On the afternoon of November 11, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue presided over a regular press conference.
Zhang: Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. First please allow me to make some statements.
Just several hours ago, we heard of the unfortunate news that Mr. Arafat, chairman of the Palestine National Authority had passed away. On learning this news, China's President Hu Jintao immediately sent a telegraph of condolences, extending deep condolences on the passing of Chairman Arafat and sincere solicitude to the Palestine people and relatives of Chairman Arafat. In his telegraph of condolences, President Hu Jintao said, Chairman Arafat is an outstanding statesman, the founder who established and actively promoted China-Palestine relations, and made extraordinary contribution to consolidating friendship between the peoples of the two countries. This afternoon, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu, as President Hu Jintao's special envoy, will leave Beijing for Cairo, Egypt to attend the funeral of Chairman Arafat.
To realize the Middle-East peace is an aim President Arafat fought for throughout his life, also the common aspiration of the peoples of various countries in the Middle-East region. It is always China's position to promote peace talks on the Middle-East issue. We hold that the Palestine-Israeli disputes should be resolved in peace through political negotiation on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace". We are ready to join hands with international community to make continued efforts for realizing comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle-East at an early date.
Now I want to make another statement.
On November 10th,the Vanuatuan Government made an statement that its Council of Ministers had passed a resolution on repealing the so-called " Vanuatuan-Taiwan Communiqué of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations" signed in Taipei on November 3. The Vanuatuan government reiterates that it abides by the No.2758 resolution of UN General Assembly and firmly pursues the one-China policy it committed to in the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Vanuatu and China signed in 1982, in which Vanuatu recognizes there is but one China, Taiwan is a province of China, the government of People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government on behalf of the whole China, the Vanuatuan government will not have any political link of whatever form with Taiwan.
The Chinese government expresses appreciation about this statement of the Vanuatuan government. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, the government of People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the whole China. This is a universal consensus recognized by over 160 countries including Vanuatu in the world and all important international organizations including the UN. The fact has borne out again that the Taiwan authority's scheme of splitting the motherland has neither popularity nor future.
The Chinese government attaches great importance to China-Vanuatu relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 22 years ago, the two sides have been steadily expanding exchanges and cooperation in all fields. Developing friendly and cooperative relations between China and Vanuatu serves the long-term and fundamental interests of both countries and the peoples of both sides. The Chinese government is ready to join hands with the Vanuatuan side to promote increasingly greater progress in our bilateral friendly and cooperative relations on the basis of five principles of peaceful coexistence.
Now I'm ready to answer your questions.
Q: Will the Chinese envoy attend the funeral held at the Cairo airport of Egypt or Ramallah? As for Arafat's final burial site, Arafat himself and the Palestine side once hoped he could be buried in Jerusalem, but now he is buried in Ramallah, what's China's opinion on this compromise reached between Palestine and Israeli sides? Some reports said the submarine found in Japan's territorial waters is a Chinese submarine. What's your comment?
A: Vice Premier of the State Council Hui Liangyu will attend Chairman Arafat's funeral as President Hu Jintao's special envoy. According to consulted arrangements of Palestine side and relevant Arabic countries, the funeral will be held in Cairo, Egypt. This afternoon, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu will represent the Chinese government and President Hu Jintao to leave for Cairo to attend this funeral.
The specific arrangements of burial are made by the Palestine government and Palestine National Authority. China respects relevant arrangements.
As for your third question, we have taken note of relevant reports and paid close attention to this incident.
Q: I want to know something about when Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan will visit Europe and what's on his agenda. Besides, what will be on President Hu Jintao's agenda when he stops at Great Canary Islands on the sideline of his visit to Latin America?
A: To my knowledge, Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan will visit Germany and Spain. Since the Chinese side is still conducting consultations with the two countries over specific arrangements, I can't offer you specific agenda.
As for your second question, what I can confirm is that President Hu Jintao will make a short stop in Great Canary Islands after he concludes his visit to the four Latin American countries. Relevant arrangements are being made.
Q: Has the Chinese government decided whether the heads of China and Japan will meet on the sideline of the APEC conference? Will the submarine incident affect China-Japan relations and the arrangement of meeting between the two heads of states?
A:I mentioned at last press conference that the meeting of the two heads of China and Japan on the sideline of international conference requires concerted efforts of both sides and favorable atmosphere and conditions. We hope the Japanese side can make efforts for it.
