Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao's Press Conference on May 18, 2004
On the afternoon of May 18th, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular Press Conference.
Liu: In the first place, let me welcome the senior public servants from the Hong Kong SAR who are here in Beijing for a training course.
At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi will pay an official visit to China from May 27th to 31st.
Q: What's the reaction of the Chinese Government to the election of India? What expectations does China have on the bilateral relationship with the new government? Which one is the largest democracy, China or India?
A: The 14th election of Indian's lower house has just concluded, making the National Congress Party the largest party of India lower house. India is China's important neighbour. Thanks to the efforts of both sides, Sino-Indian relations have been fully improved and developed in recent years under the guidance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. It's the common aspiration of the both peoples to develop the good-neighbourly friendship between the two countries. After the new government takes office, China stands ready to work with it to maintain and develop the good momentum of bilateral ties so as to press ahead with the constant progress of the long-term constructive partnership and cooperation between the two countries.
Concerning your second question, people around the world are entitled the right to choose the development path most suitable to the conditions of their own countries, including the choice of what kind of democracy. China stands ready to have dialogue and exchange of views with the relevant countries on political systems and democracy so that we can learn from each other and make concerted efforts for national progress and the improvement of living conditions of the people.
Q: The American Institute in Taiwan reportedly announced that James Leach, Chairman of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the House International Relations Committee of the US will lead a delegation to attend the inaugural ceremony of Taiwan on May 20th, claiming that there were no officials in the delegation. What's your comment?
A:By sending a delegation to attend the ceremony in Taiwan on May 20th, the US is giving wrong signals to the Taiwan authorities. We oppose to the act, which is detrimental to stability across the Straits, and has made solemn representations with the US.
We urge the US to honor its commitment of adhering to the One China Policy, abiding by the three Joint Communiqués, opposing to "Taiwan's independence" and the unilateral attempts of the Taiwan authorities to change Taiwan's status quo and those leading to "Taiwan's independence". The US should properly handle the Taiwan question with prudence; refrain from taking any actions undermining China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.
Q: The WHA rejected Taiwan's request to join the WHO. Japan voted for Taiwan. What's your comment? The Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi will be visiting the DPRK for a summit meeting on 22nd. What's your expectation of his visit, and particularly in terms of the settlement of the nuclear question and the kidnapped Japanese?
A: The WHA rejected again this morning Taiwan's attempt to participate in the WHA as an observer, which testifies the resolute support of the vast majority of the international community for China's just position. We express regret over Japan's stand in the voting.
On your second question, we have taken note of Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi's upcoming visit to the DPRK. Proper settlement of the existing differences between the two and improvement of their bilateral ties are conducive to regional peace and stability. We have always supported the improvement of their relationship by addressing their disputes through enhanced contact. The position remains unchanged.
Q: About the change of government in India. What's your expectation of the development of the bilateral ties between India and Pakistan after Sonia Gandhi takes office? What's your expectation of the new government in safeguarding peace and stability of South Asia?
A: Indian-Pakistani relationship has been effectively improved and developed for certain period of time. India and Pakistan are countries of significance in South Asia. The development of their relationship has a direct bearing on peace, stability and development of South Asia. We hope to see the continuation of the momentum of improvement of their ties with both countries living in harmony with each other and contributing to a peaceful, stable and developing South Asia.
Q: The Dalai Lama said that he would send a representative to attend the inaugural ceremony of Chen Shuibian. What's your comment? Has the Chinese Government sent its congratulation to the Indian new Government?
A: With respect to participation of the so-called representative of the Dalai Lama in the inaugural ceremony of the so-called President of Taiwan, we have stated on many occasions that the Dalai Lama should admit Taiwan as a part of the Chinese territory and abandon its position for independence of Tibet. Only by so doing can dialogue proceed between the central Government and the Dalai Lama.
On your second question, we will congratulate the winner of the Indian election.
Q: The ROK President Roh Moon-hyun extended an invitation to President Hu Jintao during his visit to China last July. The impeachment against him was just turned down, with him resuming office. Against that backdrop, have the relevant authorities of both countries discussed about President Hu's visit to the ROK?
A: We congratulate President Roh Moon-hyun on his resumption of office, hoping that the comprehensive partnership and cooperation between us two can continue to grow. With regard to the exchange of high level visits, Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries will stay in contact and discuss about it. I will keep you update if I have any accurate information.
Q: Did China inform the US before the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council issued the statement on May 17th? Or did China inform the latter afterwards? What is the reaction of China to the remarks of the US State Department on the statement?
A: In response to your first question, the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue at the core of China-US relationship. It's natural for both sides to discuss the question from time to time. With regard to Taiwan, we urge the US again to adhere to the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués, abide by its commitment to One China, oppose to Taiwan's independence and any unilateral attempts of the Taiwan authorities to change Taiwan's status quo and those leading to "Taiwan's independence". The US should properly handle the Taiwan question with prudence so as not to let the Taiwan question undermine China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.
