On the afternoon of November 18, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue presided over a regular press conference.

Zhang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I'd like to make a statement.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Boungnang Vorachith of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Premier Wen Jiabao will attend in Vientiane, the Capital of Laos, the Eighth ASEAN Plus China, Japan and the ROK Summit, China-ASEAN Summit and the Sixth China, Japan and the ROK Summit. He will also pay an official visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Now, I'm glad to take up your question.

Q: The European Parliament recently passed a resolution on maintaining the arms embargo against China. What comment do you have on this?

A: The EU's arms embargo is an outcome of the Cold War, totally disharmonious with the development of China-EU development. We hope the EU to make a political decision in the interest of the all-round development of China-EU relations at an early date.

China opposes the practice of linking arms embargo lifting with human rights. China's huge progress in human rights in recent years is obvious to every one. China and the EU have a mechanism of regular human rights dialogues. Differences in the issue of human rights, if any, can be resolved through the dialogue mechanism. So far, China and the EU have held 17 rounds of human rights dialogue, with rewarding results made. We expect the European Parliament to proceed from the overall interest of China-EU relations and do more to benefit the healthy development of our relations.

Q: What connection stands between the arms embargo against China and the Cold War? Please brief us on President Hu Jintao's stopover at Spain after his trip to Latin America.

A: The arms embargo against China was adopted fifteen years ago, apparently an outcome of the Cold War. It is in complete disharmony with today's healthy development of China-EU relations. We hope the EU side to give serious consideration to China's requirement and take concrete moves to push forward the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.

After his visit to Latin America, President Hu Jintao will make a brief stopover at the Grand Canaria in Spain. Arrangements are still under discussion.

Q: The Japanese Government said China and Japan would have a summit on 22 of this month on the sideline of the APEC meeting. What comment does China have on this?

A: I understand the close interest of Japanese media in this question. China attaches importance to the dialogue and contacts between Chinese and Japanese leaders. But as I have said on many occasions, the summit meeting requires a good atmosphere and conditions to be created. The diplomatic authorities of our two countries are staying in consultations on this question.

Q: Japan has drafted a new defense program outline. What comment does China have on this?

A: We have noticed the report. China pays attention to it.

Q: It is reported that the portraits of Kim Jong Il were taken down at many public sites in the DPRK. What comment do you have on this?

A: This question goes beyond the scope of the comments of China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson. I have no comment to make.

Q: Has China severed its diplomatic relations with Vanuatu?

A: I have expressed China's position on the question of Vanuatu at last press conference. In the Communiqué between China and Vanuatu on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations in 1982, the Vanuatuan Government explicitly recognized that the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government that represents the entire China and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. The Vauatuan Government will adhere to the one China policy and will not have official relations with Taiwan. On November 10, the Vanuatu's Council of Ministers repealed the so-called agreement signed with Taiwan on "establishing diplomatic relations" on November 3, and the Vanuatuan Government has made a statement thereof. We solemnly require the Vanuatuan side to strictly abide by the principles in the Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between us and fulfill in deed its solemn commitments made to China on the Taiwan question.

Q: Just now, you were saying that the China-Japan summit required good conditions to be created. Do you think such conditions are out there now?

A: China has a clear-cut position on how to guarantee the steady development of China-Japan relations. The Chinese side values the development of good-neighborly and friendly relations that are long-term and stable. We believe the relevant issues should be handled in the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and looking forward into the future." On facilitating the meeting between the leaders of our two sides, we deem necessary conditions and atmosphere required to be created.

Q: The DPRK side said today that it hoped to have direct talks with the US and thought the US was using international forces to attack the DPRK. What comment do you have on this?

A: As for the remarks of the DPRK side, please refer to the DPRK side. China's position on promoting the Six-Party Talks on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula is that we advocate the next round of the Talks should be held as early as possible. We have always been keeping close contacts with other parties. China believes that to resolve the nuclear issue on the Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks mechanism serves the interest of all parties and bears great significance to the stability of Northeast Asia, the whole Asia and even the world at large. We hope the parties concerned to demonstrate full flexibility and sincerity, so as to break through the impasse and hold the next round of the Talks at an early date.

Q: How do you describe the current relations between China and Vanuatu? Normal or strained? Second question, can you offer the details of Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to Laos? Who will he meet with? And what agreements will be signed?

A: Now, some problems occur in China-Vanuatu relations. But I want to emphasize that the Vanuatuan Government made a solemn commitment in the Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations in 1982, when our diplomatic ties were forged. It has committed itself to recognize that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government that represents China and Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China. We require the Vanuatuan side to strictly abide by all the relevant principles in the Communiqué and genuinely honor its solemn commitments to the Chinese Government and People.

On your second question, Premier Wen Jiabao's presence at the 10+3 and 10+1 meetings in Laos will have great significance for promoting the relations between China and the ASEAN countries and further enhancing the tripartite cooperation between China, Japan and the ROK. Premier Wen's visit to Laos is also of great importance. Considering your close interest in this diplomatic activity, we will invite Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei to hold a news briefing at the Press Center on November 24, that is, the morning of next Wednesday. You are welcome to join us. Please visit the website of the IPC for its time arrangement.

Follow-up: Is the Chinese embassy in Vanuatu still working normally?

A:The Chinese ambassador to Vanuatu and staff in the Chinese embassy are still working there. They are keeping contact with officials of the Vanuatuan government. We hope Vanuatu strictly abide by relevant principles in the Communiqué of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Vanuatu and take concrete measures to honor the solemn commitment the Vanuauan side has made since the two sides established diplomatic relations.

Q: Not long ago, China and Philippine signed an agreement on joint exploration of the energy in the South China Sea, while Vietnam lodged a protest. Why has China signed this agreement?

A: Not long ago, petroleum companies of China and Philippine signed a agreement on jointly conducting oceanic and seismic research in the diesputed waters between the two sides, aimed at studying and evaluating oil resources in the waters. It is an important step for China and Philippine to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and of great importance to promoting peace and stability in the South China Sea and pragmatic cooperation of relevant countries in this region.

We always advocate " shelving differences and seeking joint exploration". The cooperation between China and Philippine completely conforms to this principle. The Chinese side is ready to join hands with other ASEAN countries including Vietnam to actively explore various channels and means of joint exploration in the controversial waters of the South China Sea on the basis of mutual respect,equality and mutual benefits.

Follow-up: Was it China or Philippine that proposed the agreement?

A: The signing of this agreement represents common wishes of both sides.

Q: Could you disclose some details on the energy initiative to be proposed by President Hu Jintao at the APEC meeting?

A: At the APEC meeting, President Hu Jintao will elaborate China's proposition on APEC cooperation and other current important issues that have impact on global and regional economic development. He will also put forward two specific initiatives. One is on energy cooperation. The Chinese side hopes the APEC members can strengthen cooperation in fields such as raising energy efficiency, exploring new energy and relieving poverty via energy development in various forms including dialogues on policy, information exchanges,subject research, capacity building, industry cooperation, best project practices. Thus we can join hands in tackling the current challenges of fluctuation on energy market and soaring oil prices and realize sustainable development.

In addition, the Chinese side will also propose an initiative on establishing an Asia-Pacific Financial and Development center. The Chinese side hopes to promote capacity building and information exchanges of APEC members in finance and development through such measures as training and forums,so as to make greater contribution to financial cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Thank you!