C: Ladies and Gentlemen: Good afternoon, the Press Conference of the 5th Session of the 10th National People's Congress now begins. We are delighted to have with us, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to meet the press and take your questions regarding China's diplomacy and its position on international issues. First some opening remarks from Foreign Minister Li.

Li: First let me extend to you my welcome and thanks to all journalists covering the two sessions of the National People's Congress and CPPCC. In his report of the work of the government, Premier Wen Jiabao has expounded on China's foreign policy and China's diplomacy. Now I'm ready to take your questions.

Q:Thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask the first question. Good Afternoon, Foreign Minister Li, I'm with the China Radio International. In recent years China has vigorously advocated the building of a harmonious world. How do you envision this kind of the world? What will Chinese Government do to make it a reality? Some people criticize China for being reluctant to put more pressure on those countries with such problems of human right violation and corruption on the excuses of not interfering in those countries' internal affairs. What is your view on it?

Li: President Hu Jintao of China and the Chinese Government have advocated the building of a harmonious society and a harmonious world. China is committed to peaceful, harmonious, scientific and sustainable development. This initiative is consistent with the trend of our times and meets the interests and the aspirations of the people.

On the diplomatic front we are committed to promoting peaceful co-existence between countries. We encourage all countries to treat each other as equals and carry out co-operation of mutual benefit in the interests of common development. We have made every effort to pursue good neighborly mutual trust. We resolve differences in these views through diplomatic means including dialogue in pursuit of common security and a lasting peace. We promote the exchanges between different civilizations and aimed to build a resource conserving environmental and friendly society. We have also intensified the development of co-operation on all these aspects.

It has been stipulated in the Charter of United Nations, that no one should interfere in each others' internal affairs. This is a principle in a shrine - in the Charter, even the United Nations as the world biggest inter-government international organization, has no right to interfere in its member states' internal affairs. It is very unsoundible, that there still less should its member states interfere in other's internal matters. I think mutual respect and non-interference of other internal affairs are the necessary conditions in our efforts to build a harmonious world and a harmonious society.

Q: I'm correspondent with KBS of the Republic of Korea. Recently, the meetings of the Working Group of the 6-party talk have started their efforts on relevant fronts. China is the Chair of the Working Group of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, what kind of the plan does China have to chair this meeting, and what kind of the measures does China have on its mind, regarding what steps are going to be taken after the 60 days of period of the initial actions?

Li: Thank you for your question. As you right now put it, thanks to the vigorous mediation and joint efforts of all parties, the 3rd session of the 5th round of 6-party talk, saw the adoption of the common document, named the Initial Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement. Positive progress was made at the session. The parties identified the initial steps to be taken for them all to implement the joint statement. What has happened once again shows that the 6-party talk is a practical and effective means to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

According to the common document adopted by the relevant parties at the 3rd session of the 6-party talk, the working groups will get their work off to start no later than 9 days. It seems that the date you just mentioned has somewhat been quite earlier compared with the date that I have thought and what I've said. And I believe that the implementation of the common document and continued progress at the 6-party talk and in the process of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is a high importance for maintaining peace and stability on the Peninsula and in the North-east Asia. We have all made a solemn commitment, it is my hope that all the parties will faithfully honor to their commitments, and it is the firm position of the Chinese side to peacefully resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue. We wish to stay in close touch with all parties, including the Republic of Korea to work for continued positive results at the 6-partiy talk.

Q: With the Inter-fax of Russia. Foreign Minister Li, it has been reported that President Hu Jintao will pay a visit to Russia later this month. What do you think will be the agenda items that will be covered by President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterparties in the talks?

Li: You are right in saying that an invitation from President Putin of Russia President Hu Jintao will once again visit Russia. There will be a lot of items on the agenda between the two presidents of our countries. Let me show with you some of them on the agenda. The hosting of the Year of Russia in China and the Year of China in Russia is an important step to implement of the China and Russia Treaty on Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. As you know last year was the Year of Russia in China, during which our two countries jointly hosted more than 300 events and activities. These activities have helped to increase our traditional friendship, strengthened our mutually beneficial cooperation and good neighborly friendship, and also further enriched China-Russia strategic partnership of co-ordination. Some of these activities were actually held in this Great Hall of the People.

This year is a Year of China in Russia. During this year we are going to hold nearly 200 different activities and events. At present the top leaderships, the two governments, relevant agencies and departments, as well as peoples of the two countries are working hand in hand to let the call for lasting friendship between China and Russia take deep roots in the hearts of our peoples, further elevate China-Russia strategic partnership and coordination, promote our common development and make new contribution to world peace and development.

Q: With Broomberg. As we all see, China is now making a peaceful rise. During this process of peaceful rise China's influence in today's world is also on the rise. But China keeps saying that it will not interfere in other's internal affairs. How can it be possible without exerting any influence on other countries while staying away from interfering in other countries' internal affairs? I have also read about that the visit paid by President Hu Jintao to Sudan, during which President Hu encourage his Sudanese counterpart to cooperate with the United Nations on the Darfur issues. What is his objective of President Hu Jintao, when he is trying to persuade his Sudanese counterpart, isn't this a kind of interference in Sudan's affairs? How do you interpret not being an interference in internal affairs, but only put a little influence on this country?

Li: At the Eve of the Chinese New Year President Hu Jintao paid state visits to 8 African countries within a short span of 12 days. One of the focuses of these visits is to implement the proposals in the initiatives put forward by the Chinese government at the Beijing Summit on the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation. That was held in the Great Hall of the People last year, aimed at promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and providing necessary and helpful assistance to African countries to the best of our ability.

China is still a developing country. We are still faced with the problems of uneven development among different regions and between town and county. The Chinese people themselves have yet to live a well-off life; there is still a long way to go for China to make further achievements in its national economic and social development. What we also hold is the conviction that helping others amounts to helping ourselves. We have provided sincere assistance to the African countries. All of this assistance is free from of any political strings. Our cooperation with Africa has also been practical and of mutual benefit. China is committed to the path of peaceful development and has played a positive role in the international community. We are all of these forces for peace and cooperation and development.

