On the afternoon of April 27, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have one announcement to start with.

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President Mohamed Nasheed of the Republic of Maldives will pay a state visit to China from May 1 to 2.

Now the floor is open.

Q: The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission has recently issued rules to protect commercial secrets at state-owned enterprises. Do you think this could put Rio Tinto in the position of commercial secret infringement?

A: I'm not in the position to take this question. I'll leave it to competent authorities.

On the Rio Tinto issue, we have made our stance clear on many occasions. The case has been dealt with according to Chinese laws and the China-Australia Consular Agreement.

Q: Is President Hu Jintao going to meet with Kim Yong Nam, President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly during the Shanghai Expo?

A: I understand your interest in the arrangement for foreign leaders and political figures' attendance at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Expo. I hope I could give you more information on Thursday when I get the final list.

A few dozens of heads of state, heads of government and foreign dignitaries will attend the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Expo. After the opening ceremony, there will be 184 days of magnificent display. Other major events include National Pavilion Days and Summit Forum. I believe these follow-up events will just be as exciting. We welcome leaders and people from all over the world to join us in the Shanghai Expo and related activities.

Q: A Chinese market in Romania has recently been forced to shut down. Do you have any response? Secondly, it's reported that President Lee Myung-bak may tell President Hu Jintao during their meeting that the ROK plans to ask China, Japan and Russia to help with the Cheonan investigation. What is China's stance?

A: On your first question, we are still checking on it. We request the Romanian side to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and properly handle relevant issues.

We welcome President Lee Myung-bak to lead the ROK delegation to the opening ceremony of Shanghai Expo. President Hu Jintao will meet with him during his stay in Shanghai.

We are following the Cheonan case and notice the ROK side plans to conduct a scientific and objective investigation. We believe relevant issue can be properly handled.

Q: Could you brief us on the China-US Human Rights Dialogue to be held shortly. Which Chinese officials will be present?

A: China and the US have agreed to hold the next round of Human Rights Dialogue from May 13 to 14 in Washington. Officials from Chinese Foreign Ministry and US Department of State will be there to have in-depth exchange of views on human rights issues.

Q: It is said that US Secretary of State Clinton will come to China for the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue from May 24 to 25, and that she may raise the issue of RMB exchange rate. Please confirm.

A: China and the US have initiatively agreed to hold the second round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing in late May. The two sides will have in-depth exchange of views on issues of strategic, overall and long-term significance and common interest so as to deepen understanding, enhance mutual trust and promote cooperation.

Q: It's reported that China has closed its border with Kyrgyzstan. Please confirm.

A: The situation is stable along the border between China and Kyrgyzstan. I haven't heard anything about closing border.

China appreciates the proactive efforts of Kyrgyzstan's interim government to safeguard domestic stability. We are ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to further consolidate and develop our good-neighborly and friendly relations, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, safeguard and promote regional peace, stability and development. We have asked the Kyrgyz side to step up security measures and ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutes.

Q: The general elections in Sudan were held from April 11 to 15. The incumbent President Bashir and President Kiir of the Government of South Sudan have won their re-election bids. How do you comment?

A: We welcome the smooth general elections in Sudan. This marks major and positive progress in Sudan's peace process and will contribute to peace, stability and ethnic reconciliation in the country. China fully respects the choice made by the Sudanese people and congratulates President Bashir and President Kiir of the Government of South Sudan on their re-elections. China is willing to strengthen traditional friendship of cooperation with all Sudanese people including the Southern part and will join hands with the international community to play a positive and constructive role in further promoting the stable development of Sudan's peace process.

Q: Will President Hu Jintao attend the activities in Moscow to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the end of WWⅡ?

A: The 65th anniversary celebration of the Great Patriotic War in Russia is under good coordination and preparation. We will release information on China's attendance in due course.

Q: Indian President will visit China in May. Who will meet with her? Are there any other activities?

A: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India, which serves a good opportunity to further promoting our friendly relationship of cooperation. We welcome President Patil to visit China at a mutually convenient time. I don't have any confirmed information yet.

If there are no more questions, thank you for coming. See you!