Q: What does China hope to achieve from the upcoming Sino-US summit meeting?


A: In our view, Sino-US relations have made positive headway since last October's summit meeting in Shanghai, during which the two leaders reached the consensus on working to build bilateral ties of constructive cooperation. The meeting set the direction for the development of bilateral relations. Since then, new progress has been made in bilateral cooperation in various fields. The bilateral relations enjoy a positive momentum of development.

The forthcoming visit by President Bush will be a very important one. We are confident that, thanks to the our joint efforts, we will witness further development of our ties in various fields.

Q: President Bush's coming visit to China falls on the same day as President Nixon's China tour 30 years ago. Is there any special significance of this coincidence?


A: Thirty years ago, President Nixon made his China tour on 21 February. It was viewed as an icebreaking event. The visit is an important milestone in our bilateral relations. It also laid down the foundation for the development of Sino-US relations. It should be stressed that, during the visit, China and the United States issued the Shanghai Communiqué. It is a document of vital importance, laying down the important guiding principles of our bilateral relations. We welcome President Bush's visit to China on the 30th anniversary of President Nixon's visit. It is our hope that, through the visit and our joint efforts, we could bring Sino-US relations of constructive cooperation to a new stage and make new achievement.

Q: Thirty years ago, President Nixon's icebreaking tour to China was made because China and the United States faced a common enemy---Soviet Union. "My enemy's enemy is my friend." Thirty years later, what has brought China and the United States together, economic factors or strategic interests?


A: China believes that China and the United States are two countries of major bearing upon the world. The development of friendly cooperation in various fields on the basis of the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués serves the fundamental interest of our two peoples. It is also in the interest of peace and stability of Asia Pacific and the world at large.

We are ready to work with the United States to step up our exchanges and cooperation in various fields and properly handle our differences, so as to push ahead the smooth development of our ties of constructive cooperation.

Q: China and the United States have many common interests, as well as differences, such as Taiwan, non-proliferation and human rights. What does China hope to achieve in concrete from Sino-US summit?


A: There are extensive common interests between China and the United States, which constitute an important basis for the bilateral relations. It is natural that there are also some differences. We always hold that the two sides should properly handle these differences by taking into consideration of the overall interests. Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue lying at the core of Sino-US relations. Successive US governments have expressed their adherence to the one-China policy and the Three Joint Communiqués. These Communiqués serve as the political principles on this question. We call upon the US side to adhere to the Three Joint Communiqués and the relevant commitments and properly handle the Taiwan question, so as to ensure the smooth and healthy development of Sino-US relations.

Q: Recently, Human Rights Watch issued a report, accusing the Chinese Government of illegally detaining thousands of "Falungong"followers and calling for their release. What is China's comment?


A: The organization that you have just mentioned often issues some fabricated and irresponsible reports. In my view, their reports do not deserve a comment.

On the question of Falungong, I believe that you know fully well the position of the Chinese Government. Falungong is a cult organization against science, society and the humanity. We have resolutely banned the organization according to law and taken measures against its top leaders. As for the ordinary followers of Falungong, we mainly resort to education and persuasion to enable them to get rid of it and return to normal life.

Q: It is reported that 97 Chinese fishermen who were arrested by the Filipino coastguards on 2 February, have been charged and put to prison. What is your comment?


A: I have read the relevant reports. We are deeply concerned over the incident. At the moment, the Chinese side is making further inquiries and verification.

Q: The World Social Forum was held in Brazil recently with discussions on globalization. What is your comment on the Forum?


A: I wish to share with you our view on globalization. We hold that globalization is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, globalization plays a positive role in improving asset allocation. On the other hand, there are some negative impacts. If the negative impacts are not handled properly, it will affect and obstruct the steady and consistent growth of the world economy. We call upon the international community to adopt more positive and effective measures to push for a more equitable and justified new international political and economic order, so that the huge benefit of globalization can be shared by the entire mankind.

