On the afternoon of December 21, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao presided over a regular press conference.

Liu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! I would like to begin with two statements:

At the invitation of the Palestinian National Authority and the Government of the State of Israel, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will pay official visits to the two countries from December 25 to 31, 2004.

During the visit, Tang Jiaxuan will meet with the leaders of the two countries, and exchange views with them on the further development of bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest, including the Middle East situation.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Lakshman Kadirgamar, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka will pay an official visit to China from Demcember 27 to 31.

Now, I'm ready for questions.

Q: This morning, the Japanese Government issued a visa to Lee Teng-hui. It is reported that Prime Minister Koizumi alleged that there was no reason to deny Lee's entry for tourism as an ordinary person. I'd like to hear your comment on this?

A: Regardless of the solemn representations and firm opposition by the Chinese Government, the Japanese Government insists on permitting Lee's trip to Japan aimed at splittist activities. The Chinese Government expresses its strong dissatisfaction at this. We require once more the Japanese Government to redress the wrong decision. Lee's trip to Japan has an apparent political motive behind, that is, to seek backings and create external conditions for his splittist activities. The Japanese side should be clear about this.

Q: After Japan permitted Lee's visit in 2001, China cancelled the visit to Japan by former Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Li Peng. What measures will China take in response to Lee's upcoming visit?

A: Japan should draw a lesson from the similar wrong decision in the past and redress with a correct attitude the wrong decision that has been made, so as to avoid any harm to China-Japan relations.

Q: Who will be in company with President Chavez during his visit to China? Why does he plan to visit Shandong? It is reported that Venezuela has raised its oil production to facilitate expanded export to China. Will this question be brought to table during the talks between the leaders of Venezuela and China?

A: President Chavez will start his visit to China tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, he will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, and I will give you a briefing afterwards on the talks as well as the consensus and agreement thereof.

According to the Venezuelan side, President Chavez will have in his company the Ministers of Foreign affairs, Production and Trade, Agriculture and Lands, Planning and Energy and Mines as well as other officials of ministerial rank.

During President Chavez's trip to Shangdong, he will meet with entrepreneurs from both China and Venezuela. Apart from that, he will also visit the Langchao Group, Haier Group, Qingdao Beer Co. Ltd, and other renowned Chinese enterprises.

As for Venezuela's decision on oil production rise, it is its own business. Regarding the cooperation between China and Venezuela, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have steadily deepened their cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and scientific fields, to name just a few. Up to this stage, Venezuela has become one of China's important trade partner and investment destination in Latin America. During President Chavez's visit, the two heads of state will make an in-depth exchange of views on how to further develop our bilateral cooperation in various fields and attend the signing ceremony for bilateral cooperation agreements.

Q: Has China made representations to Japanese Ambassador to China Anami on Lee Teng-hui's Visit to Japan?

A: This incident is a very important one in China-Japan relations. We urge the Japanese side to change its wrong decision. China and Japan keep their contacts both in Tokyo and Beijing, and China has expressed its solemn position to Japan through various channels. The Japanese side now is very clear about our position. We once again require the Japanese side to change its wrong decision.

Q: Lee Teng-hui's visit to Japan becomes another problem in the tense relations between China and Japan. When will the political relations between the two countries affect their economic relations? Second question, what's the purpose of the visit to China by ROK Minister of National Unification Chung Dong-Young? What achievements do your two countries expect to make through the visit?

A: Japan's permission for Lee Teng-hui's visit will cause definite harm to China-Japan relations. China has all along pursued the foreign policy of good-neighborly friendship. However, whether China-Japan relations could develop smoothly does not completely hinges on China's efforts. We require the Japanese side to make correct decision on the important and sensitive questions involving Taiwan and history. It should adopt correct policy and position and properly handle the relevant issues in the overall interest of China-Japan friendship, so as to move ahead our cooperation on all fronts, including trade and economy. This would be beneficial to both our two peoples.

At the invitation of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Chung Dong Young, Chairman of the Standing Committee of ROK National Security Council, will pay a visit to China from 21 to 23 of this month. As far as I know, during his visit, he will meet with the principal officials of the International Department of CPC and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chinese state leaders will also meet with him. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. I believe the two sides will inevitably touch upon the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and other international and regional issues. The discussion will help enhance the communication and cooperation between China and the ROK.

Q: Today, the Russian Government formally auctioned one important subsidiary company of Yukos. Will it affect the oil trade between China and Russia?

A: China-Russia cooperation in the energy field is of strategic significance. This year, both when Premier Wen Jiabao visited Russia and President Putin visited China, Russia reaffirmed that it had adopted the policy on energy cooperation with China, including oil and gas cooperation, which would not change. The Russian side will continue its discussion with China on the ways of cooperation and will give priority to cooperation with China in oil, gas and other energy fields. Russia said our cooperation in these fields will move on. We hope the recent developments will not affect China-Russia cooperation in the energy field.

