On September 17, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on State Councillor Dai Bingguo's visit to the DPRK, Iranian nuclear issue, Afghan presidential election, Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun's visit to Africa and etc.
Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Now, the floor is open.
Q: According to the 2009 National Intelligence Strategy Report released by US intelligence, China, Russia, Iran and the DPRK are among countries that challenge US interests. Will this report impair the relations between the US and these countries?
A: You may not take note that we made our official response to the report yesterday. Adhering to peaceful development and as a staunch force safeguarding and promoting world peace and stability, China will not pose a threat to any country in its development. We urge the US to abandon Cold War mentality and prejudices, correct mistakes in the report and stop making remarks that mislead the US public and undermine mutual trust between China and the US.
Q: Could you update us on the China-Japan-ROK Leaders' Meeting? Has the date been fixed? My second question, could you give us more details about the visit paid by special envoy Dai Bingguo of President Hu Jintao to the DPRK? We are aware that he met with DPRK First Vice Foreign Minsiter Kang Sok Chu yesterday, will he meet more DPRK leaders of higher ranks?
A: I understand your interest in the date and venue of the China-Japan-ROK Leaders' Meeting, and relevant information will be released in due course.
On your second question, this year marks the 60th anniversary of China-DPRK diplomatic ties as well as the Year of Friendship between the two countries. During State Councillor Dai Bingguo's visit, he will exchange in-depth views with the DPRK on bilateral relations and the situation on the Peninsula. As the trip is still ongoing, I suggest you follow the information released by the delegation.
Q: Is the terror gang captured in Aksu recently in any connection with overseas terrorist groups?
A: We have elaborated on many occasions that the July 5 incident is a serious crime of violence plotted and instigated by terrorist forces in and outside China. The measures taken by the Chinese Government to safeguard social stability, ethnic solidarity and national unity are completely justified and we hope the international community could understand and support that. Relevant cases will be dealt with according to law.
As to the police raid against the Aksu terror gang, competent authorities have already released information. As to what and how to release, the authorities will comply with relevant laws.
Q: Recently, Japanese new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama expressed his desire to establish an East Asian Community. How do you view that?
A: Setting up an East Asia Community and promoting comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable social and economic development of East Asia as well as long-standing peace constitute the long-term goal for East Asia cooperation, which is also the consensus among ASEAN, China, Japan and the ROK. China endeavors to deepen cooperation with East Asian countries including Japan so as to stride forward towards the goal of East Asia Community.
Q: What's on China's agenda at the upcoming G20 Financial Summit?
A: A briefing was held this Tuesday on President Hu Jintao's attendance at the United Nations meetings and the 3rd G20 Financial Summit in Pittsburgh. We believe the Pittsburgh Summit should yield positive results in the following areas. First, continue coordination of macro policies and boost world economic recovery. Second, follow the timetable set at the London Summit, advance structural reform of international financial institutions, expand the say and representation of emerging markets and developing countries. Third, promote common development and put emphasis on the development of developing countries, in particular, the least developed countries. Fourth, all parties should speak in one strong voice against trade protectionism and push for comprehensive and balanced results out of the Doha Round of talks. China will exchange in-depth views with other parties on achieving economic balance and sustainable development, keeping financial crisis at bay and other issues of common interest.
I would like to remind you that President Hu Jintao will also attend the UN Climate Change Summit, General Debate of the 64th Session of the General Assembly and UN Security Council Summit of Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament.
Q: The initial results of the Afghan presidential election show that President Hamid Karzai won over half of the votes. What’s China’s comment? Second question is Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun will visit five African countries. Can you give more details on that?
A: We have noted the initial results of the Afghan election. The election is an internal affair of the country. We respect the choice of the Afghan people. As a friend of Afghanistan, we sincerely wish the country an early realization of national stability and economic development and its people a happy and peaceful life.
As for your second question, in order to further deepen China’s friendly relations and cooperation with South Africa, Lesotho, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Mauritania, Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun paid a working visit to the five countries from 17 to 23 September. During his visit, Assistant Minister Zhai will meet with leaders or foreign ministers of relevant countries and have talks with officials of their foreign ministries to exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest.
During Zhai’s visit to South Africa, the two foreign ministries will jointly hold the second round of strategic dialogue. We hope the dialogue will promote mutual trust, expand consensus and deepen cooperation.
Q: Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez yesterday announced that the country signed with China an agreement on a US$16 billion oil investment project. Can you give more details?
A: I am not aware of this project and suggest that you refer to the relevant company.
China and Venezuela have had friendly cooperation across the board including in the energy field on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Relevant cooperation has been conducted according to international rules.
Q: What’s China’s expectation of the meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue to be held shortly? If Iran develops a nuclear bomb, what measures will China take?
A: Relevant parties will hold a meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue shortly. We hope all parties concerned maintain confidence and patience and grasp current favorable opportunities to step up diplomatic efforts for an early resumption of dialogue and negotiation.
Q: In light of the recent US tariff on Chinese tyre imports and the US National Intelligence Strategy report, how do you comment on the current China-US relations? Do you think China-US mutual trust has been undermined and will the economic frictions spill over to other areas?
A: Despite the differences, the two countries have extensive and important common interest. We are ready to work with the US to earnestly implement the consensus reached by the leaders, step up exchanges, dialogue and cooperation in all fields and properly handle problems between the two countries so as to advance bilateral relations in a positive, cooperative and comprehensive direction.
Q: Can you compare or contrast China’s stances over the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the Iranian nuclear issue?
A: China has been long committed to world peace and common development. We stand for thorough destruction and complete prohibition of nuclear weapons and oppose any form of nuclear proliferation. We actively support international cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy. We always uphold that relevant issues should be resolved in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation.
As for the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, it’s the consistent position of the Chinese Government to realize denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and consultation. We are ready to work with all parties for a turnaround of the situation to get the issue back on the track of dialogue at an early date, resume the Six-Party Talks process and concretely safeguard peace and stability of the Peninsula and Northeast Asia.
Q: Yesterday, the Japanese new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama formed a new cabinet. What’s China’s comment on this and expectation of the future of China-Japan relations?
A: Yesterday, Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Hatoyama and Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada respectively. We are ready to work with the Japanese side for even greater development of the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit at a new historical point.
Q: Will China invite foreign political leaders to attend the ceremony of the 60th National Day Anniversary?
A: According to past practices, China will invite foreign diplomats to attend the relevant National Day activities but will not particularly invite foreign political leaders.
If there are no more questions, we conclude the press conference here. See you next time!