I have mentioned a very important norm governing international relations. That is stipulated in Article 2 of the Chapter 1 in the Charter of United Nations. The norm is not interfering in other countries' internal affairs. I can hardly imagine, should a country or an international organization interfere in other's internal affairs, can this world continue to enjoy harmony and pursue peaceful development?

We believe that all countries should carry out equal footed and friendly consultation. It is with this kind of belief that we stand ready always to have friendly and equal dialogs and consultations with African countries and countries in other parts of the world. During his visit in Sudan President Hu Jintao of China expounded on the position of the Chinese government on the Darfur issue. What he did was welcomed by the people in Sudan, by the peoples of Sudan's neighbors, while the African people and all peace loving peoples in the world who also speak in defense of justice.

To put it in simple as far as the Darfur issue is concerned the Chinese government welcomes and supports the consensus reached between UN and the African Union, and the Sudanese government.

Among one of the occasions the Chinese government has provided humanitarian assistance to the people in Darfur region of Sudan. We also hope that the international community will make every effort to provide a real help and assistance to the people in the region of Darfur of this country.

Q: With Hong Kong Cable TV. Recently Premier Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan made some of remarks regarding comfort women, and he has also refused to apologize for the issue of comfort women any more. What kind of influence he will have on China and Japan friendly relations? Will this kind of comment cast a shadow over the coming visit by Premier Wen Jiabao to Japan?

Li: Conscripting of comfort women is one of serious crime committed by Japanese militarists during the 2nd World War. This is a historical fact. I believe the Japanese government should face up to this part of history, take the responsibility and seriously view and properly handle this issue.

History in my view is a strong progressive force. It should not become a burden that impedes the progress. Truth is always simple and plain. Taking history as a mirror and be forward looking to the future is the simplest and most practical way to find solution to problems.

This year is the 35th anniversary of the normalization of China and Japan relations. We should seize this important opportunity in growing China-Japan relationship, properly handle the issues of principle that bear on the political foundation of our bilateral relationship, expand and deepen exchanges, cooperation and maintain and sustain the momentum for the turnaround for improvement and growth of China- Japan relations. At the invitation of the Premier Shinzo Abe of Japan, Premier Wen Jiabao is going to pay an official visit to Japan in late April. This visit will be the first one to Japan by a Chinese leader after the China-Japan relations emerged from 5 years in stalemate. It is also the first one by the Chinese Premier in seven years. Therefore this visit has high significance in advancing and planning the cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

I still recall a line of Chinese characters, that I saw when I was visiting a beautiful and old Japanese city Kyoto. I saw it in a temple of Total, which reads: No one can block the road of advance. This strikes me as lasting friendship between peoples of China and Japan is the path that we should stay firmly on, and no force can stop us from doing this.

Q: With CCTV. My question regards the nuclear issue of Iran. As we see that the situation regarding the Iranian nuclear issue has been escalating recently. Officials from the US and European Union have already stated that the P-5 of the Security Council of the UN and Germany have begun their discussions regarding drafting a new resolution imposing sanctions on Iran. What is China's view as regards the efforts to be taken by the international community to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and what will China do to help resolve the issue? My second question might be a little personal. I would like to ask that as a foreign minister, who pays a lot of visits to countries and regions abroad, have you ever calculated how much time you spent overseas including on planes last year? Yes, I think from a certain perspective this also reflects the efforts made by the Chinese Foreign Service in the past year.

Li: As regards the Iranian nuclear issue, China has faithfully discharged its obligations as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. We firmly uphold the integrity of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. We have always stood for peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic efforts because this is in the interest of all sides concerned. China has taken part in the consultations of 5+1 from its very beginning. We believe that the resolutions adopted by the UN should be implemented.

We welcome, support and call upon Iran to step up its cooperation with IAEA. We also express our hope that Iran will cherish the channels for dialogue and negotiation with the countries of the European Union and Russia. In my view nothing is more invaluable and precious than peace in the world. I hope all the efforts made by the international community will be conducive to an early resumption of diplomatic negotiations for the settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and any action the UN Security Council adopts will help promote peace and stability in this region.

When I was still in a middle school, I had a dream of becoming a journalist like you. One of the reasons I wanted to become a journalist is to travel as much as possible by car, by train and particularly by plain. However, I didn't really make it in the end. But today, as you have said, I also travel a lot as a foreign minister of China. According to the statistics calculated by our Protocol official that in 2006 I accompanied President Hu Jintao on 4 overseas visits, Premier Wen Jiabao on 3 overseas visits and I myself paid 7 visits to foreign countries and regions. Altogether I traveled to 50 countries last year.

I remember a catch phrase popular among the young people when I was one of them, that is, the outside world is always splendid. But now what I will never forget and cherish most is always my visits to those countries with quite a few difficulties. For instance, I have visited 47 of the 53 countries on the African continent-the continent that is the home to the largest number of developing countries.

One of my most memorable visits overseas is the one that I paid to 7 African countries within 11 days at the beginning of 2007. Most of the 7 countries I visited are located at or around the equator. They have all year round hot weather and also lots of mosquitoes, but I was particularly impressed and struck by those hard-working, intelligent and courageous people of those countries as well as their sincere friendship towards the Chinese people. When I met the people of those countries, it felt like I saw my own relatives. China will never forget the valuable assistance and support the African people have given to it, particularly the valuable support for the restoration of People's Republic's legitimate seat in the UN.

It is somewhat exhausting to travel so much and visit so many countries, but I believe it is also something joyful, happy and part of my responsibility to do my humble bit for world peace and make as many friends as possible for my country.

I am also very much encouraged by those Chinese journalists, engineers and particularly doctors who are working hard in those countries with tough natural conditions. Since 1956 China has sent 16000 medical worker-times to African countries, helping treat 240 million local patient-times.

Another thing that particularly inspires me is that when I came back to Beijing from the equator of Africa, I didn't expect there were so many young friends trying to see me. They all have the same request, that is, to find a way to send them to African countries as volunteers so as to enable them to work together with African people and make Africa a more beautiful and prosperous place.

