On the afternoon of October 19, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue presided over a regular press conference.

Zhang: Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. First please allow me to make an announcement.

As agreed by both sides, the U.S State Secretary Powell will pay a visit to China from October 24th to 25th. The two sides will exchange views on China-US relations and other issues of common interest.

Now I'm ready to answer your questions.

Q: A British journalist familiar with Middle-East affairs reported that Bin Laden is now possibly on the Chinese side of its border with Pakistan. What's your comment on this? If Bin Laden is really in China, how will China deal with this problem?

A: I haven't read the report you just mentioned, even less do I know any ground for this report. I think he is irresponsible for writing such a report. I can explicitly tell you that Bin Laden isn't in China.

Q: In his meeting with Mr. Kim Yong Nam, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Wu Bangguo put forward a four-point proposal for developing relations between China and DPRK. The second point is on "promoting cooperation for the mutual benefits between the two countries and peoples". Could you elaborate on in what way the two sides will promote bilateral cooperation? In addition, what does the proposal mean by saying "maintain coordination and cooperation onnternational and regional affairs"? The report of Xinhua News Agency said that the Chinese side will provide aidsto DPRK; can you brief on its specific contents?

A: I know you have close interest in President of Presidium Kim Yong Nam's visit to China. Kim's visit is an important event marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and DPRK. Yesterday afternoon, Chairman Wu Bangguo held talks with Kim Yong Nam and a welcoming ceremony and an evening banquet in his honor. Today, President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao will meet Kim Yong Nam respectively. During these bilateral meetings and talks, both sides spoke highly of the development of bilateral relations, thinking such development is in the interests of peoples of both countries and conducive to the peace and development of this region as well.

Chairman Wu Bangguo summarized the four points of experiences that have been driving the smooth development of bilateral relations. Cooperation of mutual benefits between the two sides is all-embracing, conducted not only between the two governments and the two parties, but also among two peoples. Such good-neighborly friendship is displayed everywhere. As for the bilateral cooperation in international and regional issue, both sides exchanged in-depth views over situations in Asia and East Asia as well. Both sides agreed that the Six-Party talks are a good channel to push forward the solution of nuclear issue in the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK side appreciated China's current efforts and contribution in holding Six-Party talks and solving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogues. They also stated that Korean side's stance on this issue remains unchanged, and will continue to seek solution of nuclear issues in the Korean peninsular through dialogues. Both sides agree that concerted efforts should be made to seek peaceful solution and maintain peace and stability in this region.

As for China's aids to the DPRK, China's policy towards its Asian neighbors is to create a "harmonious, tranquil and prosperous" neighborhood. The DPRK is China's friendly neighbor. It is in this spirit that we provide the DPRK some aids within our capacity.

Q: Did Kim Yong Nam express explicitly The DPRK was ready to solve nuclear issues in Korean Peninsula?

A: In our talks, the DPRK side expressed explicitly their stance on the Six-Party Talks remained the same, that is to say, it is ready to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks. This point is very important. Up to now, all parties concerned think the Six-Party Talks are the best channel to resolve nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

I would like to take your question as an opportunity to brief you a series of diplomatic efforts the Chinese side made recently to promote a new round of Six-Party Talks at an early date. Ning Fukui, China's Ambassador in Charge of Korean Peninsular Issue, visited South Korea and the US recently. During his stay in the US, Ning met US Under-Secretary of state Armitage, Assistant secretary Kelly, US Special Envoy for Korean issues DeTrani, fully exchanging views with the American side over Six-party talks and other relevant issues. During Russian President Putin's visit to China, China's Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and his Russian counterpart Losiukov also exchanged views on the issue. In addition, Cui Tiankai, the Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, held meetings with relevant Japanese officials when he attended the working level meeting of the " 10+3" in Laos. The Chinese side hold discussions over six-party talks with parties concerned. We can draw a conclusion that all parties think Six-Party talk is an effective mechanism to solve nuclear issues in Korean peninsula and the process of the peace talks should be further promoted.

Q: During Russian president Putin's visit to China, China and Russia signed an agreement over border issues, which resolved the disputes over the border between the two countries. Could you tell us specifically about the border agreements signed this time between China and Russia?

