Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu started the press conference with the following announcements:

As agreed by China and the EU, the 14th China-EU Summit will be held in Tianjin on October 25. Premier Wen Jiabao, President Van Rompuy of the European Council, President Barroso of the European Commission and Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission will jointly attend the Summit.

The two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, their respective development, practical cooperation in trade, culture and other sectors and the G20 Cannes Summit as well as major international and regional issues of common interest.

At the invitation of Vice Premier Wang Qishan, Minister of State Carlos Feijo of the Republic of Angola will visit China from October 23 to 28.

Q: Please brief us on the theme of the upcoming China-EU Summit. How do you comment on the current China-EU relations?

A: The theme of the Summit is "to jointly tackle challenges, deepen comprehensive cooperation and promote global economic recovery and strong, sustainable and balanced growth in the midst of the European debt crisis".

China-EU relations are in good shape with frequent exchange of high-level visits, fruitful dialogue and cooperation in various fields and important opportunities for further development. We hope that with the joint efforts of both sides, the Summit will enhance China-EU mutual trust, promote extensive cooperation in bilateral and multilateral affairs and send to the outside world a positive signal that China and the EU will meet challenges together, which is not only in the common interests of the two sides, but also will contribute to global economic recovery and boost confidence of the international community.

Q: US Ambassador to the WTO was recently quoted as saying that some US firms were blocked by China's "national firewall" when competing for Chinese consumers and doing business through the Internet and he called on the Chinese side to give an explaination, improve Internet transparency and the foreign investment environment. How does China respond?

A: With the rapid development of Internet in China, the number of netizens has risen to over 400 million. The Chinese Government encourages and supports the sound development of the Internet and protects citizens' freedom of expression in accordance with law. Moreover, China follows the universal practice by administering the Internet in conformity with law, with a view to safeguarding public interests and promoting the sound development of the Internet. We would like to enhance communication and interaction with other countries on Internet-related issues in a joint effort to ensure its sound development, but we do not accept intervention in other country's internal affairs under the pretext of Internet freedom.

On the environment of foreign investment in China, we uphold the win-win strategy of opening-up. We welcome businessmen around the world to invest and start business in China as we always do and will continue to create an open policy, market and legal environment for them. Over 470 out of the Fortune 500 companies have set up busineses in China. China has been the No.1 developing country in attracting foreign investment for 19 consecutive years as well as one of the most attractive markets in the world.

Q: The 8th China-ASEAN Expo will inaugurate tomorrow. Please brief us on the attendance of ASEAN leaders.

A: The 8th China-ASEAN Expo will be staged in Nanning from October 21 to 26. Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the opening ceremony and other important activities along with ASEAN leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Najib, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Vice President of Myanmar U Tin Aung Myint Oo, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and ASEAN Secretary General Surin.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, the year of China-ASEAN friendly exchange and the first anniversary of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. China would like to take this opportunity to make the 8th Expo a success, intensify mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen wide-ranging exchanges with the ASEAN countries in a bid to propel China-ASEAN strategic partnership to the benefit of people across the region.

Q: On the European debt crisis, what message will China send to the EU during the China-EU Summit next week?

A: We have expressed many times our support for European measures to address the debt crisis and strengthen fiscal consolidation. We believe that European countries, first and foremost, should rely on themselves in resolving the debt crisis. We believe the difficulties are only temporary and European countries have the capacity and financial resources to solve their own problem through united efforts. We have stated to the EU side on multiple occasions China's willingness to continue to expand extensive cooperation with EU countries in economic, trade, investment, financial and other fields in a joint effort to tackle the challenges.

Q: US State Department spokesperson said recently that the US and the DPRK would hold dialogue next week in Geneva on the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. How do you comment?

A: China welcomes contact and dialogue between the US and the DPRK. We hope the parties keep the momentum of dialogue and show flexibility with a view to creating conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks and address each other's concerns within the framework of the Six-Party Talks.

Q: A Chinese fishing boat under normal operation was reportedly harassed by a Philippine naval vessel off the waters of Liyue Bank of Nansha on October 18. Can you provide more information on that incident?

A: A Philippine naval vessel entered the waters off Liyue Bank of Nansha, China on October 18 and attempted to approach a Chinese fishing boat under normal operation towing 25 unoccupied dinghies. The naval vessel's propeller then got entangled with the cables, disconnecting the Chinese fishing boat from the dinghies. The Chinese fishermen and fishing boat are currently safe.

China enjoys indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. It is completely justified for Chinese fishermen to fish in an area that has been a traditional fishing ground for generations. The actions taken by the Philippines have harmed the lawful rights and interests of Chinese fishermen. China has expressed its position to the Philippines, urging it to unconditionally return the Chinese dinghies as soon as possible and appropriately handle relevant issue.