Zhang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! I don't have any announcement to make today. Now, I am ready to take up your questions.

Q: Two days ago, Russian Foreign Minister voiced its support for the reunification of the DPRK and the ROK on the basis of peace and democracy. What comment does China have on this?

A: The issue of the Korean Peninsula shall be eventually resolved by the north and the south sides of the Peninsula through peaceful dialogue. The countries concerned should make constructive efforts in this regard and create a good atmosphere as well as favorable external conditions.

Q: How does China view the CVID proposed by the United States?

A: The parties of the Six-party Talks have their own views on how to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. All of these views will be discussed at the next round of the Talks. But we are very glad to see that the parties concerned have reached important consensus at the previous rounds of talks. For example, all parties are willing to settle the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through peaceful dialogue, holding that nuclear freezing is the first step towards the complete nuclear abandonment. They also maintain that a nuclear weapon-free peninsula is the final goal for the settlement of the nuclear issue and the reasonable concern of the DPRK on security and other aspects should also be addressed and resolved.

Since the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula is very complicated, it is only natural that the views of different parties varied. But given that all sides hope to settle the issue through peaceful dialogue and have reached important consensus through tremendous hard work, they should cherished the solid foundation they have laid and strive for new progress in the next round of talks.

Q: On Tuesday, I have asked about your comment on the report issued by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. You answered that you have not read that report. Have you read it now and what's your comment on it? In addition, the report alleged that China did not use its political and economic leverage over the DPRK to force it to agree upon the objective of CVID, though it has brought the DPRK to the negotiation table. What's your comment?

A: Indeed, I had not come across the report yet at last press conference. But I answered the questions of you and other journalists with a clear position. Afterwards, I pored over the report and found it charged with Cold War mentality. The report takes a hostile view of China and China-US relations and has interfered with China's internal affairs on the questions of trade, economy, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The purpose of the report is to drum up for the "China threat theory" and meddle with and undermine the exchanges and cooperation between China and the US in various fields. We are firmly opposed to this.

We urge the US Government to express clear opposition to the report and its so-called proposals, so as to maintain the overall interests of the relations and cooperation between China and the US. The development of China-US relations benefit the two peoples and have important significance to the peace and stability of the world.

As for your second question, considering that the report is full of cold war mentality and hostile policy against China, I don't want to make point-by-point refution. China's important role in the settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula has been recognized by the international community, and the US Government has also repeatedly expressed their appreciation for our constructive and active role.

Q: The US Secretary of Commerce Evans will visit China next week. In view of the torrents of criticism of China's trade and labor issues, including the report mentioned by the UPI correspondent and the accusations of some US trade union leaders, what expectations do you have for Evans' visit?

A: At the invitation of China's Ministry of Commerce, US Secretary Don Evans will visit China from 19 to 24 of this month. His visit is mainly aimed to materialize the consensus reached at the 15th China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade held in Washington this April. Apart from that, at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Labor and Social Security Zheng Silin, US Labor Secretary Elaine Chao will head a delegation to China from 21 to 24 June and the two sides will have a broad exchange of views on cooperation between the two ministries. The Chinese side will brief her on China's policies on social and labor security and our work on protection of workers' rights and interests. All this is part of the important exchanges between China and the US on trade and commerce.

Problems do exist in our bilateral trade and economic relations. But this fact, in another perspective, illustrates the close trade and economic ties between our two countries. It is only natural that differences and problems occurred in the process of development. The frequent exchanges of ministerial visits and exchanges of visits of leaders show the wishes of both sides for a smooth development of China-US trade and economic relations. This is conducive not only to our two countries, but also to the development of world economy.

Q: Please tell us the names of heads of delegations and working groups. Will Fangfeiyuan of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse again be chosen as the venue for the Working Group Meeting?

A: I know that you have started the preparation work for the meeting, and I am glad to provide you with more detailed information. The third round of the Six-party Talks will still be held at Fangfeiyuan, Diaoyutai. With regards to the makeup of the delegations, no change will be made to the head of Chinese delegation. I am very sorry that I can't go through the name list of the delegation today. But its officials come from the Departments of Asian Affairs, American and Oceanic Affairs, Arms Control and Disarmament, East European and Central Asian Affairs and Information.

We have not got thorough information of heads and members of other delegations. To our knowledge, the US has declared Assistant Secretary Kelly as head of its delegation and Russia Ambassador Alexiev. Before the Talks, we will make sure to offer you a full name list.

Q: China's suspension of soy bean import from Brazil has caused great loss to the Brazilian side. Brazil stated they would appeal to the WTO. What's China's comment on this?

A: The relations between China and Brazil have developed rapidly in recent years. Not long ago, Brazilian President Lula da Silva made a very successful visit to China. During his visit, the leaders of two countries exchanged their views on bilateral relations and international issues of common interest, reached broad consensus and concluded some important agreements on strengthening bilateral relations. The trade and economic relations between the two countries have grown fast. In the process of development, minor problems and disputes will naturally pop up. The soy bean problem can be settled through friendly consultation between two sides. China and Brazil enjoy friendly ties. We hope that the two sides can solve this problem in a calm and friendly manner.