Q: Last Friday Turkey and the EU reached a historic agreement which will initiate Turkey's accession negotiations with EU on October 3rd, 2005. What position does China take on this issue? How will it impact on China-Turkey relations. The second question is, what's China's position on the Cyprus issue? As a permanent member of UN Security Council, how will China contribute to the final solution of this issue? As we all know, the Turkish Government explicitly expressed their confidence in the UN plan. But so far, we haven't seen any progress in the lifting of isolation of Turkish Cyprus region.

A: Regarding your first question, the EU and Turkey have recently reached an agreement on initiation of Turkey's accession talks with EU. This is an important step taken by the two sides after years of efforts, which we express welcome. Keeping this process on track will be contributive to the development of China-Turkey relations as well as the development of China-EU relations.

We hope the Cyprus issue can be resolved on the basis of UN resolutions. All parties concerned should show their sincerity and flexibility and conduct serious negotiations on the issue, so as to seek a proper resolution acceptable to all the parties at an early date.

Q: The Grenadian Prime Minister told his people that they should attach importance to the relations with China. What comments does China have on it? What progress has been achieved in China-Grenada relations during the recent visit of the Grenadian Prime Minister to China?

A: The Grenadian Prime Minister said that he attaches great importance to Grenada-China relations, so does the Chinese side. we hope the two sides can realize the normalization of bilateral relations on the basis of Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and on the precondition that Grenada recognizes the following principles: there is only one China in the world; Taiwan is a part of China and the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of China.

Regarding the progress achieved in our bilateral relations during Grenadian Prime Minister's visit to China, I think his visit helps the normalize China-Grenada relations.

Q: Last week Zaragoza, a northeastern in Spain city, won the bid to host the 2008 Recognized World Exposition, two years before Shanghai World Expo. What comments does China have on it? Does China prepare to attend this World Expo? Besides, China and Portugal will sign an agreement of cooperation on Shanghai World Expo in 2010, since Portugal has recently hosted a World Expo. Could you brief on the details of this agreement and what kinds of cooperation the two sides will have?

A: I hadn't had any idea of the news until you raised the question. If it is true, I will extend my congratulations to Spain for winning the bid to host the 2008 Recognized World Expo and wish it a full success. I believe the Chinese side will actively participate in this event. China will host the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. Shanghai will also be ready to exchange experience with other cities over how to host such an important international event and jointly push forward the development of World Expo.

As for your second specific question, I will help you get some information.

Q: China's legislature is starting the legislation of anti-secession law. We have noticed that the US State Department has responded by calling on mainland and Taiwan not to take hardened position or unilateral stances. Can you comment on the American position? Could you say more about the anti-secession law? Is it really aimed at Taiwan? By adopting this law, will China take unilateral actions to change the status quo across the Taiwan Straits?

A: Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and Asia-Pacific region at large conforms to the common interests of China and the international community. The initiation of anti-secession law by China's National People's Congress is aimed at restraining the splittist activities attempted for "Taiwan Independence" and beneficial to maintaining stability and prosperity across Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. The Chinese Government firmly adheres to the guideline of "peaceful reunification and one country, two Systems". We are ready and resolved to take utmost efforts with the utmost sincerity for a future peaceful solution of Taiwan question. But we will by no means brook "Taiwan Independence", nor will we allow any forces to separate Taiwan from China with any excuse or any means. We are ready to join hands with other countries in continuing unremitting efforts to safeguard peace and stability across Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region at large.

The initiation of this law by the NPC starts from seeking a future peaceful reunification. The official from the US State Department said China's anti-secession law would threaten the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. I don't know what the basis of his argument is or whether he learns China's position. His remarks are groundless and irresponsible.

The national reunification through peaceful means is contributive to safeguarding the peace and stability of Taiwan region, promoting economic and social development across the Taiwan Straits, and enhancing the solidairy of compatriots across the Taiwan Straits and complies with the aspirations of compatriots across the Straits. We hope the American side to fulfill in real earnest its commitment to adhering to the one China policy, opposing to "Taiwan independence", standing against any unilateral words, moves and stances of the Taiwan authorities in attempt to change Taiwan's status, refraining from any actions encouraging the forces of "Taiwan Independence". They should understand and support the legislation of China's NPC.

Q: Just now you mentioned relevant legislature will begin the deliberation of anti-secession law. You also expressed that the purpose of this legislation is to seek the future peaceful reunification. Is there any timetable for peaceful reunification in this law? How will the aim of peaceful reunification be attained in the future?

