On the afternoon of June 30, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions.
Qin Gang: Good afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen. The floor is now open for your questions.
Q: A Yemeni plane today crashed into the Indian Ocean. Are there any Chinese passengers on board?
A: Learning the accident of the Yemeni plane, we wish to extend our deep condolences to all the victims and sincere solicitude to their families. The Foreign Ministry took the accident seriously, and immediately instructed our diplomatic missions overseas to check with relevant countries and airlines. The initial result shows no record of Chinese citizens on board. We will continue to follow the rescue process. Should there be any information relating to Chinese citizens, we'll release it without delay and properly handle relevant work.
Q: The ASEAN 10 plus 3 meeting and ASEAN Regional Forum will be held in Thailand. Will the Chinese Premier and Foreign Minister be present? What do you expect to achieve? Also, it is proposed that a five-party talk should be held on the sideline of the meeting. What is China's position?
A: You mentioned two meetings, one is the East Asia Summit and related meetings, and the other is the ASEAN Regional Forum. China always places great importance on these meetings. Chinese leaders and Foreign Ministers attended the previous sessions. I'm not sure when this year's sessions will be held, but when the date is announced, we will consider attending. Under the current circumstances, especially when the international financial crisis continues to deepen and spread, both the security situation and economic situation in the region are undergoing complicated and profound changes. China maintains that countries in the region should strengthen cooperation, especially in the field of trade, investment and security so as to jointly address the financial crisis, realize joint development and safeguard regional stability and prosperity. In this spirit, we will consider attending these two meetings and continue as always to play a constructive role.
As for the five-party talk you mentioned, China believes that we should adhere to dialogue and consultation and adhere to the Six-Party Talks to realize denuclearization on the Peninsula and safeguard regional peace and stability. China will maintain communication and consultation with other parties on how to forge ahead with the Six-Party Talks.
Q: How would you comment on the situation in Honduras, and what policy will you adopt towards the new government? Also, could you comment on Ma Ying-jeou's visit to Central America?
A: On your first question, China is concerned about the situation in Honduras. We hope the stability there could soon be restored.
On your second question, the one-China policy, which is universally recognized by the international community, is the basis for China to develop relations with other countries in the world. The Chinese Government always deals with Taiwan-related issues on this basis.
Q: The British media Financial Times reported that, accompanied by Jo Myong-rok, the First Deputy Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission and Jang Song-Taek, Kim Jong-il's brother-in-law, Kim Jong-un visited China and met with former Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Vice President Xi Jinping. Could you confirm? Despite of Chinese Foreign Ministry's repeated denial, similar reports just keep coming out. Do you consider it another James Bond 007 series?
A: Your persistence is admirable. But my reply to the media remains the same, that is, the relevant report is a sheer fabrication out of nothing. In China, we call these people "obsessed".
Q: It is reported that China, the US and Japan will hold a meeting at Director General level in Washington. Actually, scholars from the three countries have already had several meetings. What significance do you think will the meeting have on China and Asia as a whole?
A: Channels for communication among the relevant countries are smooth since there are already many dialogue mechanisms among them, including dialogues among scholars. Under the current circumstance, we can give play to the role of scholars and experts in our communication as a "second track".
Q: Which Chinese officials will accompany President Hu Jintao to attend the G8 Outreach Session?
A: Relevant news has been released about President Hu Jintao's participation in the G8 Outreach Session in Italy. President Hu Jintao will be accompanied by officials from competent departments. The Foreign Ministry will hold a background briefing for domestic and foreign media shortly, where you shall get details from our ministers in charge. Notice on the briefing will be released shortly.
Q: It's reported that China and Russia will hold a joint military exercise from July 22 to 26. Could you give us more details?
A: Anti-terror cooperation is an important part of China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation. It is also a positive contribution to peace, stability and tranquility of the two countries and the entire region. It is in this spirit that China and Russia held "Peace Mission 2005" joint military exercise. This year we will have "Peace Mission 2009". Military authorities from the two countries are having close coordination and cooperation on this. As for the specific date and place, please refer to the Ministry of Defense.
Q: Given the current situation in Honduras, will China consider improving relations with the country?
A: Just now I underscored the one-China policy. The Chinese Government is ready to develop normal state-to-state relations and friendly cooperation with all countries in the world on the basis of one-China policy, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, relevant UN Resolutions and the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.
Q: US Coordinator for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1874 will visit China shortly. Which Chinese officials will meet with him? Will there be discussion on the DPRK nuclear issue?
A: China always implements the UN Security Council Resolutions earnestly. We are also willing to have communication and dialogue with other countries on the implementation of relevant UNSC Resolution. Mr. Goldberg will come to China on July 2 as a guest of the US Embassy in China. Officials from the Foreign Ministry and other authorities will talk with him.
Q: Russia recently seized 5 billion US dollars worth of Chinese goods and burnt up some, saying they contain harmful substances. How do you comment on this?
A: I also learnt the news from media. Specifics still need to be verified.
It is in the common interest of China and Russia to maintain and develop normal trade and economic exchanges. As for the problems occurred in the process of these exchanges, such as the problem of "grey custom clearance" left over by history, we believe these should be properly handled in the spirit of friendly consultation. We require the Chinese businessmen in Russia to abide by the Russian laws and regulations and do more to promote the friendship and cooperation with the locals. The Chinese government will continue to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizens and enterprises in Russia.
Q: Tomorrow marks the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China as well as the anniversary of the July 1st Economic Management Reform Measure introduced by the DPRK Workers Party. The CPC has worked wonders and achieved glory since the reform and opening up in 1978. Will the CPC suggest the DPRK Workers Party adopt more active reform and opening up policies?
A: The 88-year history of the Communist Party of China has been extraordinary and glorious. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China 60 years ago, especially since the reform and opening up policy was adopted 30 years ago, great development and changes have taken place in China. This is fundamentally attributed to the CPC leadership, the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and reform and opening up.
China always pursues the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. All countries have the right to choose their own paths of development and policies according to their national conditions. The CPC is ready to carry out friendly exchanges and cooperation with parties around the world on the basis of independence, total equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. It is our hope that the DPRK will continue to develop and make progress in various undertakings.
If there are no more questions, thanks for coming. See you!