Zhang Qiyue: Good afternoon. I shall start with a piece of announcement.

At the invitation of Premier of the State Council Wen Jiabao, Rt. Hon. Joseph-Jacques Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada will pay an official visit to China from Oct.21 to 24.

Now the floor is open.

Q: Yesterday, a US diplomatic convoy encountered bomb attacks in Gaza which caused severe casualties. Do you have any comment on that?

A: The Chinese side condemns the attacks. We call on parties concerned to give up violence and to actively coordinate with the international community in the peacemaking efforts so as to bring relaxation to the Middle East region as soon as possible.

Q: Do you have any information about Chairman Wu Bangguo's visit to the DPRK? Are you optimistic about the second round of the Six-party Talks to be held within this year?

A: As for your first question, I don't have any information available.

As for the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular, it's fair to say that the previous round of Beijing Six-party Talks marked an important step towards a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular. During the discussions by parties concerned, they achieved several important views of consensus, one of which was that the mechanism of Six-party Talks should be continued. At present, parties concerned are making their own efforts to prepare for the next round of Six-party Talks. The Chinese side definitely has no private interest in the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. What we want to see is a peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula and a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue through dialogue. The Chinese side is making its own active efforts to prepare for the next round of Beijing Talks.

Q: The Bush administration is expected to emphasize the issue of counter-terrorism at the upcoming APEC meeting. Does the Chinese side believe that APEC is an appropriate venue for political issues? Do you think that stressing counter-terrorism issues will distract APEC's economic focus and impede trade and investment?

A: APEC is a forum for economic cooperation. This was the consensus reached by all members at the very beginning of its establishment. With developments of the situation in recent years, while focusing on promoting the regional economic cooperation, APEC members also exchanged their views upon issues concerning regional security such as counter-terrorism. However, I believe the fundamental nature of APEC as a forum for regional economic cooperation hasn't been changed despite the change I mentioned.

The US will propose Bangkok Goals at the coming APEC meeting. The Chinese attaches importance to the document because we believe that there are some positive elements included. We believe that, as for discussions about issues of political security, no matter what forms they take, they should serve the fundamental objective of maintaining regional stability and tranquility. The Chinese side will participate in the discussions about documents concerned on the basis of this principle.

Q: Will President Hu Jintao meet with leaders of some other members on sidelines of APEC meeting? There are some speculations that Chairman Wu Bangguo has visited the DPRK already. Would you please confirm that?

As for your second question, I haven't heard about the visit up till now. I will brief you on that as soon as I get the exact information.

As for your first question, as far as I know, President Hu Jintao will meet with leaders of APEC members such as the US, Russia, ROK, Chile and Mexico. They will exchange views with each other on regional and international affairs of common concern and issues concerning APEC.

Q: Shenzhou-5 has successfully made its re-entry this morning. Will China hold grand celebration events in the following days? Will Chinese leaders meet with the astronaut?

A: Today should really be remembered as a day of historic significance when China completely succeeded in its first manned space flight. As what President Hu mentioned in his speech yesterday, the success represented a historic step of great significance in China's mission of scaling the heights in science and technology. The Chinese people are proud of and the whole world is excited at the news because it also represents tremendous progress in mankind's efforts to peacefully explore and utilize the space. You may have noticed another particular thing that the first manned spaceship took with it two UN flags besides China's national flag. The fact indicates China's willingness to cooperate with the UN and countries around the world in peaceful use of the outer-space and China's determination to support purpose and principles of the UN Charter.

Many heads of state and governmental leaders sent us congratulations in telegrams, phone calls or other forms upon the complete success of China's first manned space mission. I hereby avail myself of the opportunity to express thanks to those countries.

As for the celebration events you've mentioned, I don't have specifics as a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the press conference held by the Press Office of the State Council this morning, some officials mentioned that the astronaut would meet the general public soon.

Q: Yesterday marked the 25thanniversary of Pope John Paul II's election to the papacy. Do you have any comment on that? Considering Pope's physical conditions, will China change its policy towards Vatican making it possible for John Paul II to visit China?

A: China always holds a positive attitude in improving relations with Vatican. However, we should follow two principles. Firstly, Vatican must sever so-called “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan authorities and recognize that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Secondly, Vatican must promise the non-interference in China's internal affairs, including the non-interference in China's internal affairs in the name of religion.

Q: Today, the US Moody Company has raised China's debt rating from A3 to A2. Do you have any comment on that?

A: I have noticed the report, but you'd better refer the question to the competent departments of China.

Q: The Californian police in the US have arrested two Chinese people for stealing information of microprocessors from American companies. The US prosecutors accused them of rendering help to a company run by Chinese governmental departments. Has the Chinese government been informed of that? Were there intentions of the Chinese government behind this?

A: I haven't heard about this, so there is no comment.

Thank you for your presence.