A: So far the legislative procedures are just launched. Relevant content of the legislation has yet to be published, so I can't provide you more information here. Moreover, the legislation itself is the duty of China's National People's Congress. Since the law concerns Taiwan question, it requires the study of relevant domestic departments of China. As the spokesperson of Foreign Ministry, I'm not in the position to make more comments.

Q: It is reported that the US will "station" a serving military officer in Taiwan, for the first time in the past 25 years. What comments do you have on this issue? Can you provide more details on Chung Dong-Young's visit to China? Will China and South Korea touch upon the Six-Party Talks? It is reported that ROK President Roh Moo-hyu will send a letter to the Chinese leader via Chung, urging the Chinese side to work harder to resume the Six-Party Talks. Please comment on it.

A: As for your first question, the development of military links between US and the Taiwan authorities, with whatever excuse or means, violates the principle of three Sino-US joint communiqués, and will encourage the splittist activities for "Taiwan Independence" and undermine the peace and stability of Taiwan region as well as China-US relations. We urge the American side to fulfill its commitment to China, stop its arms sale to Taiwan and end its military ties with Taiwan, so as to avoid harming the common interests of China and US.

As for your second question on Chung Dong-Young's visit to China, I have no clear details at hands since the visit has just begun, I hope I can provide you more information at the next press conference. Regarding President Roh Moo-hyu's letter carried by Chung Dong-Young to the Chinese leader, I will brief you after checking relevant information. The two sides will talk about the Six-Party Talks and exchange views over the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. China and ROK conduct a very good cooperation on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and share many common views. We hope China, ROK and other parties as well to continue cooperation on the Six-Party Talks. What is the most critical now is all parties concerned display sincerity and take pragmatic and flexible attitude, so as to hold the next round of Six-Party Talks at an early date.

Q: I want to follow up the question on anti-secession law. The US urged the two sides across Taiwan Straits not to change the status-quo of Taiwan. If mainland adopts this law, will it unilaterally change the status quo of Taiwan? What comments do you have on this? During Chung Dong-Young's visit to China, will the Chinese side convey some information to ROK through Chung Dong-Young? Does China think it possible to hold the next round of Six-Party Talks before next January?

A: Let me reiterate that the initiation of anti-secession law by China's National People's Congress is aimed at restricting the splittist activities for "Taiwan Independence". It will also be contributive to safeguard the peace, stability and prosperity of the regions across the Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region. Our standing point is to achieve "peaceful reunification and one country, two Systems", which is the fundamental guideline for us to realize national reunification. We will make the utmost efforts with the utmost sincerity to seek the future peaceful reunification. However, we by no means brook "Taiwan Independence", nor do we allow any forces to separate Taiwan from China with any excuse or any means.

Regarding Chung Dong-Young's visit to China, I have no more information to provide you now. As to whether the next round of Six-Party Talks can be held in January, the Chinese side is ready and hopes to hold it at an early date. But it doesn't depend only on China, it also requires joint efforts of all the six parties concerned.

Q: Can you brief on the upcoming visit of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister and the development of China-Sri Lanka relations?

A: During the visit of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in China, the two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations, South-Asian regional situation and other issues of common interest. During the 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, under careful cultivation by several generations of leaders of both countries, the friendly relations enjoyed by China and Sri Lanka has been continuously consolidated and developed on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. The cooperation in all fields has also been fruitful and progressing unceasingly. The Chinese Government cherishes its friendly relations and cooperation with Sri Lanka, and is willing work together with the Sri Lankan side to continue promoting the bilateral relations. We welcome the visit of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister. The visit, to be finished on December 31, will be the last important visit to China in this year.

Q: With regard to China's Family Planning Policy, some US congressmen said that the policy is still largely highly stern despite some changes. The forced abortion and other harsh measures during the implementation of the policy have resulted in an unbalanced gender ratio. What's China's comment on that? Is China concerned about the allegations of some parties?

A: The correspondents seated here have worked in China for a relatively long time, some for years or even over a dozen years. You should have clearly known the heavy burden of population on China's economic and social development, and understand the necessity of adopting the national policy of family planning by China. Proceeding from the perspectives of China's economic and social development, the responsibilities for the world, and the interests of Chinese people, to adopt such a policy is necessary. Meanwhile, I want to point out that the family planning policy has to the largest extent protected the interest of Chinese people. We have a number of policies and regulations regarding family planning. As for the specific question of abortion, China's relevant policies have explicitly prohibited forced abortion. When carrying out relevant policies, we have also implemented a strict enforcement of law. If you find out any forced abortion cases, you can report to the relevant departments or the public security department. The illegal cases will be properly treated. Family planning is China's domestic affairs. Disregarding the facts and the fundamental interests of Chinese people, some people in the US Congress make irresponsible comments, which is unacceptable to us.

If there are no more questions, let's call it a day! Thank you!