On the afternoon of the July 5, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference.
Liu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! I would like to begin with two statements.
At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will pay a state visit to China from July 13th to 16th.
At the invitation of the Chinese Government, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso will pay an official visit to China from July 14th to 18th.
Now, the floor is open.
Q: President Hu Jintao wrapped up his state visit to Russia on July 3. What comment does the Chinese Foreign Ministry have on his visit?
A: At the invitation of President Putin, President Hu Jintao paid a visit to Russia from June 30 to July 3. During his visit, the two sides signed the China-Russia Joint Statement on the International Order in the 21st Century and issued the China-Russia Joint Communiqué. We also signed a number of bilateral cooperation documents on finance, energy electricity and other fields. The two sides decided to hold a "Russia Year" in China and a "China Year" in Russia respectively in 2006 and 2007.
The visit of President Hu Jintao is very fruitful. It deepened the political mutual trust between us, enhanced our strategic coordination, pushed forward our practical cooperation in trade, economy and other fields, stepped up the local cooperation and strengthened the cooperation and coordination between our two countries on international and regional affairs. His visit is a successful one and promoted the development of China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation.
Q: Dalai Lama will celebrate his 70th birthday tomorrow, and many countries in the world will congratulate him. Will China congratulate him? It is said that China and the representatives of Dalai Lama held the fourth round of talks last week. Please brief us on the details and outcome of the talks. What's your comment?
A: On your first question, Chinese Central Government holds a clear and consistent position on the issue of Dalai Lama, which remains unchanged now.
On your second question, the Chinese Government has always cared about our Tibetan compatriots residing abroad, and provided a lot of facilities for their tourism, investment and visiting relatives back in China. Recently, Chinese officials of the relevant departments met and talked with some overseas Tibetan compatriots when making an investigation tour abroad. They heard their wishes and requests. Among those Tibetan compatriots, there were some in close relations with Dalai Lama. During the talks and meetings, the official reaffirmed the policy of the Central Government that "all patriots belong to one big family, whether they rally to the common cause early or late." He also reiterated China's consistent policy to Dalai Lama.
Q: After Pakistan, India and Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, how does China view the future of the SCO, in particular, from the perspective of regional security?
A: We warmly congratulate Pakistan and two other countries on becoming SCO observers. We believe the participation of the three countries in the SCO will make their cooperation with the SCO in various fields closer.
Q: At the Great Mekong Subregion Summit in Kunming, what declaration or speech was issued or made? What agreement was reached on electricity? Please brief on Premier Wen's bilateral talks with the leaders of Myanmar and Laos?
A: The Second Great Mekong Subregion Summit was opened this morning in Kunming. Premier Wen Jiabao chaired the summit and made a speech at the opening ceremony. The CCTV news channel has made live broadcast of the opening ceremony and Premier Wen's speech.
In his Speech, Premier Wen first reviewed the achievements in the GMS cooperation and summarized the experiences, mainly as follows: first, conducting equal-footed consultation with mutual respect; second, focusing on practical results through closer cooperation; third, listing priorities and proceeding in an orderly fashion; fourth, coordinating actions with an overall planning.
Premier Wen said that China has consistently participated in all cooperation with an active and practical attitude. China is a beneficiary as well as an important contributor to the GMS cooperation. He recalled that China successively funded the projects of Kunming-Bangkok Highway and the navigation channel improvement on the Upper Mekong River and provided training programs for GMS countries on agriculture, customs affairs and telecommunications. Last year, China set up a special fund totaling 20 million US dollars under the ADB for cooperation among Asian developing countries on human resources development and poverty alleviation.
To promote the GMS economic cooperation, Premier Wen also made a seven-point proposal: 1. to step up infrastructure building; 2. to advance trade and investment facilitation; 3. to deepen cooperation on agricultural development; 4. to underscore conservation of natural resources and the environment; 5. to strengthen human resources training; 6. to promote health cooperation; 7. to explore financing for development through multiple channels.
