On the afternoon of March 8, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference.

Liu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: It's reported that on March 4, Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura said at a debate of the House of Councillors that China should improve its education on history and he would specifically raise this point when meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister.

A: We are surprised at and dissatisfied with the remarks of Japanese side.

The Japanese militarism launched the aggression war against China and caused severe catastrophes to both the Chinese and the Japanese people. The Chinese Government has consistently advocated 'taking history as a mirror and looking forward to the future', and cultivated our people in the spirit of passing friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation. It's totally groundless for the Japanese side to accuse China of inciting anti-Japanese sentiment by history education. On the contrary, the Japanese side should properly view and address the problems left by history, so as to make active efforts to improve the friendship between the two peoples and promote the development of relations between the two countries.

Q: It's reported that China demanded Australia to review its 50-year military alliance with the US, and not to get involved in the Taiwan question. What's China's position on the Australia-US military alliance? Has China's position changed? China recently warned Japan and the US of their military cooperation on the Taiwan question. Does that mean China is tougher to all regional military alliances?

A: China is consistent and unchanged in its position on bilateral military alliance. We believe that such kind of military alliance shouldn't go beyond the bilateral range. In the current world, it's the general trend and common aspiration of all people to pursue peace, seek development and promote cooperation. When dealing with alliance relations, the relevant countries should take into full consideration the interests and concern of other countries in the region and do more things conducive to the regional peace and stability.

Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It's China's internal affairs. We hope relevant countries to honor their commitment on the Taiwan question through concrete actions.

Q: It's reported that China demanded Australia to review its 50-year military alliance with the US. Please confirm.

A: I think the position I said just now is very clear to both the US and the Australian sides.

Q: Today, the NPC introduced the anti-secession law. Do you believe this law will affect EU's removal of its 15-year arms embargo against China? When visiting the EU two weeks ago, the US president expressed his hope that these countries would not lift the embargo because the Taiwan question wasn't resolved yet.

A: Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing has explicitly elaborated on relevant questions at the press conference Sunday. I want to reiterate that the principle of this anti-secession law is to contain 'Taiwan independence', and maintain the unification of China. This is a law to safeguard China's unification, and maintain the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits as well as in the region.

As to EU's arms embargo against China, I have stated China's position on many occasions. I have no more to add.

Q: Today the NPC officially discussed the anti-secession law, in which China indicates that it's willing to give Taiwan more international space. How much international room is China willing to give Taiwan under the one China principle?

A: Regarding the content of the anti-secession law, I cannot offer you details since the draft of this law is under discussion now. As to the international space for Taiwan, we understand the Taiwan compatriots' hope to carry out friendly exchanges with people of all countries in the world. The best way to achieve that hope is to realize the peaceful reunification of the motherland as early as possible.

Q: Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and US Secretary of State Rice talked through telephone last night. What did they discuss? Did their conversation involve the anti-secession law? Could you confirm the news that Rice will pay a visit to China this month?

A: Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and US Secretary of State Rice made a telephone conversation at early morning. The two sides exchanged views on the issues of Six-Party Talks, Taiwan and their coordination and negotiations in international organizations. As to the Secretary of the State Rice's visit to China, the two sides are negotiating through diplomatic channels. When the confirmed information is available, I'll brief you in time.

Q: Director General of Japan Defense Agency Ono mentioned China's National Defense expenditure at the Diet. While maintaining Japan shouldn't regard China as a threat, he also thinks China should be more transparent in its National Defense expenditure. What's your comment on that?

A: China's development is not a threat to Japan, nor to any other country. Regarding a more transparent National Defense spending, the relevant authorities of the Chinese Government have published a white paper book, explaining China's defense policy and defense development in full details. Isn't that transparent enough?

Q: The Foreign Minister of Argentina will arrive in China today. Could you brief us on his agenda? Who will he meet?

A: As far as I know, his visit to China will last from today to the 10th. This is a working visit, during which he will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Zhaoxing, the Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, and some principal officials in charge of other departments. He will also meet with the Director-General of China National Space Administration. The two sides will exchange opinions on relevant cooperation.

Q: It's reported that Ambassador Ning Fukui will visit the U.S. to discuss the issue of Six-Party Talks with the U.S. side. Could you confirm this? If it's true, who will he meet?

A: Ambassador Ning Fukui will set off to the U.S. this afternoon. During his visit, he will meet with relevant officials in the U.S. Congress and the White House. This is another specific effort made by China to promote the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

If no questions are to be raised, thank you!