A: President Putin paid a state visit to China from October 14th to 16th. During his visit, both sides signed a series of important treaties, among which the Complementary Agreement between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on the the Eastern Section of the China-Russia Boundary were jointly signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The agreement settled the direction of the two outstanding sections of the borderline between the two countries. This agreement, along with the Agreement t between the People's Republic of the China and the Russian Federation on the the Eastern Section of the China-Russia Boundary signed in 1991 and Agreement between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on the the Western Section of the China-Russia Boundary signed in 1994, have completed the demarcation of 4,300 kilometers of borderlines between China and Russia . The signing of this agreement is of great importance, reached by the two sides on the basis of equal consultation and friendly negotiation. It is also a politically win-win, balanced and rational settlement.

This agreement has laid a good legal foundation for further developing bilateral relations in various fields and served as a reliable guarantee for good-neighborly cooperation. This is not only conducive to peoples of both countries, but also an important contribution for safeguarding peace and stability in this region and the world as a whole. The signing of this agreement has set up a successful example for other countries to solve border issues smoothly. It has also created good conditions for the cooperation of both countries in various fields including rational utilization of resources in border regions,navigation development, economic cooperation and environmental protection. The agreement has further enriched China-Russia strategic partnership. We think this agreement is of great importance. Both sides spoke highly of it.

Q: What's China's view on Turkey's entry into the European Union? How will Turkey's entry into the EU impact on the China-Turkey relations and the region?

A: This question is being discussed between Turkey and EU. We hope through efforts of both sides, the question can yield a satisfactory result for both sides. If Turkey can become a member of EU, it will further enhance their bilateral relations. The China-Turkey relations have developed smoothly on the whole, Turkey's entry into the EU will open up new channels for our bilateral cooperation. We hope friendly cooperation between China and Turkey can be further developed.

Q: Does China's aids to the DPRK possibly include military aids?

A: China and the DPRK are good neighbors. We have always provided some aids to the DPRK, mainly aimed to solve some real difficulties it encounters in its economic construction and development.

Q: The Japanese side mentioned the possible consultation with China over the controversial oil projects in the East China Sea, could you confirm? Does China really have a plan of oil and gas exploration in this region? This morning the chairman of American Nuclear Regulatory Commission said that it is close to make a decision on whether American companies can sell nuclear reactors to China. Does China have the intention to buy American nuclear reactors? Will this help readjust the China-US trade balance?

A: China and Japan have some controversies over the border issue in the East China Sea, which hasn't been settled. China's activities are completely conducted in China's own offshore. Thus it is a matter within China's sovereignty. In order to further safeguard and develop friendly cooperation with Japan, China has proposed to negotiate with Japan over relevant disputes. Here I'd like to tell you that China and Japan will have consultations over this issue in Beijing on the 25th of this month. The Chinese delegation will be headed by Cui Tiankai, the Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The Japanese delegation will be directed by Yabunaka Mitoji, Asian and Pacific Department of Japanese Foreign Ministry. Both sides will exchange views over situations in East China Sea and other issues of mutual concern. On this issue, differences do exist. What is important is that both sides should proceed from the overall interests of bilateral relations, constantly enhance mutual understanding, properly handle issues through calm dialogues and friendly consultation to foster the healthy development of China-Japan relations.

As for the second question. To my knowledge, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held an international conference on nuclear security issues yesterday and today. At China's invitation, many officials and experts in this field attended this meeting, including the American Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Diaz. This international conference is a multilateral forum, focusing on nuclear security issues. As far as I know, Mr. Diaz didn't negotiate with Chinese departments concerned over American sale of nuclear reactors to China.

A governmental agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed in 1985 between China and the US. This agreement formally took force in 1998. Last year, the two sides completed exchange of notes on government's guarantee for transfer of nuclear technology.

So far the tender invitation of new nuclear power projects in China has begun. Some famous international companies of nuclear energy including American companies have received tender invitations. We welcome relevant American enterprises actively participated in bidding. Concerning whether China will buy nuclear energy products from American companies, it depends upon the bidding situation and the needs of China's enterprises.

Q: Has President Hu Jintao met Kim Yong Nam? Can you reveal contents of the meeting? Have both sides touched on President Hu's visit to the DPRK? Have they talked about when to hold the fourth round of the Six-Party talks?

A: I've noticed you have made much progress in your Chinese. Now you can speak Chinese fluently.

On Kim's visit to China, I understand you are eager to know more information. But Kim's meetings with President Hu and Premier Wen will be held this afternoon, which haven't begun now.