I have not received any briefing on the details of the meeting. Since the meeting just ended around 12 o'clock, I still have no idea of details.
As for your two specific questions, I have made explanation at last press conference. On the question of building upstream water conservancy projects, China will stick to its responsible attitude and give full consideration of the concerns of downstream countries. As for the electricity cooperation, all parties concerned were supposed to make a study on electricity transmission and standards at the Summit.
On your last two questions, I'd like to brief you on Premier Wen's bilateral talks with Laotian Prime Minister Boungnang and Myanmar's Prime Minister Soe Win.
During his meeting with Laotian Prime Minister Boungnang, Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his satisfaction with the sustained steady development of China-Laos relations. He said that under the guideline of developing "comprehensive cooperative relations of long-term stability, good-neighborliness and mutual trust", which was set forth by the two sides, the two countries made frequent exchanges of high-level visits, steadily strengthened political mutual trust and continuously expanded cooperation in various fields. China is willing to further promote the trade and economic cooperation between our two countries in line with the principle of "ensuring equality and mutual benefit, seeking practical results, exploring diverse forms and pursuing common development." We will continue to support and encourage Chinese enterprises to go to Laos for mutually beneficial cooperation in various forms, especially for the long-term cooperation in such key fields as infrastructure construction of roads and bridges, hydropower, mineral resources development, agriculture and forestry. Enterprises will also be encouraged to promote new progress in Kunming-Bangkok railway and other projects. China will continue to extend economic and technological assistances to Laos within its own capacity.
Prime Minister Boungnang said that Laos spoke highly of the traditional friendship and all-round cooperation between Laos and China. He believed that Premier Wen's successful visit to Laos last year effectively promoted the development of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The Laotian Government and people are grateful to China for its valuable support and assistances to Laos over a long time. Many of the cooperation projects between the two sides, which have been smoothly implemented, promoted the economic and social development of Laos and helped enhance the capability of Laos to independently develop itself. Prime Minister Boungnang hoped to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation and welcome more Chinese enterprises to invest in Laos and participate in the development of hydropower, agriculture and mineral resources.
When meeting with the Prime Minister of Myanmar, Premier Wen said that since China and Myanmar established diplomatic relations 55 years ago, the two countries have understood and supported each other. The traditional friendship between China and Myanmar has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. China supports Myanmar in its effort to maintain stability, promote national reconciliation and expand foreign exchanges. We hope Myanmar can achieve lasting order and stability. China will not change its policy of developing China-Myanmar good-neighborly friendship and cooperation. The Chinese Government has consistently pushed forward the development of bilateral trade and economic relations on the principle of equality, mutual benefit and win-win outcome. We will continue to encourage and support strong and well-reputed enterprises in their cooperation in Myanmar and will try our best to provide support and assistances for the development of Myanmar.
Prime Minister Soe Win said that Myanmar took China as a sincere friend and appreciated China's adamant support and help to Myanmar on many issues. Myanmar is willing to strengthen its cooperation with China in various fields and hopes to expand trade volume with China. It will work with China to faithfully implement the signed cooperation agreements and move bilateral trade and economic cooperation towards greater achievements.
The two sides signed an agreement on economic and technological cooperation. And they agreed to strengthen cooperation on drugs control.
Q: Please brief on the program of the visit to China by President of the European Commission Barroso. When will he visit the Macao and Hong Kong special administrative regions? Will China take this opportunity to discuss with the EU side the questions of lifting arms embargo and full market economy status?
A: At the invitation of the Chinese Government, President of the European Commission Barroso will pay an official visit to China from July 14th to 18th. This is his first visit to China since his assumption of the EU presidency. Premier Wen Jiabao will hold talks with him, and other leaders will meet with him. The two sides will exchange views on the further development of China-EU relations and other issues of common interest, including lifting arms embargo and China's full market economy status.