Q: With Mainichi Shinbun. My question concerns China-Japan relations. In Japan people see China's rise as an opportunity for their country and also feel a bit threatened by it. As we see that East Asia will soon usher in a new era with coexistence of two big powers. What do you think the two countries should do to handle their relations in the political, economic and security guaranteed areas as well as the UN affairs so as to ensure that further development can be promoted in East Asia? Secondly, regarding the upcoming visit by Premier Wen Jiabao to Japan in April this year, what will be the plan in the recent period on the minds of both governments to make this visit a success and further promote the development of our relationship?

Li: In October last year, China and Japan reached an agreement on overcoming the political obstacle to China-Japan relations and promoting the healthy development of China-Japan friendly relations and cooperation. This is the result of joint efforts made by the two sides and has made it possible for us to bring our relationship back to the right track of improvement and development. This is also the result of the concerted efforts made by the two governments and people of the two countries. As it does not come by easily, it should be cherished by both countries. We will continue to work with the Japanese side to promote steady and healthy development of China-Japan relations.

We stand ready to develop friendly relationship, good neighborliness as well as cooperation with Japan in the spirit of the 3 political documents signed between our two countries. We also stand ready to enhance cooperation with Japan in all areas including economy, trade, science, technology, and environmental protection as well as regional and international affairs. We will also hold consultations with Japan regarding the issue of the East China Sea. We shall stay focused on making joint development of a general orientation and try to find a way that is acceptable to both sides to resolve this issue so that we will make the East China Sea a sea of friendship, cooperation and peace. We also hope to see that Japan plays an important role in regional and international affairs.

Maybe you also have the Security Council reform on your mind. The Security Council reform is a multilateral issue. We stand ready to join multilateral democratic discussion with all sides including Japan. The two foreign ministries can also stay in touch and carry out consultation and coordination regarding all these aforesaid issues.

Not long ago I paid a visit to your country and I was warmly received there. I have full confidence in the prospect that Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to Japan will be a success.

Q: With TVBS of Taiwan. During the important political event of the two sessions of the NPC and CPPCC, Chen Shui-bian made comments regarding that Taiwan wants name rectifications and Taiwan wants independence, do you think this is the rejection of his previous 5-No commitment and what will be the response of China's mainland? My second question is that actually, Mr. Foreign Minister, you are very popular in Taiwan and many Taiwan people have a keen interest in you. In your view, after your retirement, what kind of person with what kind of qualities or personality can make a good successor so as to carry forward China's foreign policy?

Li: I am touched by your question. As regards the pro-independence secessionist remarks and statements made by Chen Shui-bian recently, the leading officials from the Taiwan Office of the CCPCC and the Taiwan Office of the State Council already made remarks yesterday in response to them and stated our stern position and attitude.

I am very happy to hear that you told me in Taiwan so many people like me and hope what you said was true. I am particular fond of the island of treasury-Taiwan, and this island is always on my mind whenever I go. Once on a business trip to Xining I went to a mountain called The Mountain of Sun and Moon. This reminded me immediately of the Lake of Sun and Moon on the island of Taiwan and I felt that this lake and mountain are like brothers or sisters.

The thing that I least worry about is talent. I believe that China is blessed with bountiful talented people. As you asked about what kind of person will be able to succeed me after I retire, I think there will be so many qualified people to succeed me, who will be even more qualified than me as a foreign minister in every aspect, and I have full confidence in this fact. In my view, one of the fundamental qualities for a person to become a talent and can be called a talent is to love his country as much as he loves his mother. Only when a person loves his own country, can he love the people and progressive cause of the whole mankind.

Q: With Agence France-Presse. My question regards the 6-party talks. In another 40 days there will be a 6-party ministerial conference as proposed in the common document and will be the first conference of that kind among the 6 parties. What do you expect from this kind of ministerial conference and what progress do you think should be made at this conference? What do you think will be some of obstacles to it? And will the 6-party talks be turned into a security mechanism in Northeast Asia?

Li: On 19 September 2005, we adopted a Joint Statement. This is a very important and rare diplomatic document and is the result of hard negotiations. Following the spirit of this important document, it is imperative for the 6 parties to translate their commitment to their common goal of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula into concrete actions. This is of high importance for peace and stability on the peninsula and also is closely connected with the goal of peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

I have mentioned the positive progress that we made in the 3rd session of the 5th round of the 6-party talks already, and it is another step forward towards our common goal. I hope all the working groups set up according to this common document will carry out their work as scheduled and make concrete progress so that we will be able to gradually move closer and finally attain our common goal of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

Q: With China Daily. As China's global influence rises, the international community expects China to play a bigger role in international affairs. Quite a number of countries suggest that China should assume more international responsibilities. What is your response to this suggestion?

Li: The Chinese government runs our country in accordance with law. Today I have 3 most important documents with me. They are The Constitution of the People's Republic of China, The Charter of the United Nations and Regulations on Reporting Activities in China for Foreign Journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and Its Preparatory Period.

We observe the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and earnestly discharge our international obligations. China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and safeguards its own lawful rights and interests and also respects the lawful rights and interests of other countries. We stand for resolving differences through consultation and meeting our common challenges through cooperation.

We pursue a national defense policy that is of defensive nature, carry out military exchanges with other countries, increase our military transparency and have taken an active part in international security cooperation, including counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and UN peace-keeping operations. The day before yesterday I was told by General Xiong Guangkai, President of China Institute for International Strategic Studies that over the years China had sent more than 5000 peace-keepers to participate in 16 UN peace-keeping operations. That is a fairly high number among the P-5 of the Security Council.

During his state visit to Liberia, President Hu Jintao had cordial meetings with the Chinese peace-keepers there. We have about 600 peace-keepers in that country, and all of them are in high-spirits. They are a mighty and well-disciplined contingent and also good friends with the local people. Besides discharging their obligations and responsibilities stipulated in the relevant UN resolution, they have also assisted the local people in some poverty-alleviation programs, and are very popular among the locals. Some Chinese peace-keepers sacrificed their young lives at their posts. They sacrificed their lives in the interest of the cause of peace. They lived a noble life and the loss of their lives is also for the noble cause.

