Q: What's the significance of President Jiang Zemin's current visit to DPRK? Recently, the United States approved Chang Chun-hsiung, the so-called "Prime Minister" of Taiwan's transit visit to New York and other three cities in the United States. What's your comment?

A: China and DPRK enjoy traditional friendship. Over a long period of time, China and DPRK have maintained sound cooperation and exchanges in various fields, departments and regions. The two visits to China in May 2000 and January 2001 by General Secretary Kim Jong Il further enhanced the mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the two Parties, two countries and two peoples. The visits strengthened the bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields and further consolidated and developed the friendly relations and cooperation between the two Parties and countries.

At the moment, President Jiang is making an official friendly visit to the DPRK. Yesterday, President Jiang held talks with Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Worker's Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of the National Defence Commission. The two sides exchanged views in depth on ways to further develop bilateral relations in the new century and international and regional issues of common interest and reached wide-ranging consensus.

We believe that the current visit will undoubtedly push forward the further development of bilateral traditional relations of good-neighbourliness and cooperation in the new century. The development of friendly relations between the two countries not only accords with the common will and fundamental interests of the two countries, but also contributes to peace, stability and prosperity of the region. It serves the interest of all parties.

On the second question, China is resolutely opposed to the approval by the US Government of transit visit to the United States by top Taiwanese "officials", in disregard of repeated solemn representations by the Chinese side. Sino-US relations are now at an important period.  To properly handle the Taiwan question is crucial to the smooth development of Sino-US relations. China demands the US side to strictly abide by the One China policy, the three Joint Communiqués and relevant commitments and not to conduct any official exchanges and contacts with Taiwan.


Q: I have a question relating to the recent US sanction on two companies working in China and Pakistan for alleged supply of missile components. This gives an impression that US follows double standards and a selective approach and tries to impose conditions on sovereign states like China and Pakistan. Do you think the issue will remain as it is or be solved by officials before the visit to China by President Bush?

A: So far, I have not heard of any official announcement from the United States. Here, I wish to make two brief points. First, I wish to point it out that the alleged supply of missile-related items by the China Metallurgical Equipment Corporation (MECC) to Pakistan is totally groundless. Secondly, China has all along opposed to US imposition of sanctions at will upon other countries according to its domestic law.


Q: It is reported that a senior official from the US Defence Department recently claimed that the United States will resolutely adhere to the Taiwan Relations Act and the US commitments to Taiwan. China should not underestimate US's determination and capability in assisting the defence of Taiwan. What's your comment?

A: The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affairs, free from any foreign interference. The Chinese Government will pursue its principle of "peaceful reunification, one country, two systems" to solve the Taiwan question. The Chinese Government and people have the determination and capability to safeguard their national sovereignty, territorial integrity and realize the complete reunification of the motherland.

The United States has made solemn commitment to China on the Taiwan question. The current US administration has reiterated on several occasions of its adherence to the One China policy, the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués and not supporting "the independence of Taiwan". We hope the US side would honour its own commitment and do more things that will contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and the healthy development of Sino-US relations.


Q: US said recently that it would soon launch intense talks with China to try to convince China that the NMD is not a threat to China. Could you please tell me what would be the attitude of China? What does China wish to achieve from those talks?

A: I have noticed the relevant reports. As far as I know, the US side has not officially put forward such proposition. China's opposition to the US NMD programme is consistent and clear-cut. In the meantime, we can have serious dialogue with the US side on the issue.


Q: The US has always used the missile question of the DPRK as an excuse to develop its NMD. Will talks between President Jiang and Mr. Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang touch upon the NMD question? On 5 and 6 September, scholars from China, Russia and India will hold a meeting in Moscow on the trilateral relations and the cooperation on the political and international issues. What's your comment?

A: On your first question, I mentioned just now that President Jiang's visit to the DPRK is a very important one. President Jiang will exchange views with DPRK's leader Kim Jong Il on bilateral ties and other major issues of common interest. As you mentioned just now, DPRK's missile issues is only an excuse. Since it is an excuse, it is not the real reason.

On your second question, we have noticed that at the moment,  scholars from China, Russian and India are exchanging views with each other on questions of common interest. This is a good beginning. China attaches great importance to her relations with Russia. Not long ago, President Jiang made an important state visit to Russia, which was a crowning success. The two sides signed the Sino-Russian Treaty of Good-neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation. Very shortly, Premier Zhu will pay an official visit to Russia, during which he will attend the 6th regular meeting with his counterpart. China's relations with Russia will surely move forward on the existing basis. We also attach great importance to our relations with India. Sino-India relations have enjoyed sound and positive development over recent years. We hope to further develop our friendly relations of good-neigbourliness and cooperation with India in the new century.