As for your second question, we have read relevant reports and paid a close attention to the incident. I can't see any relation between this incident and the meeting you mentioned.
Q: What kinds of agreements on economic cooperation will President Hu Jintao sign in his visit to the four Latin American countries? Are there any agreements on soybeans and oil? Besides, the Yonhap News Agency reported that the US, Japan, South Korea, Russia and China recently proposed to DPRK to hold an informal meeting in November and the fourth round of Six-Party Talks in December. Is this report true? What efforts has China lately made for the Six-Party Talks?
A: As for President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit to the four Latin American countries, Vice Foreign Minister of China Zhong Wenzhong had briefed you on relevant information last Friday. Many details of such an important visit can't be predicted until leaders conclude meetings and talks. We can say, the recent years has witnessed a very sound development in the economic and trade relations between China and the four countries, frequent economic and trade exchanges, and a big margin increase in trade volume. The Chinese side hopes this visit can further enhance the cooperation between China and these countries in economy, trade, science, technology, agriculture, resources exploration, infrastructure and other fields. China is conducting further consultation with these countries over agreements to be signed in this visit. To my knowledge, the Vice Minister of Commerce Ministry Ma Xiuhong and other Chinese officials have arrived at relevant countries in advance to make preparation for the upcoming visit. What we can be sure is that a certain number of agreements will be signed in every country.
As for the Six-Party Talks, China's overall position, quite clear to all, is that the Six-Party Talks provide a most pragmatic and best channel to solve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through political dialogues, which is also the consensus of all parties participating the Six-Party Talks. China has always been making active efforts to hold the next round of the Six-Party Talks and working group meeting as soon as possible, keeping close contacts with all parties concerned. As I have previously introduced, the Chinese ambassador to Korean Peninsular issue Ning Fukui, and other leaders at ministerial and department levels in our Foreign Ministry are conducting extensive diplomatic activities.
Recently Vice Foreign Minister of DPRK Kim Yong II is visiting China. On the afternoon of November 9, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei met with Mr.Kim respectively. The two sides exchanged views over how to promote the process of peace talks. The DPRK side reiterated its continued commitment to the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and expressed its willingness to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks. I think the six parties have a consensus on this point. As to specific questions like when to hold the next round of Six-Party Talks and whether to hold a working group meeting before the Six-Party Talks, all are undergoing consultations.
Q: Just now you said the Chinese side paid a close attention to the submarine incident, then has the Chinese side identified the submarine as Chinese submarine? Are there any Chinese submarine being trained in the territorial waters right now?
A: As for this question, I have explained just now that the Chinese side has paid a close attention to this incident. I don't have much knowledge about its details. But I hope reporters don't make unwarranted speculation. Regarding your question on whether there are Chinese submarines in this area of waters, I don't have information in this respect.
Q: Is Kim Yong Il still in Beijing? You just said that during his meeting with Wu Dawei, Kim Yong Il expressed the hope to hold another round of Six-Party Talks, I'm wondering how much progress has been made during his visit.
A: I have just said that Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei have respectively met and talked with DPRK's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il on November 9th. Currently he is visiting other places in China.
During the meeting and talks, they discussed how to further strengthen the China-DPRK relations, and particularly exchanged views on the communication and cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. Of course, they also referred to the Six-Party Talks. The DPRK side reiterated that they will unswervingly aim to realize a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, and said that they will continue to resolve the nuclear issue on Korean Peninsula through Six-Party Talks. As for the next round of Six-Party Talks, the DPRK side said that they will decide it in view of the US policy toward DPRK after the US Presidential election. I think this kind of consultation and communication is positive to promoting mutual understanding and advancing the course of resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through Six-Party Talks.
Q: Regarding the submarine incident, you just said that the Chinese side has been keeping close attention to its development. Have China's relevant departments started to look into the issue? Does China have the plan to communicate with other countries' governments on the issue?
A: I have already said that the Chinese side has taken note of the relevant reports, and is giving attention to the incident. Now that the Chinese side gives attention to it, of course relevant departments are looking into the incident. Besides, I don't have any more information to offer.
Q: During China's talks with Kim Yong Il, did oil provision to the DPRK come up since winter is approaching? Besides, concerning the investigation into the UN "oil for food" program, there are reports saying that some Chinese company, which belongs to the military, may get involved. Can you comment?
A: During his visit to Beijing, DPRK's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il met and talked with Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei. The two sides exchanged views on further strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations of the two countries in all fields. As for the specific question you raised, I don't have any details to offer.
