On February 26, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu held a regular press conference and answered questions mainly on China's bilateral exchanges with relevant countries, the US Congress releasing country reports on human rights practices and etc.

Ma Zhaoxu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It's a pleasure to meet you again. Since I don't have any announcement to make, let's go straight to your questions.

Q: What is your response to the auction of the bronze sculptures of rat and rabbit heads from Yuanmingyuan? How would you assess its impact on China-France relations? Secondly, the US Congress released its 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, criticizing China's performance in the areas of human rights and religion. Could you comment?

A: China has repeatedly stated its position on the auction of Chinese cultural relics in Paris in various ways. You may have noticed that the State Administration of Cultural Heritage made a statement today.

On your second question, there are two points I'd like to note. One, the Chinese Government attaches great importance to protecting and improving human rights, and two, China's constitution and laws respect and safeguard human rights. Over the past three decades since reform and opening up, China enjoys sustained economic growth, constant progress in democracy and legal framework construction, thriving cultural undertaking and adequately protected freedom of religious belief. People of various ethnic groups in China enjoy increasingly extensive freedom and rights. I believe this is widely witnessed in the world.

China is ready to carry out dialogue and communication with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect so as to build up understanding, expand consensus and reduce disputes. But we resolutely oppose any country interfering in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. We urge the US side to reflect on its own human rights problems, stop acting as a "human rights guardian" and stop interfering in other's internal affairs by releasing human rights reports.

Q: Do you know who bought those bronze sculptures and what the buyer might do with them?

A: Sorry, but I don't have the answer you are looking for.

Q: Media from the ROK reports that President Hu Jintao has invited the DPRK leader Kim Jong Il to China. Could you confirm? If so, when will the visit be?

A: The Communist Party of China and Workers' Party of Korea have the tradition of high-level exchanges. We believe this good tradition will be maintained. As for the specific visit you mentioned, I don't have information in this regard.

Q: Japanese Foreign Minister Nakasone is coming to China soon. What will be discussed? And who else will he meet with besides Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi?

A: At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Japanese Foreign Minister Nakasone will pay an official visit to China from February 28 to March 1. They will hold talks and exchange views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest. China attaches great importance to this visit, which is Mr. Nakasone's first trip to China as Japanese Foreign Minister. We stand ready to work with Japan to make the visit a success and further promote our strategic relations of mutual benefit.

Q: I have two questions. First, there was a report yesterday suggesting that the postponed EU-China summit has been rescheduled for May in Prague. Can you officially confirm that? Second, do you have any details or information about a visit to China by Indonesia's Finance Minister?

A: During his visit to the EU headquarters at the beginning of this year, Premier Wen Jiabao discussed the issue with European leaders and reached consensus upon an early resumption of the 11th China-Europe Leaders' Meeting, the details of which will be further discussed by the two sides through diplomatic channels.

On your second question, I suggest you contact the Ministry of Finance.

Q: I have two questions. First of all about the visit of ROK Foreign Minister this week, I wondered if you had discussed the DPRK at all. If so, what was some of the content of that discussion? Second, with David Sedney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of the US coming this weekend, do you have any further information about his visit and the content of the discussions?

A: During the visit to China by Mr. Yu Myung-hwan, ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with him. The two sides had an extensive exchange of views on China-ROK relations and international and regional issues including the Six-Party Talks. Both agreed to continue to steadily push forward the Talks with a view to maintaining regional peace and stability.

On your second question, I believe I've already talked about it at my last press conference. The Ministry of Defense has already released information on it. I have nothing more to add. You may consult the Ministry of Defense.

If there are no more questions, we shall conclude here. Thank you!