Q: NPC Chairman Li Peng will make an official visit to Viet Nam from 7 to 10 September. Will the two sides issue any special documents? And also on this occasion, can you tell us your comments on the recent development of Sino-Vietnamese relations?

A: At the invitation of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Standing Committee of the National Assembly of Viet Nam, NPC Chairman Li Peng will make an official friendly visit to Viet Nam from 7 to 10 September. The visit will be an important contact between the leaders of the two countries at the start of the new century. It is a major event in the bilateral relations. During the visit, Chairman Li will exchange views in depth with party and state leaders of Viet Nam on ways to strengthen the comprehensive cooperation and regional and international issues of common interest. We believe that the visit will promote the long term, stable development of the future-oriented bilateral relations of good-neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation in the new century.

Under the guidance of the principles of "long-term stability, future-orientation, good-neighbourliness and friendship, comprehensive cooperation" as formulated by the leaders of China and Viet Nam, the bilateral relations have enjoyed sound development. The relations are characterized by frequent high-level contacts, marked growth of economic and trade cooperation, growth of the friendly cooperation in various fields and the important breakthrough in border negotiations, including the signing of land border treaty, agreement on Beibu Gulf and agreement on fishery cooperation. At the end of last year, the two countries signed and issued the Joint Communiqué with concrete programmes to implement the above guiding principles. We believe that, with the joint efforts, Sino-Vietnamese friendship and cooperation will grow in depth. The relations will move forward in the new century.

On the question of signing of documents, China and Viet Nam sign last December the Joint Communiqué on comprehensive cooperation in the new century. During the forthcoming visit, Chairman Li will exchange views with the Vietnamese leaders on how to implement the Communiqué and deepen the bilateral cooperation.


Q: It is reported that the United States is prepared to indicate to China that it would not oppose China's development of a small nuclear arsenal, or even not opposed to China's resumption of nuclear tests, so as to exchange for China's support to its missile defense programme. What's China's response? Does China intend to resume nuclear tests?

A: We have taken notice of the relevant reports. We have also read reports to the contrary. Since these are different views within the United States, I do not wish to make any comment. However, I wish to make a brief comment on the crux of the matter. China has never participated in nuclear arms race. Neither are we in favour of seeking strategic supremacy over others by engaging in nuclear arms race or developing missile defense system. At the same time, we believe that what is urgent at the moment is to work for the early coming in force of the CTBT, since CTBT is in the common security interest of the international community.

You may have read the interview on 8 August by the New York Times of President Jiang. During the interview, President Jiang made clear our relevant position. China's position on the missile defense can be summarized into two points. First, we are opposed to it. Like many other countries, we are afraid that such a move will lead to a series of negative consequences, detrimental to global strategic stability. Secondly, we stand for seeking a solution that will not undermine the security interests of relevant countries through dialogue. China's limited nuclear weapons are entirely for self-defense, without posing as a threat to any country. To safeguard China's security interests, China will also ensure the effectiveness of China's nuclear forces. I believe the above authoritative remark has answered your question.


Q: What is your comment on the US and Israeli withdraw from the UN Conference against Racism?

A: The UN Conference against Racism is a major gathering in the field of human rights at the start of the new century. It represents an important effort by the international community to completely eradicate racism. China believes that the meeting will achieve its objective and yield positive results.


Q: I heard that China and the United States will hold consultations on maritime military safety  in Guam from 13 to 14 September. If it is true, what does China hope to achieve from it?

A: China and the United States have agreed to hold a special consultation on maritime military safety in Guam from 13 to 14 September. The Chinese delegation will be led by a major general. During the meeting, the two sides will discuss issues relating to maritime military safety.


Q: How will China address the Taiwanese officials attending the APEC meeting?

A: On the question of level of participation in the APEC meetings by Chinese Taipei, there are explicit provisions in the relevant APEC MOUs. On those bases, there are also the existing practices for the participation in APEC Informal Leadership Meetings by Chinese Taipei. Hosts of each APEC meeting has dealt with this question accordingly. As the host of this year's APEC meeting, we will also strictly follow suit. We hope that Chinese Taipei follows the relevant provisions and practices that are Taiwan can only participate in the meeting at the level of ministers in charge of economic issues.

As the host to the APEC meeting, we welcome all APEC members to actively participate in this year's APEC meeting. Either in protocol arrangement or other services, we will treat all participants, including those from Chinese Taipei as equals.  


Q: It is reported that a Canadian court decided a few days ago to release Lai Changxing conditionally. What's China's comment?

A: China has noticed relevant report. As is known to all, Lai Changxing is the principle suspect of the major smuggling case in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The Canadian Government has always maintained that it will not be a shelter for criminals. We believe that Lai Changxing will be no exception.