Apart from Beijing, President Barroso will also visit Shanghai, Macau and Hong Kong. We welcome the visit of President Barroso and look forward to exchanging views with him on how to deepen China-EU mutually beneficial cooperation. We wish him a successful visit.
Q: It is reported that US Secretary of State Rice will visit China on the weekend. Please confirm. In addition, please brief on the agenda of the G-8 Summit. If the RMB issue were raised at the meeting, how would China brief on other sides its position?
A: On your first question, China and the US are making contacts on the arrangements. Once they are settled, I will brief you promptly.
On your second question, the G-8 Summit Outreach Session is yet to be held, and your question is a presumptive one. I believe that when attending the meeting, Chinese President Hu Jintao will make an in-depth exchange of views with the leaders of other countries on the questions listed on the meeting's agenda.
Q: Recently, the Sri Lankan Government signed with the "Tiger" organization a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Post-Tsunami Operation and Management System, provoking strong reaction and turbulence in Sri Lanka. What's China's comment?
A: The Chinese Government has consistently supported the Sri Lankan Government in its effort to maintain national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and its effort to realize national reconciliation through peaceful means and defend the interest of the entire Sri Lankan people. We hope and believe that under the joint efforts of all parties, the Sri Lankan people can rebuild their homeland devastated by tsunami at an early date and achieve the lasting peace, stability and prosperity of their country.
Q: Another question on Dalai Lama, do you think it possible for Dalai Lama to return Lhasa in his lifetime?
A: The Central Government has not changed its policy on the issue of Dalai Lama, that is, he must clearly and publicly announce that he recognizes Tibet is an inseparable part of China and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. Meanwhile, he must abandon his advocacy of "Tibet independence" both in word and in deed. Under such preconditions, the Central Government will have contact and talks with him on his personal future.
Q: Iran, India and Pakistan will attend this SCO Summit as observers. Please tell us whether Turkey and other countries are likely to become SCO observers at the next Summit?
A: Just now, I congratulated Pakistan, India and Iran on becoming SCO observers. I want to point out that the SCO is an open organization. If other countries intend to establish association with the SCO, they may raise their requests. I don't know whether Turkey has formally expressed its wish in this regard.
Q: Can you brief us further on Indonesian President Susilo's visit to China, especially on his meeting with Chinese officials? Will China and Indonesia sign new energy agreement?
A: I have just announced the news of President Susilo's state visit to China. Now I will like to brief you some background information on China-Indonesia relations. China and Indonesia are friendly neighboring countries. We have been maintaining exchanges of high level visits. Our bilateral relations have been developing well. Our mutual understanding and trust have been steadily enhanced. President Hu Jintao's successful visit to Indonesia in April this year and the signing of China-Indonesia Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership by President Hu Jintao and President Susilo brought the bilateral relations into a new phase. We are pleased to see that the bilateral economic and trade cooperation has been effective. The bilateral trade volume of 2004 was US$13.48 billion, the highest level of history. The bilateral trade volume in the first five month this year is US$6.7 billion, up 37% as against the same period in 2004. The bilateral cooperation on science, culture, military, security, etc, has been expanded and the local and people-to-people exchanges have been increasingly active. The two sides have maintaining close coordination and communication in international and regional affairs, especially in deepening regional cooperation and safeguarding the rights and benefits of developing countries. China is satisfied with the development of China-Indonesia relations. During President Susilo's visit to China, the two sides will have an extensive exchange of views on deepening bilateral friendly cooperation. To my knowledge, the two sides will sign a series of documents on economic and trade cooperation. I will brief you the details of the documents during the visit.
Q: Can you brief on the current situation of China-Russia oil pipeline deal? Before the pipeline has been constructed, how much oil will have to shipped by railway between Russia and China? President Ju Jintao and President Putin have signed China-Russia Joint Statement. What's the difference between a statement and a communiqué diplomatically? What's China's reaction to the disturbances and riots happened in Scotland before "8+5" meeting. Will the bid for taking over Unocal be one of the topics on meeting of China-US Joint Committee of commerce and Trade next week?