Regarding the "oil for food" program once run by the UN on Iraq, UN Secretary General Annan has appointed an independent investigation group, examining whether the activities under the program conformed to the UN resolutions. We hope that the group will clarify relevant questions through investigation. I want to emphasize one point here that is, after the Gulf War, some Chinese companies reached a number of letters of intent for business contracts with the Iraqi side. These letters of intent were signed under the UN program of "oil for food" and ratified by the 661 Committee of the UN Security Council. Therefore, all those activities conform to relevant regulations and procedures. As for the specific company you mentioned, I don't have relevant information.
Q: Chen Shuibian said that the Taiwan troops will be cut from 380 thousand to 280 thousand. Besides, there are reports saying that Chen's plane had to change its flight course because there were air force of the mainland found near the course. Please comment on that.
A: Both the questions you raised are related to Taiwan. Since you are a new correspondent to Beijing, you might not know that as the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, I do not answer concrete questions relating to Taiwan or the cross-strait relations. Taiwan is a part of China so those questions are not related to foreign affairs. You can put your questions to the Office of Taiwan Affairs of the State Council.
Q: Did the Vanuatuan Government explain to China what had happened? What agreement did they sign with Taiwan? Vanuatu's Prime Minister once said it was because Vanuatu needed the aid that it established diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Has China promised to provide economic aid to Vanuatu? Besides, during his visit to China, the Israeli Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said that the Israeli side welcomes China's role as a mediator in the Middle-East issue, but any mediator must hold a balanced view toward it. What's your comment?
A: As for the first question, it should be Vanuatu to explain. However, things have been clear. On November 10th, The Vanuatuan Government made an official statement, declaring that Vanuatu's Council of Ministers had passed a formal resolution which repeals the so-called communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations signed by some people in Taipei on November 3rd. The Government reiterated that Vanuatu adheres to the one-China policy and recognizes that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is one province of China, the Government of People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole China, and the Vanuatuan Government will never go into any form of political links with Taiwan.
China and Vanuatu have established diplomatic relations since 1982. In the past 22 years, according to Vanuatu's demand and real need for development, China provided some aid within its own capacity and implemented a number of cooperative programs. Those aid and programs produced positive effects for promoting Vanuatu's social and economic development, and were highly evaluated and welcomed by the Vanuatuan people. The Chinese side is willing to further develop the friendly and cooperative relations with Vanuatu.
As a permanent member of the Security Council of the UN, China has been paying close attention to the Middle-East situation and positively promoting the Middle-East peace process. We think that the Middle-East issue should be resolved through political dialogue according to UN resolutions and by the principle of "land for peace". And this is the only correct way. China, together with many other countries, has made lots of efforts for reconcilement and promotion of talks. China's special envoy for the Middle East has paid many visits there and consulted with relevant countries to facilitate the settlement of the question. China's positive efforts have been praised by the international community, including Middle-East countries. During his visit to China, Israeli Vice Prime Minister also highly appreciated the constructive role of China.
Q: A conference on bird flu will be held, has the Chinese side had any preparation for another possible outbreak of bird flu?
A: As for such specific question, you should inquire officials of the Agricultural Ministry for more information. After experiencing the outbreak of bird flu earlier this year, all departments concerned have taken many measures to guard against another outbreak of bird flu. The Chinese side has also accumulated some experience in prevention and control of bird flu. We are ready to exchange experience with other countries and join hands to prevent the outbreak of bird flu and other epidemics.
Q: It is reported that Dalai Lama will pay a religious visit to Russia. What's your comment?
A: For a long time Dalai Lama has always been engaged in activities of splitting China under the religious cloak. Under whatever name does he visit any country, he will engage such activities of splitting China. We hope relevant countries can have a correct understanding and properly handle this issue.
Q: Mr.Kim Yong II's visit makes people feel progress in the Six-Party Talks. However, just a few minutes ago, Japanese officials said the DPRK has ruled out the possibility of holding the Six-Party Talks before the end of this year. Are you surprised? The Taiwan authority stated that the high school curriculum would be adjusted to separate the history of Taiwan from that of China. What's your comment?
A:I haven't heard or read the statement several minutes ago. What we know from our contact with the DPRK side is that the DPRK will still adhere to the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and continue to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks.
As for your second question, I think you'd better inquire Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council for information.
Thank you!
