 20 to 24, Pakistani President Zardari visited Hubei Province and Shanghai Municipality. State Councilor Dai Bingguo met with him in Wuhan City on behalf of the Chinese Government. President Zardari’s visit is tightly scheduled. In Hubei, he visited the Three Gorges Dam Project, and talked with officials from agricultural and water conservation departments as well as business leaders on how to expand the two countries’ cooperation of mutual benefit. In Shanghai, he had conversation with people from financial sector.

Both India and Pakistan are important neighbors of China. We hope the two countries could properly handle their respective concerns through dialogue and consultation in a bid to improve and develop their relations. We always believe that a stable, peaceful and sound India-Pakistan relationship is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and peoples, and also the common aspiration of the international community.

Q: Firstly, could you comment on the auction of bronze sculptures of rat and rabbit heads by the French auction house Christie’s? Secondly, do you believe the DPRK is launching satellite or testing missile? How do you respond to this?

A: As for your first question, competent Chinese authorities and Foreign Ministry spokesperson have already made statement. I would like to underscore three points. One, it is the universal consensus of the international community that cultural heritage must be protected and lost cultural relics must be returned to the country of origin, which is also an inalienable fundamental cultural right of people in the country of origin. Two, in the modern history, the western imperial powers looted a large number of Chinese cultural relics during war, including those from Yuanmingyuan, the old Summer Palace. These precious cultural relics should be returned to China. Three, we believe the auction of those cultural relics is in contravention of the essence of relevant international treaties, and will severely infringe upon the cultural rights of and offend the Chinese people. To my knowledge, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage has stated strong opposition against the auction, and demanded its cancellation.

With regard to your second question, I have already made clear China’s position.

Q: Do you think the DPRK’s satellite launching may affect the Six-Party Talks?

A: I’d like to reiterate that to safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is in the common interest of all parties. We hope relevant parties could contribute to peace and stability on the Peninsula and in the region. We hope relevant parties could continue to work together to promote the Six-Party Talks.

Q: Since you announced that Swedish Foreign Minister is to come to China, could you tell us what topics will be discussed?

A: During his visit to China, Swedish Foreign Minister Bildt will meet with Chinese leaders and talk with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. They will exchange views on China-Sweden relations, China-EU relations and other issues of common interest. As you know, Sweden will take over the EU Rotating Presidency in the second half of this year. We believe Foreign Minister Bildt’s visit will further promote China-Sweden and China-EU relations. I’d like to point out that at present, China-Sweden relations enjoy sound development with close high-level contact and intensive exchanges and cooperation in economic relations and trade, environmental protection, science and education, culture and etc. We hope this visit will further boost our sound relations.

Q: Is there any update about Russia firing at Chinese cargo vessel?

A: China is gravely concerned over the “New Star” incident. We take seriously the handling of the case, and have made representations to the Russian side on several occasions. The latter expressed deep regret over the tragic sinking and casualties of “New Star” cargo ship, and condolences to the victims. It also promised to inform China about the investigation. We are waiting for investigation result from Russia.

Q: I have several follow-up questions. The first one is about the auction of bronze sculptures of rat and rabbit heads. If the auction is not cancelled, will it worsen China-France relations? Secondly, it’s reported that President Zardari plans to visit China four times a year. Could you tell us his purpose of such frequent visit? And why doesn’t he come to Beijing this time?

A: On the issue of cultural relics, I’ve just made three points. Here, I’d like to add that the Chinese Government attaches great importance to the recourse of illegally lost cultural relics. China has joined relevant international treaties and signed bilateral agreements with many countries. We take an active part in international cooperation and have successfully recovered batches of Chinese cultural relics lost overseas. As I mentioned just now, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage has made clear our position to relevant auctioneer and put forward our request. We hope relevant party could understand and respect the Chinese people’s justified demand and make sure what belongs to China comes back to China.

I must point out that it’s ridiculous to violate Chinese people’s fundamental cultural rights under the pretext of human rights.

As for your question on President Zardari’s visit to China, I’ve already briefed you on it, and have nothing more to add.

Q: The Foreign Minister of the ROK is in China currently, I was wondering if you could brief us on what will be discussed with the Chinese side. Will the DPRK missile test be discussed as well? Also the upcoming U.S.-China military talks, what do you hope to achieve during those talks? Commerce Minister Chen Deming is going to several European countries. I was wondering how much does China plan to spend in those countries?

A: At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mr. Yu Myung-Hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is paying a working visit to China from February 24 to 25. During his visit, the two Foreign Ministers will hold talks and exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest.

On the question of the Korean Peninsula, I have already stated China’s position.

As for the defence exchanges between China and the U.S., the Ministry of National Defence has already released information. China always attaches importance to the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in military fields. We expect to work with the U.S. to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries and promote the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. military relations on the basis of mutual respect of each other’s interest and concerns.

With regard to your third question, I think you may refer to the Ministry of Commerce.

If there are no further questions, thank you for coming.