Q: With Al-Jazeera. Let me first extend Happy New Year greetings to you, Mr. Foreign Minister. Today, the international community and the UN are very familiar terms in our life, and it seems that we keep hearing these terms on a daily basis. And you also refer to them on a few occasions in today's press conference, Mr. Foreign Minister. But in my view, there is only one country in today's world that dictates international affairs and international situation, because otherwise how can we explain such a situation in which a superpower--the US I mean, was able to invade a sovereign state--Iraq I refer to, and the international community has failed so far to give a reasonable response to this kind of action. How can we explain that when a sovereign country is trying to pursue peaceful use of nuclear energy, it has been criticized by relevant countries. But when a country, what I mean is Israel, is developing nuclear weapons, the international community turns a blind eye to this development. Isn't this kind of thing an employment of double standards? Aren't the international community and the UN under these two scenarios and situations different from those that you talked about, Mr. Foreign Minister? Can you explain to us China's position on all those key issues in the region of the Middle East including the Iranian nuclear issue, the issue of Iraq and conflicts between Palestine and Israel? What role do you think China can play in resolving these issues so as to balance this lopsided international order with double standards?

Li: I can't recall anybody saying that today we have a perfect international political and economic order. Your questions show us the picture of a complicated international community full of challenges or even different standards. I think for us our task is to make every effort to meet the common aspirations of the people of the world, to carry out dialogue and negotiation and use other diplomatic means to reduce and resolve these differences and disputes and broaden our common ground so that this world will be turned into a more reasonable and democratic place and we will be able to bring more benefits to the people.

We need to face up to such a reality with a cool head. Every coin has two sides. When we are making progress we also need to be mindful of the difficulties and challenges lying on our way ahead. Isn't this the international community and the world that we live in today's era? At the same time we see progress in political multipolirization and economic globalization. But in the meantime we also see that some places and regions in today's world are not so stable and face the potential dangers of conflicts and even local wars. The economic order in today's world is also not so reasonable. The South-North gap is widening. Neither is the cultural order very reasonable in today's world. Some countries have their fine culture, but other countries know little about it. We need to make joint efforts to find gradual solutions to these problems.

Everybody is talking about how important human rights are, but the situation regarding human rights is also far from reasonable. First and foremost human right is a right to subsistence. But in today's world how much it varies from country to country when we touch upon the issue of life expectancy. According to relevant statistics last year, the longest life expectancy is 82 years old and the shortest only 36. If we want to attain a world in which all men are created equal, at least we will be able to enjoy more or less the same life expectancy. But it seems to me that even this goal is somewhat a distant prospect.

More than a thousand years ago there was in China a famous poet called Du Fu. He once made the following remark, "Behind the vermilion gates of the rich meat and wine are left to rot while out on the road lie the bones of the poor who have frozen to death." In today's world I believe that to some extent this kind of sad scene still exists. Our purpose is to build a harmonious world enjoying peace, stability and common development. This goal is clear and definite and our resolve is staunch and firm. We need to be well prepared for making long-term efforts to attain this goal.

Talking about the harmonious coexistence between man and nature, in the first place I believe we need to protect our environment. More than 30 years ago a famous American lady environmentalist already said that poverty is the most serious source of environmental pollution. Why I remember the remark of this lady scholar is because when I was as young as some of you are present today, I had the honor of being a member on the Chinese delegation working with delegations of other countries in establishing the UNEP-the UN Environment Program, which is the first international organization for the protection of environment established in Kenya. I was particularly inspired by what the lady scholar said at that time and that book she wrote is entitled One Earth Only. You have also mentioned some specific issues; let me share with you some of my responses in brief. China enjoys traditional friendship with Arab countries. China supports the people of these countries in restoring their lawful rights and interests. Mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Arab countries has also been growing fast. In 2006, the trade volume between China and 22 member states of the Arab League reached US$ 65.5 billion. We have also had good energy cooperation with Arab countries and countries in the Middle East. China is both a big energy consumer and a big energy producer. It has conducted mutually beneficial energy cooperation with these countries. Last year, China's import of crude oil from the Middle East accounted for 6% of the traded crude oil in that part of the world. I believe as regards this issue you can get a more detailed response from Chairman Ma Kai of the National Development and Reform Commission tomorrow or the day after tomorrow and more statistics and responses from Commerce Minister Bo Xilai regarding trade between the two sides.

As regards the issue of the Middle East, we believe that it is imperative for both Palestine and Israel to stay focused on the fundamental interests of the people in this region and the overall interests in maintaining regional peace and stability, carry out political negotiations to resolve their disputes based on relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "Land for Peace" so as to achieve peaceful coexistence at an early date between "two states and two peoples".

As regards the issue of Iraq, this morning when I got up I learned from foreign reports saying that by yesterday the fatalities of American soldiers in Iraq already reached 3116. These are all human lives and very young lives. That is why we hope that we will see peace in Iraq and in the Middle East at an early date. We welcome the efforts made by the Iraqi government in stabilizing the situation of security on the ground, in advancing its ethnic reconciliation process and in carrying out reconstruction in Iraq. In this process people also expect the UN to play an important role. China will continue to provide assistance to Iraqi reconstruction to the best of its ability.

Q: I am with the Indian Newspaper The Hindu", Foreign Minister, you have said just returned from India a few weeks ago, and underscored that the bilateral relationship between India and China has in resent years been sharply improving. However we do continue to have an extremely important border dispute that is dragging on. My question is, in China's opinion what is the biggest remaining stumbling block for resolving this border issue and in what time frame do you think this issue can be resolved. Further there is a lot of talk about Chindia that is a concept India and China coming together to form some kind of formidable economic and political block. Do you think that until we resolve this border issue they can be any reality at all to this idea of Chindia?

Li: I feel particularly happy to have this opportunity to share how happy I was during my visit to your country with you and with all journalists present here today. I went to a place that is the dreamed place of every pupil in China. The place where Husan-Tsang, an eminent Tang Dynasty Chinese Monk went to, that is Nalanda in India. I stayed one day and one night there and I was extremely happy there. It looked like I was back to my primary school years as a very hard working student.

In the India languages, NALAN means a lotus flower that presenting knowledge, while DA that means to give, Nalanda means a place to give knowledge. In China's history, this eminent Monk from Henan Province without the prior consent and approval of the then central government, left Chang An, the then Capital of China and went through all twists and turns with his perseverance to come to that beautiful place of Nalanda. He served as a student and also worked as a teacher in that city for 12 years in total. He played as a bridge between the people of the two sides and helped nurture the strong and deep friendship between the two sides.