A: China and Russia have reached extensive consensus on energy cooperation during President Hu Jintao's visit to Russia. The two sides agree that to enhance bilateral energy cooperation is significant in promoting the overall level of China-Russia economic and trade cooperation. The signing of cooperative agreements on oil, gas and electricity between the two sides during the meeting between the two leaders is a new step forward of the cooperation of the two countries. The two sides have decided to further carry out the cooperative projects in the fields of oil and gas including the construction of crude oil pipelines and joint exploration of oil and gas fields in the two countries. The relevant enterprises of the two countries are urged to hold detailed consultation on the projects. As for the amount of oil that will have to be shipped by railway from Russia to China before the oil pipeline is completed, according to the consensus and relevant agreements reached by the two leaders, the amount of crude oil shipped from Russia to china in 2005 should not be less than 10 million tons, and the figure should not be less than 15 million tons in 2006.
As to your second question, what your mentioned are two different documents. Some of their contents are indeed overlapped. The China-Russia Joint communiqués is more about bilateral cooperation and the consensus reached and surely, it also contains our views on international affairs. The China-Russia Joint Declaration on International Order in the 21st Century is an important document stating comprehensively the important bilateral consensus on international order in the 21st century. The consensus is significant for multilateralism and multipolarization.
As for your third question, we hope the dialogue between the leaders of Group 8 and developing countries will be smooth, secured, orderly and bring about positive outcomes.
As to your forth question, I would like to suggest you turn to the spokesman of Ministry of Commerce, he should be able to offer you more detailed response.
Q: Chinese vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei visited South Asia last week including Pakistan. Do you have further comment on his visit?
A: Recently Chinese vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei visited several countries in South Asia and held strategic consultation and had in-depth exchange of views on deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the relevant countries. Furthermore, the two sides introduced their own positions on present international situation and major international issues. Apart from that, they also had in-depth exchange of views on UN Security Council reform. This is conducive to deepening understanding, promoting mutual trust and enhancing cooperation with relevant countries.
Q: According to Chinese reports that President of the Supreme Court of Guatemala is now visiting China. The Minister of Commerce of Guatemala was also in China several weeks ago. Is there any new progress with China- Guatemala relations? Is China carrying out charm offensive to separate Guatemala from Taiwan?
A: I have not heard of anything about the news you mentioned and I can check it for you. As to China- Guatemala relations, I have stated our position in different occasions. That is china likes to establish and develop normal country-to-country relations with all countries including Guatemala under UN Charter and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. I am sure the Guatemala side know clearly our position.
Q: Can you brief us the latest news on New York Meeting between North Korea and the US? What's the level of China's participation in the meeting? After this meeting, will there be any timetable that can facilitate us to see concrete actions and progress about Six-Party Talk?
A: we have noted that North Korea and the US had direct contact during the North East Asia Seminar? Held in the US. We believe such contact is conducive to mutual understanding. We hope relevant parties, especially North Korea and the US, will further intensity contacts, give off more positive messages, sincerely push forward the process of Six-Party Talk with flexible, constructive and pragmatic attitude and create proper atmosphere for the early resumption of Six-Party Talk. Chinese ministerial counselor Yang Youming and counselor Yang Jian from Chinese Embassy in the US attended this seminar. As to the progress of Six-Party Talk, frankly speaking, there is now timetable now. But I am sure the relevant parties will continue to make positive efforts for the resumption of Six-Party Talk.
Q: Japanese ambassador to China Koreshige Anami will soon leave China after a term of more than four years. His successor will be Yutaka Iimura, who is now Japan's ambassador to Indonesia. What's your comment on this?
A: We welcome Japan's new ambassador to China. We appreciate Mr. Koreshige Anami's efforts in developing China-Japan relations during his term in China. We hope his successor will continue to make efforts for further improvement and development of China-Japan relations.
If there are no more questions, the press conference is over.