Q: What's your comment on the assassination of Chairman Saleem of the Governing Council of Iraq?
A: China expresses shock and regrets over the assassination of Saleem, the rotating Chairman of the Governing Council of this month. It demonstrated again that the current situation in Iraq remains grave. It's imperative to restore peace, security and stability in Iraq at an early date.
Q: Can you share with us more details of last week's working group meeting of the Six Party Talks? How do you assess it? Besides, reports suggest that the next working group meeting will be held on June 24th and Russia doesn't support the proposal. What's your comment?
A: As it's been known to all, the first meeting of the working group of the Six Party Talks was held in Beijing from May 12th to 15th. On the whole, the meeting has been frank, pragmatic and constructive. It helps to strength mutual understanding with conducive discussions on promoting the settlement of the nuclear question. Yet differences remain among parties on certain matters and there's still lack of mutual trust between the US and the DPRK.
The working group meeting is an important step towards furthering the process of peace talks. It's an important progress to launch the meeting itself. Parties reaffirmed the important consensus reached on the second round of the Six Party Talks, exchanging views further on such matters of substance as nuclear dismantlement, security safeguards, nuclear freezing and corresponding measures. New thoughts and ideas have been brought up in the meeting, creating conditions for further and deeper discussion leading to the settlement of the problems, all of which I believe is progress. It's fair to say that the meeting has reached the expected goal.
As to the date of the next round of the Six Party Talks, participants will continue to have discussion about it. There's no information of a set date that I'm aware of.
Q: If the Dalai Lama sends representatives to Taiwan to attend Chen Shuibian's inaugural ceremony, will it become a major obstacle between Beijing and his exile government? Secondly, the US State Department released a report yesterday, accusing China of detaining and prosecuting criminal defence attorneys. What's your reaction to it?
A: Tibet has been a part of the Chinese territories since ancient times. The same is to Taiwan. If Dalai has the sincerity to solve the relevant problems, he should admit and make public statement recognizing Taiwan and Tibet as part of the Chinese territory. It's a very important prerequisite. We have stated the position on many occasions to him and the international community. I also believe that Dalai himself knows pretty clear of this position held by the Central Government.
In relation to your second question, the report of the US State Department has made groundless accusations of the Chinese Government and defamed China's human rights status, to which we express our resolute opposition.
The Chinese Government is devoted to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedom, adhering to the principle of governance by the people and putting people's interests first. The achievement made by China in human rights is witnessed by all.
I'd like to note here that the US should check more of its own problems and think more of how to improve its own human rights status instead of willfully interfering with others' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.
Q: It's reported that Vietnam has started building an airport on the Nanwei Island of the Nansha Islands. The project will be finished by the end of this year. What's China's comment on it? What's China comment on the escalation of clashes between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza Strip?
A: China's position on the Nansha question has been very clear. Compelling historical and jurisprudent evidence has demonstrated China's incontestable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and the adjacent waters. Vietnam's activity on the occupied islands in Nansha is a violation of China's territorial sovereignty, hence it is illegal and null. It's also against the principles and purposes of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which will further complicate the South China Sea question.
On your second question, China opposes to Israel's dismantling of civilian residents of Palestine, which made many Palestinian civilians homeless. China calls upon Israel to put an immediate end of its activity and return to the track of a political settlement.
China expresses its sympathy to the suffering of the Palestinian people. We have decided to join the international community in providing appropriate amount of humanitarian assistance to Palestine.
Q: Which is the largest democracy, China or India? Secondly, does China regard Sikkim as a part of India?
A: China's political system is democratic and China is the largest developing country in the world. India is also one of the largest developing nations. It's totally up to the Indian people to choose their own social and political system and to adopt the kind of democracy in accordance with their own national conditions. We respect the choice of the Indian people. I don't want to make a comparison of the two democracies.
The question of Sikkim is left over from history. We have to respect history and take reality into consideration. I believe that the question will be solved gradually with the improvement and development of Sino-Indian relations.
Q: During his visit to China, will Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai discuss with China disputes over the Nansha Islands and the border issues? Which Chinese leaders will meet with him?
A: Many leaders of China will be meeting with or having talks with him. The two sides will exchange views on a broad range of issues with respect to enhancing the good neighbourly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation. On the existing problems between the two countries, including border issues, I believe that both sides will state each others' position in a frank manner. I will brief you on the talks and meetings afterwards.
Q: The US State Department noted that the US Ambassador Randt previewed the statement released by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on May 17th. Could you confirm? If it's true, does it mean that China doesn't wish to see the Taiwan question become an obstacle to the development of China-US relationship?
A: You read it correctly. The exchange of views between China and the US on the Taiwan question is to make both sides fully realize the significance of it in China-US relationship and properly handle the related questions in prudence, which will benefit the development of China-US relationship as well as peace and stability across the Straits.
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