As early as the 1950s, the first Chinese Premier, Premier Zhou Enlai and the first Indian Prime Minister, Prime Minister Nehru already made the decision that the Memorial Hall in Commemoration of this eminent Monk from Tang Dynasty Husan-Tsang would be built in that place. I went to India to attend the completion ceremony for the renovation of the memorial hall. That was a grand festival for people of the two countries. It was followed by inauguration ceremony of The Year of Tourism and Friendship between China and India. I believe during this year there will be significantly increased mutual visits between our two countries.

As regards the boundary issue between China and India it was something imposed upon the Chinese people and Indian people when they were not the masters of their own houses. It was imposed on us by the western colonialists. I believe the two peoples having won their struggles for national independence and liberation have every wisdom and capability to find a proper solution to this issue left over from history. For special representatives appointed by the Premier and Prime Minister of China and India already held 9 meetings. They reached agreement on the guiding political principles for the settlements of boundary questions between China and India. They also held useful discussions regarding the settlement frame work for this question. And the border areas between China and India have remained peaceful and tranquil. We have taken as our guide the "China India Joint Declaration" and are moving forward in all aspects of strategic partnership, and this has also created favorable conditions for the final settlement of the boundary issue. I believe as long as the two sides bearing in mind the larger interests of China and India friendship, acting in the spirit of peace, friendship, equality, mutual understanding and mutual respect, we will be able to find a proper solution to this issue that is acceptable to both countries.

Q: I am from the Swedish TV. Global warming is getting more severe. How much has China affected the current situation and what is the country's responsibility for improving the situation?

Li: Global Warming is an issue of common interest of people of all countries. I remember during my visit in your country what attracted me most is the nights of Sweden. I was particularly impressed by how crowded the stars in the sky of Sweden. It seems that the sky was overflowing with stars. And I also believe that all countries have their own respective strength, we need to draw upon each others' advantages and learn from each other.

The international community has already formulated the and . These two documents established the fundamental principles for developed and developing countries in coping with climate change including the fundamental principle of "Common but Differentiated Responsibilities". At present, China's per capita CO2 emission from also fuel burning is less than 1/6 of that of some big country. It is partially caused by the relocation of the international industries and economic globalization.

As one of the developing countries who has been adversely affected by climate change. China takes the issue of climate change very seriously. Let me show with you an example that has something to do with the country you come from. In 1972 the first U.N. conference on human environment was held in Stockholm of Sweden. Although China was undergoing the cultural revolution during that year, we still sent a delegation to attend this conference, and we still have vivid memory of the contribution Stockholm and Sweden as a whole has made to improving human environment and we applause your efforts.

I also remember that one of the members of the Chinese delegation to Stockholm on 1972 conference years later became my superior. He served as the administrator of the State Administration of Environment Protection, and later involved in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Qu Geping. He also got an award from the United Nations for his efforts in protecting environment. Originally he was no expert on environment protection. He used to do writing but now he became an expert on environment protection.

China follows its strategy of sustainable development. In our "11th Five Years Plan on National Economy and Social Development", we set the targets of putting the emissions of greenhouse gasses under control and reducing energy consumption for unit GDP by 20%. This goal if attained will be China's contribution to resolving the issue of global climate change.

Q: With Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore. Mr. Foreign Minister, we have all seen the tremendous achievements China has made in its diplomatic work with African countries. People also have this worry that China is practicing a "New Colonialism" when it is having relationships and exchanges with smaller countries as a big rising power. Does China have any new thinking on this front and where this new thinking he applies to the smaller countries in South East Asia? My second question concerns Cross Straits relations, some people from the Pan Blue Camp say that the China's mainland have been too pushing for the sufferance of Taiwan diplomatic ties with some countries and this is not productive for the development of Cross Strait relations. What is the response to this kind of remarks?

Li: The first sentence of "The Charter of the United Nations" spelt out two fundamental principles. These two principles are closely connected with everybody's life. The first one being equality between men and women. The second one being equality between all countries, big and small.

China knows it's national conditions best. We know that we are the biggest developing country. We know that we still face quite a few difficulties and challenges. But it is why we must take as fundamental of all our diplomatic efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with all other developing countries.

We believe that treating each other as equals should not be diplomatic rhetoric. We should translate it into concrete actions. That is what we are doing now. Before paying his visit to the 8 African countries, President Hu Jingtao gave us instruction that we need to give consideration to the interests of those African friends to feel what their difficulties are and to carry out friendly consultation with them to help them generate their capability from achieving independent development and help them improve the wellbeing of the people in those countries through cooperation of mutual benefit. During his visits to African countries Premier Wen Jiabao also reminded us that we need to carry forward the fine Chinese tradition of being kind hearted to people. We must not forget under what ever circumstances what kind of help and good things other people have provided us or done to us. But we can forget the good things we have done to help others.

The warmest welcome and most sincere welcome President Hu Jingtao and Premier Wen Jiabao received in those African countries they visited came from the people of those African countries. Those people who were waving to the Chinese leaders with sincerity and with their sweat drops glistening under sunlight although they have to withstand such harsh and hot weather. I saw the sincere smiles on faces of those African people and it makes me feel that they are more valuable and most sincere than any political rhetoric that a politician may make. I met a dozen of African people who once suffered from malaria were cured with Artemisia apicia, an anti-malaria drug with Chinese intellectual property and he holding my hands told me that "my life was saved by the Chinese people". I believe they speak from their hearts.

Q:With Xin Hua News Agency. In 2006, the Chinese citizens made 34 million visits abroad. As China continues to reform and open up itself, this figure is also expected to continue to rise. However, at the same time, the accidents involving Chinese nationals going abroad are also increasing. I would like to ask you Minister Li, what measures will the Chinese Consular Department and relevant agency adopt to protect lawful rights and interests as well as the life and property security of Chinese citizens abroad and overseas Chinese community?

Li: At present, there are more than 48 hundred people working in China Foreign Services. We have more than 240 overseas missions. All of them have the responsibilities of providing consular protection services for the protection of lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals and corporations abroad directly or indirectly.