Q: What is the programme of President Bush's visit to China? What will he discuss with President Jiang? Will the question of South Asia turn up?


A: At my last press conference, I briefed you on the two main events of President Bush's China tour. First, President Jiang will hold an official talk with President Bush. Secondly, President Jiang will offer a welcoming banquet to President Bush. Here, I wish to share with you some more insights. It is President Bush's wish that, during his visit to Beijing after so many years, he could visit an impressive historical monument on the outskirts of Beijing. Besides, there is something related to you. The two Presidents will give a joint press conference.

On the agenda for discussion, the two leaders will have an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on regional and international issues of common concern.

Q: We have learnt that President Bush will stay for three days in Tokyo and only two days in Beijing. What is China's comment on this time gap?


A: The programme of Bush's Asian tour will be very tight. We attach great importance to his working visit to China. Both China and the United States are making active preparations. As far as I know, on 9 February, the second US advance team will arrive in Beijing for detailed discussions with Director-General Zhang Yun of the Protocol Department on the programme of Bush's visit.

Q: President Bush will stay for three days in Tokyo and two days in Beijing. Do you think that it is a diplomatic embarrassment?


A: As I just mentioned, President Bush's visit to China will be a very important working visit. The visit will be highly eventful. The two sides are making active and earnest preparations for it to ensure that it is a crowning success.

Q: The Israeli Prime Minister is leaving for the United States today. It is reported that he will hold talks with President Bush and seek US support for Arafat's removal. Has Israel discussed this question with China through diplomatic or other channels? How does China view the prospect of a solution to the Middle East question under Sharon?


A: First of all, we believe that President Arafat is the leader of the Palestine people and a banner of the just cause of Palestine. Any remarks for the removal of Arafat are not acceptable.

Secondly, China's position on the Middle East question can be summarized in four points: First, Israel's occupation of Arab territories should be brought to an end on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions. The legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people should be restored. At the same time, Israel's security should be safeguarded. Secondly, the principle of "land for peace" should be respected. Thirdly, China opposes the arbitrate use of force by Israel against Palestine. We are opposed to any violence targeted at innocent civilians. Fourthly, We call upon the international community to step up their concern over and input into the Middle East question. The UN Security Council should have a bigger role to play.

Q: According to western press, the Chinese Government is now considering "three links" with Taiwan without sticking to the "one China" principle. What is China's comment?


A: Our position on the issue is clear-cut---One China, two sides talks and three links as soon as possible. This is an integrated whole.

Q: Pakistani President will visit the United States next week. How do you view Pakistan's relations with the United States after the 11 September incident?


A: We welcome the development of ties between Pakistan and the United States. It is our hope that the bilateral cooperation between the relevant countries could serve South Asia's peace and stability.

Q: Yesterday, the Russian Foreign Minister met China's ambassador to Russia for discussion on the strategic partnership and the expansion of bilateral cooperation. Does the meeting have any connections with the forthcoming Sino-US summit?


A: China and Russia enjoy good-neighbourly relations and friendly cooperation. Not long ago, President Putin signed the Sino-Russian Treaty of Good-neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation. The development of friendly relations and cooperation between China and Russia is featured by non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting at any third party. The bilateral ties enjoy good foundation for further development. We are fully confident of the further development and new achievement of the bilateral relations.

Q: China and Russia share a common concern. The United Stated does not regard the Chechen rebels as extremists, neither does it regard China's East Turkistans as terrorists. Have China and Russia discussed this issue?


A: You mentioned that some countries do not recognize East Turkistan forces as terrorist forces. I do not know who has made such remarks and at what occasion. It is well known that the East Turkistan forces have not only engaged in many terrorist violent acts in China, but also received training at Al Qaeda. They also participated in the wars of the Taliban. Thus, it is part of international terrorism and the target of the international fight against terrorism. It is beyond any doubt. China and Russia have wide ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues. We have exchanged views on questions of common concern.