Q: It is reported that Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong will visit Panama. Please confirm it.

A: Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong is on his overseas trip, during which he visited Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica, and will make a transit stop at Panama. During his visit to Antigua and Barbuda, he attended the Consultation between the Foreign Ministries of China and Caribbean Countries on June 15th, which is an important cooperation mechanism for strengthening China-Caribbean relations. This round of Consultation is the second one since the establishment of this mechanism. Vice Foreign Minister Zhou's visit to the Caribbean countries and his presence at the Consultation will help promote the friendly relations between China and Caribbean countries.

Q: What results does China expect to achieve at the third round of the Six-party Talks?

A: The nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula is a complicated one. Along with the increasingly in-depth discussions of substantive issues, differences and disputes will become more prominent. Rise in difficulties is a reality, and all parties have adequate estimation of the difficulties in the process of the Talks. China will continue to help the parties move towards peace and negotiation and promote new progress of the Talks.

We hope that the third round of talks can base itself on the headway made at the second round of talks and conduct more in-depth discussions on substantive issues. It should help increase mutual trust and dissolve misgivings. As to what results can be made, efforts of all parties are required in this connection. We also hope the international community takes full account of the complicated nature of the issue and have rational expectations for the results of the Talks.

Q: According to the report of Taiwan media, Panama has promised to Taiwan that it would only keep trade and commercial relations with China. Please introduce the contents of China-Panama trade and commercial relations. Will Panama's promise affect the development of China-Panama relations?

A: China and Panama set up business representative offices in 1996. Since then, the two-way trade and economic exchanges have been continuously stepped up and mutual understanding enhanced. China is ready to develop relations with all countries that do not have diplomatic ties with us on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Q: It is reported that ahead of the third round of Six-party Talks, China and the US seem to have problems or even big differences in their communication. Recently, some of the US media believe that China did not exert full efforts and holds on to lukewarm stance on the HEU program of the DPRK. Some even believe China think too much for the DPRK and try to connect nuclear freezing with economic assistance. Do you believe China and America suffer less smooth communication or have big differences in their positions?

A: I don't believe China and the US have any problems in their communication on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. The two countries have stayed in close exchanges and consultations on this issue and are quite clear about each other's position. The spokesman of the US State Department clearly stated yesterday that the US Government appreciated very much the constructive role of China in the settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Q:Foreign Ministry Spokesperson expressed many times that while preparing the third round of talks, parties concerned have narrowed difference and reached new consensus. Please tell us on which specific questions differences remain and what new consensus is.

A: I can understand that you may see more of the differences during the talks instead of the progress already achieved. Looking back at the situation before the first round of six-party talks, you may find that the substantive progress has been made in solving the Korean nuclear question. From the second round of talks, substantive discussions have started and all parties have clearly expressed that they would take coordinated steps to solve the question. Chairman's Declaration, the first document since the talks started, was issued upon conclusion of the last round of talks. These are all considerable progress. Apart from this, the mechanism of six-party talks has been established. In addition to six-party talks, working group's meeting will also be held regularly to continue the process, solve question and make headway in solving the Korean nuclear question. Though there remain many questions and difficulties in solving the Korean nuclear question, we should not lose sight of the progress already achieved.

Q: You said just now that China and US have kept close contact on DPRK's HEU program. We are clear about the US position. Can you introduce China's position? China has postponed the visit by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. Why?

A: On your first question, the HEU will be touched upon in the next round of six-party talks. Relevant parties will have chance to explain their opinions on this question.

On your second question, the Chinese government has always adopted positive attitude towards cooperation with the UN Human Rights Mechanism. We have always said that we welcome the visit to China by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. Since the visit touches upon many departments and the time coincides with summer vacation, we have therefore asked him to postpone the visit. It is because of technical reason and agenda arrangements. We have contacted Rapporteur Theo Van Boven and he himself expressed his understanding. Our invitation remains unchanged and we still welcome his visit to China.

Q: The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan has said that Japan's self-defense force will join the multi-national forces in Iraq after its power handover and the policy will be formally decided by the Japanese Government tomorrow. What is your comment?

A: Due to historic reasons, Asian countries are concerned with the military move by Japan. We hope that Japan would consider the concern of the Asian countries while making its decision.

Q: Has the specific date of the six-party talks and working group's meeting decided yet?

A: I have announced during the press conference last time that the working group's meeting will be held from 21 to 22 and the third round of talks will be held between 23 and 26. We are still coordinating with the relevant parties on the specific date. We are willing to provide convenience for your interview. Once the specific arrangement is decided, we will tell you immediately. Welcome to the press center established by the Information Department in the Diaoyutai Hotel from 22 for relevant agenda and arrangements.