As China continues to develop itself there are increasing people who need this kind of consular protection service from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. In 2006, according to our literal figure, we now have about 675,000 laborers of Chinese nationality working abroad. There are about 40,000 people involved in the industry of oceanic fishing. We have about 150,000 seafarers working on foreign ships. And there are about 10,000 Chinese enterprises established abroad. The number of Chinese people going overseas as tourists, or to visit families or to study, is also increasing year after year. 132 countries out of more than 190 countries in this world have become the approved tourist destinations for Chinese people. In 2006 the Chinese people paid 34.52 million visits abroad according to the estimation of the World Tourist Council. This figure will rise to one hundred million .The Chinese Foreign Ministry as well as its overseas Embassies and Consulates handled in total about 30,000 cases of various kinds, including 3 employees of Chinese companies killed in a terrorist attack in Pakistan, a major traffic accident Hong Kong tourist group in Egypt, as well as the case of Chinese engineers kidnapped by militants in Nigeria on two occasions, and also our evacuation of local Chinese communities from the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Lebanon and Tonga.

In providing consular protection services, we will follow "the policy of putting people first on doing diplomatic work in the interest of the people". Our specific measures include: One, we will bring into full play the role of inter agency coordination mechanism led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at protecting the safety and security of overseas Chinese citizens and institutions. Two, we will beef up our preventive consular protection efforts. Three, we will further disseminate the knowledge and information of our consular protection to the public. Four, we will publish a to provide timely consular services. Fifth, in the event of major cases of consular protection we will launch immediate representations and if necessary, send special representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or government task forces to the places where such mentioned incidents take place to assist the relevant countries in their efforts to safeguard the local rights and interests of overseas Chinese nationals. Last but not least, we will listen to the proposals and views from NPC deputies and CPPCC members to study the proposal for legislating on better consular protection services in a phased manner, and to standardize our efforts on this front.

I received the note with a written question from a journalist, asking me to brief him or her on the achievements that Tibet has made in political, economic, cultural, religious and other fields. Chairman Jiang reminded me that we almost run out of time, but let me share with the journalist briefly some of the information that I got from the head of the State Administration of Tourism. Since the Qinghai-Tibet Railway came into operation on January 1 last year, I haven't been able to pay a visit to Tibet, but I would like to share with you the following information which really impressed me, although your question is not strictly a diplomatic question.

In building this railway linking Tibet with Qinghai we set a lot of records. First, with the entire length of 1956 km, the entire route of this railway was built at 3000m above sea level.

The highest point along the railway was 5072m altitude which is even 200m higher than the highest point at the Andes railway in Peru.

Thirdly, in the five years of constructions of this project, we have no case of human fatality caused a disease or illness by high altitude. .

Forth, in those sections along the railway at 4500 to 5100m above seas level we have employed technology of highly intensive oxygen compartments of the trains.

Fifth, on those sections about 5400m above sea level we have grown grasses and forged a green corridor with 300km.

Sixth, the designers and engineers of this project took into further account the habits of the wild animals in the concerned areas. They put into construction 33 places under the beneath bridges on the top of tunnels or at the road beds or gentle slopes for better protection of those wild animals living in these areas. Now these animals are living a happy life.

Foreign Minister Li's Press Conference

C: Ladies and Gentlemen: Good afternoon, the Press Conference of the 5th Session of the 10th National People's Congress now begins. We are delighted to have with us, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to meet the press and take your questions regarding China's diplomacy and its position on international issues. First some opening remarks from Foreign Minister Li.

Li: First let me extend to you my welcome and thanks to all journalists covering the two sessions of the National People's Congress and CPPCC. In his report of the work of the government, Premier Wen Jiabao has expounded on China's foreign policy and China's diplomacy. Now I'm ready to take your questions.

Q:Thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask the first question. Good Afternoon, Foreign Minister Li, I'm with the China Radio International. In recent years China has vigorously advocated the building of a harmonious world. How do you envision this kind of the world? What will Chinese Government do to make it a reality? Some people criticize China for being reluctant to put more pressure on those countries with such problems of human right violation and corruption on the excuses of not interfering in those countries' internal affairs. What is your view on it?

Li: President Hu Jintao of China and the Chinese Government have advocated the building of a harmonious society and a harmonious world. China is committed to peaceful, harmonious, scientific and sustainable development. This initiative is consistent with the trend of our times and meets the interests and the aspirations of the people.

On the diplomatic front we are committed to promoting peaceful co-existence between countries. We encourage all countries to treat each other as equals and carry out co-operation of mutual benefit in the interests of common development. We have made every effort to pursue good neighborly mutual trust. We resolve differences in these views through diplomatic means including dialogue in pursuit of common security and a lasting peace. We promote the exchanges between different civilizations and aimed to build a resource conserving environmental and friendly society. We have also intensified the development of co-operation on all these aspects.

It has been stipulated in the Charter of United Nations, that no one should interfere in each others' internal affairs. This is a principle in a shrine - in the Charter, even the United Nations as the world biggest inter-government international organization, has no right to interfere in its member states' internal affairs. It is very unsoundible, that there still less should its member states interfere in other's internal matters. I think mutual respect and non-interference of other internal affairs are the necessary conditions in our efforts to build a harmonious world and a harmonious society.

Q: I'm correspondent with KBS of the Republic of Korea. Recently, the meetings of the Working Group of the 6-party talk have started their efforts on relevant fronts. China is the Chair of the Working Group of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, what kind of the plan does China have to chair this meeting, and what kind of the measures does China have on its mind, regarding what steps are going to be taken after the 60 days of period of the initial actions?

Li: Thank you for your question. As you right now put it, thanks to the vigorous mediation and joint efforts of all parties, the 3rd session of the 5th round of 6-party talk, saw the adoption of the common document, named the Initial Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement. Positive progress was made at the session. The parties identified the initial steps to be taken for them all to implement the joint statement. What has happened once again shows that the 6-party talk is a practical and effective means to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

According to the common document adopted by the relevant parties at the 3rd session of the 6-party talk, the working groups will get their work off to start no later than 9 days. It seems that the date you just mentioned has somewhat been quite earlier compared with the date that I have thought and what I've said. And I believe that the implementation of the common document and continued progress at the 6-party talk and in the process of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is a high importance for maintaining peace and stability on the Peninsula and in the North-east Asia. We have all made a solemn commitment, it is my hope that all the parties will faithfully honor to their commitments, and it is the firm position of the Chinese side to peacefully resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue. We wish to stay in close touch with all parties, including the Republic of Korea to work for continued positive results at the 6-partiy talk.