In yesterday's talks, both sides exchanged views over solution of the nuclear issues in Korean peninsula. Chairman Wu Bangguo stressed that all parties should cherish the results of peace talks that do not come by easily. Through concerted efforts of all parties, relevant objectives and mechanisms have been set, which has laid certain foundation for solution of the issue. All parties should value the achievement already made and continue to put forward the development of Six-Party talks. As for your question on the specific date for the next round of peace talks, it requires broad consultation of all parties. The Chinese side still hopes to hold the next round of the Six-party talks as early as possible.

Q: The American presidential candidate Kerry said that if elected he may directly hold bilateral talks with North Korea, bypassing Six-Party talks. What's China's comment on this?

A: I think you must haven't attended the two previous press conference, at which some reporters had asked similar questions.

I don't make any comment on any remarks of any candidate in American presidential election.

Q: Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi said on the National Diet yesterday that it was the Japanese way to mourn the dead in the war by paying homage to the Yasukuni Shrine. Different countries have different ways to express condolence. He could not understand the reason for China's opposition. What comment do you have on his remarks?

A: The Chinese side has always deemed that to correctly understand and treat that period of history bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations. We hope that Japanese leaders proceed from the overall situation and do not hurt the feelings of the Chinese people or make remarks of such kind. The handling of the question will bear on whether China-Japan relations can develop forward smoothly. We hope that Japanese leaders treat this question with prudence.

Q: In light of China's own energy shortages, will China still provide energy aid to DPRK in the same amount as it did last year? And how much would that be? Secondly, apparently China could not get a promise from Russia that it will build an oil pipeline from Siberia to Daqin, does the Chinese government still have hope that it can secure the promise of Russia to build the pipeline to China? If not, how will China secure its energy resources for the future?

A: Just now I have already introduced China's stance. As a friendly neighbor, China has been providing assistance to DPRK within China's available resources to help it overcome some temporary difficulties during its social and economic development. As for the concrete contents of the help I have nothing to tell.

Energy cooperation is an important part in China-Russia relations. During President Putin's visit to China and Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Russia, leaders of both countries exchanged views over the issue. In order to help you understand it, I would like to reintroduce the 4 points of consensus reached by the two premiers for energy cooperation in the several years to come. First, the two countries will further the cooperation in the fields of petroleum and natural gas exploitation and trade. For Russia, China is a reliable and stable energy consumer market. The energy cooperation between the two countries benefits not only China but Russia as well. Second, the Russian side will determine the route of the Far East oil pipeline after sufficient study and analysis, and give positive consideration to build the pipeline to China. Third, both sides agreed to increase oil trade by railway. Fourth, both sides will work out a plan on natural gas cooperative exploitation. Therefore, no matter where the oil pipeline is directed to, China and Russia will further the cooperation in the energy field. This is the consensus reached by the leaders of both sides. It conforms to the long-range interest of the two countries.

Q: State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan currently is visiting India. Can you brief on the significance of this visit?

A: State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan has just finished his visit to Pakistan and arrived in India. During this trip he will also visit Malaysia and Thailand. This is a very important visit in the bilateral exchange, and is conducive to the strengthening and development of the all-round friendly cooperative relationship of China and the four countries.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan has just arrived in India, so I cannot brief you on the visit now. In recent years, China-Indian relations have improved a lot. Chinese leaders and government attach great significance to the bilateral relations. Under such circumstance, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will hold in-depth exchange of views with Indian leaders on bilateral relations, so as to propel greater development of China-Indian relations.

Q: Recently when interviewed by Time magazine, Dalai said that if Tibet remains in China, it will benefit Tibet's economic development and technological advancement. What is your comment on it? Do you think it is a sign of rapprochement between Dalai and the Chinese Government?

Dalai Lama often makes various statements overseas. The Central Government's policy has been consistent and clear. Dalai must genuinely give up the advocacy of "Tibet independence", openly acknowledge that Tibet and Taiwan are inseparable parts of the Chinese territory, and stop all the splittist activities. And then the Chinese government may open dialogue with him.

Q: The Japanese side has acquired the information that China has formulated the plan to exploit natural gas on the Japanese side of the medium line of the East China Sea. Could you confirm? Will it be included in the talks to be held by the officials of the two sides on 25th this month?

A: I think any questions or misgivings of the Japanese side can be discussed at the bilateral talks on 25th.

Q: Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew recently has been invited to make a speech in an overseas-funded corporation in Shanghai. What are his other arrangements during the four-day visit? Will he possibly come to Beijing?

Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew will attend a meeting of a multinational corporation in Shanghai. This meeting has been arranged long before. So far as I know, he will just attend the meeting in Shanghai and has no plan to come to Beijing.

Thanks