On November 6, 2003, Spokesperson Zhang Qiyue held a regular Press Conference.

Zhang Qiyue: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I shall begin with an announcement:
At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Hon. Kaliopate Tavola, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Republic of the Fiji Islands will pay a visit to China from November 9th to 15th and attend the consultations between the two Foreign Ministries.

With that, I'm happy to take your questions.

Q: It's reported that former Premier of the State Council, Qian Qichen will be invited to attend the High Level Panel on UN reform. Can you tell us more about it?
A: UN Secretary General Annan announced the other day that a High Level Panel on UN reform will be set up shortly. The Panel will be consisted of 16 members, who will analyze from a macro and strategic perspective major challenges confronting the current international peace and security and make proposals on UN reform and the enhancement of UN role.
China has always been supportive of UN's efforts to keep up paces with the times and enhance its role and authority through reform. We welcome the establishment of the Panel and appreciate the efforts made by UN Secretary General Annan. China's former Premier of the State Council, also the former Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen, has been invited by Secretary General Annan to be a member of the Panel. China is expecting to see the early launch of the Panel and the due role in the process of UN reform.

Q: Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be visiting the US, can you brief us on it? Secondly, it's reported that China and India will hold a joint military exercise this week or next week. Can you share with us some details?
A: Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Washington for a visit on November 6th and 7th. He will exchange views with the US on the preparation of the second round of Beijing six-party talks.
With regard to you second question, my understanding is that China and India will hold a joint maritime rescue operation, which is cooperation between the two countries in non-traditional security field.

Q: What does the joint maritime rescue exercise mean to China-Indian relationship? China just discussed with Pakistan to enhance their bilateral ties couple of days ago. How will Pakistan view the exercise?
A: As I described to you, the joint maritime rescue operation is cooperation between the two countries in non-traditional security field. China has conducted various forms of cooperation with many other countries in those fields, which is of significance to the development of bilateral relations.
China attaches importance to the development of friendly relations and cooperation with both India and Pakistan. President Musharraf has just concluded his successful visit to China. The relationship between China and India has also made improvements and considerable development. China stands ready to continue its relationship with all its neighbors including India and Pakistan in the spirit of "being kind to neighbors and treating neighbors as partners. "

Q: What's your comment on the current situation in Sri Lanka?
A: As a friendly and close neighbor to Sri Lanka, China sincerely hopes to see Sri Lanka continue to enjoy peace and stability, which not only benefits its economic development but serves the universal aspiration and fundamental interests of its people.

Q: Regarding the six-party talks, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi left for the US today. Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo will be  on visiting Japan and ROK starting from the 9th. Are there any other Chinese officials planning to visit Russia?
A: Up to the moment as I speak, I haven't heard any official trip to Russia in the coming days.
I'd like to stress, it serves the fundamental interests of various parties to solve the Korean nuclear issue through dialogue. Currently, it's the consensus of the international community to continue the Beijing six-party talks. China has maintained close contact with various parties for an early launch of the second round of six-party talks. China stands ready to work with them and all the other countries to make it an early reality.