Q: With the Inter-fax of Russia. Foreign Minister Li, it has been reported that President Hu Jintao will pay a visit to Russia later this month. What do you think will be the agenda items that will be covered by President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterparties in the talks?

Li: You are right in saying that an invitation from President Putin of Russia President Hu Jintao will once again visit Russia. There will be a lot of items on the agenda between the two presidents of our countries. Let me show with you some of them on the agenda. The hosting of the Year of Russia in China and the Year of China in Russia is an important step to implement of the China and Russia Treaty on Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. As you know last year was the Year of Russia in China, during which our two countries jointly hosted more than 300 events and activities. These activities have helped to increase our traditional friendship, strengthened our mutually beneficial cooperation and good neighborly friendship, and also further enriched China-Russia strategic partnership of co-ordination. Some of these activities were actually held in this Great Hall of the People.

This year is a Year of China in Russia. During this year we are going to hold nearly 200 different activities and events. At present the top leaderships, the two governments, relevant agencies and departments, as well as peoples of the two countries are working hand in hand to let the call for lasting friendship between China and Russia take deep roots in the hearts of our peoples, further elevate China-Russia strategic partnership and coordination, promote our common development and make new contribution to world peace and development.

Q: With Broomberg. As we all see, China is now making a peaceful rise. During this process of peaceful rise China's influence in today's world is also on the rise. But China keeps saying that it will not interfere in other's internal affairs. How can it be possible without exerting any influence on other countries while staying away from interfering in other countries' internal affairs? I have also read about that the visit paid by President Hu Jintao to Sudan, during which President Hu encourage his Sudanese counterpart to cooperate with the United Nations on the Darfur issues. What is his objective of President Hu Jintao, when he is trying to persuade his Sudanese counterpart, isn't this a kind of interference in Sudan's affairs? How do you interpret not being an interference in internal affairs, but only put a little influence on this country?

Li: At the Eve of the Chinese New Year President Hu Jintao paid state visits to 8 African countries within a short span of 12 days. One of the focuses of these visits is to implement the proposals in the initiatives put forward by the Chinese government at the Beijing Summit on the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation. That was held in the Great Hall of the People last year, aimed at promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and providing necessary and helpful assistance to African countries to the best of our ability.

China is still a developing country. We are still faced with the problems of uneven development among different regions and between town and county. The Chinese people themselves have yet to live a well-off life; there is still a long way to go for China to make further achievements in its national economic and social development. What we also hold is the conviction that helping others amounts to helping ourselves. We have provided sincere assistance to the African countries. All of this assistance is free from of any political strings. Our cooperation with Africa has also been practical and of mutual benefit. China is committed to the path of peaceful development and has played a positive role in the international community. We are all of these forces for peace and cooperation and development.

I have mentioned a very important norm governing international relations. That is stipulated in Article 2 of the Chapter 1 in the Charter of United Nations. The norm is not interfering in other countries' internal affairs. I can hardly imagine, should a country or an international organization interfere in other's internal affairs, can this world continue to enjoy harmony and pursue peaceful development?

We believe that all countries should carry out equal footed and friendly consultation. It is with this kind of belief that we stand ready always to have friendly and equal dialogs and consultations with African countries and countries in other parts of the world. During his visit in Sudan President Hu Jintao of China expounded on the position of the Chinese government on the Darfur issue. What he did was welcomed by the people in Sudan, by the peoples of Sudan's neighbors, while the African people and all peace loving peoples in the world who also speak in defense of justice.

To put it in simple as far as the Darfur issue is concerned the Chinese government welcomes and supports the consensus reached between UN and the African Union, and the Sudanese government.

Among one of the occasions the Chinese government has provided humanitarian assistance to the people in Darfur region of Sudan. We also hope that the international community will make every effort to provide a real help and assistance to the people in the region of Darfur of this country.

Q: With Hong Kong Cable TV. Recently Premier Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan made some of remarks regarding comfort women, and he has also refused to apologize for the issue of comfort women any more. What kind of influence he will have on China and Japan friendly relations? Will this kind of comment cast a shadow over the coming visit by Premier Wen Jiabao to Japan?

Li: Conscripting of comfort women is one of serious crime committed by Japanese militarists during the 2nd World War. This is a historical fact. I believe the Japanese government should face up to this part of history, take the responsibility and seriously view and properly handle this issue.

History in my view is a strong progressive force. It should not become a burden that impedes the progress. Truth is always simple and plain. Taking history as a mirror and be forward looking to the future is the simplest and most practical way to find solution to problems.

This year is the 35th anniversary of the normalization of China and Japan relations. We should seize this important opportunity in growing China-Japan relationship, properly handle the issues of principle that bear on the political foundation of our bilateral relationship, expand and deepen exchanges, cooperation and maintain and sustain the momentum for the turnaround for improvement and growth of China- Japan relations. At the invitation of the Premier Shinzo Abe of Japan, Premier Wen Jiabao is going to pay an official visit to Japan in late April. This visit will be the first one to Japan by a Chinese leader after the China-Japan relations emerged from 5 years in stalemate. It is also the first one by the Chinese Premier in seven years. Therefore this visit has high significance in advancing and planning the cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

I still recall a line of Chinese characters, that I saw when I was visiting a beautiful and old Japanese city Kyoto. I saw it in a temple of Total, which reads: No one can block the road of advance. This strikes me as lasting friendship between peoples of China and Japan is the path that we should stay firmly on, and no force can stop us from doing this.

Q: With CCTV. My question regards the nuclear issue of Iran. As we see that the situation regarding the Iranian nuclear issue has been escalating recently. Officials from the US and European Union have already stated that the P-5 of the Security Council of the UN and Germany have begun their discussions regarding drafting a new resolution imposing sanctions on Iran. What is China's view as regards the efforts to be taken by the international community to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and what will China do to help resolve the issue? My second question might be a little personal. I would like to ask that as a foreign minister, who pays a lot of visits to countries and regions abroad, have you ever calculated how much time you spent overseas including on planes last year? Yes, I think from a certain perspective this also reflects the efforts made by the Chinese Foreign Service in the past year.

Li: As regards the Iranian nuclear issue, China has faithfully discharged its obligations as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. We firmly uphold the integrity of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. We have always stood for peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic efforts because this is in the interest of all sides concerned. China has taken part in the consultations of 5+1 from its very beginning. We believe that the resolutions adopted by the UN should be implemented.

We welcome, support and call upon Iran to step up its cooperation with IAEA. We also express our hope that Iran will cherish the channels for dialogue and negotiation with the countries of the European Union and Russia. In my view nothing is more invaluable and precious than peace in the world. I hope all the efforts made by the international community will be conducive to an early resumption of diplomatic negotiations for the settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and any action the UN Security Council adopts will help promote peace and stability in this region.

When I was still in a middle school, I had a dream of becoming a journalist like you. One of the reasons I wanted to become a journalist is to travel as much as possible by car, by train and particularly by plain. However, I didn't really make it in the end. But today, as you have said, I also travel a lot as a foreign minister of China. According to the statistics calculated by our Protocol official that in 2006 I accompanied President Hu Jintao on 4 overseas visits, Premier Wen Jiabao on 3 overseas visits and I myself paid 7 visits to foreign countries and regions. Altogether I traveled to 50 countries last year.

I remember a catch phrase popular among the young people when I was one of them, that is, the outside world is always splendid. But now what I will never forget and cherish most is always my visits to those countries with quite a few difficulties. For instance, I have visited 47 of the 53 countries on the African continent-the continent that is the home to the largest number of developing countries.

One of my most memorable visits overseas is the one that I paid to 7 African countries within 11 days at the beginning of 2007. Most of the 7 countries I visited are located at or around the equator. They have all year round hot weather and also lots of mosquitoes, but I was particularly impressed and struck by those hard-working, intelligent and courageous people of those countries as well as their sincere friendship towards the Chinese people. When I met the people of those countries, it felt like I saw my own relatives. China will never forget the valuable assistance and support the African people have given to it, particularly the valuable support for the restoration of People's Republic's legitimate seat in the UN.

It is somewhat exhausting to travel so much and visit so many countries, but I believe it is also something joyful, happy and part of my responsibility to do my humble bit for world peace and make as many friends as possible for my country.

I am also very much encouraged by those Chinese journalists, engineers and particularly doctors who are working hard in those countries with tough natural conditions. Since 1956 China has sent 16000 medical worker-times to African countries, helping treat 240 million local patient-times.

Another thing that particularly inspires me is that when I came back to Beijing from the equator of Africa, I didn't expect there were so many young friends trying to see me. They all have the same request, that is, to find a way to send them to African countries as volunteers so as to enable them to work together with African people and make Africa a more beautiful and prosperous place.

Q: With Mainichi Shinbun. My question concerns China-Japan relations. In Japan people see China's rise as an opportunity for their country and also feel a bit threatened by it. As we see that East Asia will soon usher in a new era with coexistence of two big powers. What do you think the two countries should do to handle their relations in the political, economic and security guaranteed areas as well as the UN affairs so as to ensure that further development can be promoted in East Asia? Secondly, regarding the upcoming visit by Premier Wen Jiabao to Japan in April this year, what will be the plan in the recent period on the minds of both governments to make this visit a success and further promote the development of our relationship?

Li: In October last year, China and Japan reached an agreement on overcoming the political obstacle to China-Japan relations and promoting the healthy development of China-Japan friendly relations and cooperation. This is the result of joint efforts made by the two sides and has made it possible for us to bring our relationship back to the right track of improvement and development. This is also the result of the concerted efforts made by the two governments and people of the two countries. As it does not come by easily, it should be cherished by both countries. We will continue to work with the Japanese side to promote steady and healthy development of China-Japan relations.

We stand ready to develop friendly relationship, good neighborliness as well as cooperation with Japan in the spirit of the 3 political documents signed between our two countries. We also stand ready to enhance cooperation with Japan in all areas including economy, trade, science, technology, and environmental protection as well as regional and international affairs. We will also hold consultations with Japan regarding the issue of the East China Sea. We shall stay focused on making joint development of a general orientation and try to find a way that is acceptable to both sides to resolve this issue so that we will make the East China Sea a sea of friendship, cooperation and peace. We also hope to see that Japan plays an important role in regional and international affairs.

Maybe you also have the Security Council reform on your mind. The Security Council reform is a multilateral issue. We stand ready to join multilateral democratic discussion with all sides including Japan. The two foreign ministries can also stay in touch and carry out consultation and coordination regarding all these aforesaid issues.

Not long ago I paid a visit to your country and I was warmly received there. I have full confidence in the prospect that Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to Japan will be a success.

Q: With TVBS of Taiwan. During the important political event of the two sessions of the NPC and CPPCC, Chen Shui-bian made comments regarding that Taiwan wants name rectifications and Taiwan wants independence, do you think this is the rejection of his previous 5-No commitment and what will be the response of China's mainland? My second question is that actually, Mr. Foreign Minister, you are very popular in Taiwan and many Taiwan people have a keen interest in you. In your view, after your retirement, what kind of person with what kind of qualities or personality can make a good successor so as to carry forward China's foreign policy?

Li: I am touched by your question. As regards the pro-independence secessionist remarks and statements made by Chen Shui-bian recently, the leading officials from the Taiwan Office of the CCPCC and the Taiwan Office of the State Council already made remarks yesterday in response to them and stated our stern position and attitude.

I am very happy to hear that you told me in Taiwan so many people like me and hope what you said was true. I am particular fond of the island of treasury-Taiwan, and this island is always on my mind whenever I go. Once on a business trip to Xining I went to a mountain called The Mountain of Sun and Moon. This reminded me immediately of the Lake of Sun and Moon on the island of Taiwan and I felt that this lake and mountain are like brothers or sisters.

The thing that I least worry about is talent. I believe that China is blessed with bountiful talented people. As you asked about what kind of person will be able to succeed me after I retire, I think there will be so many qualified people to succeed me, who will be even more qualified than me as a foreign minister in every aspect, and I have full confidence in this fact. In my view, one of the fundamental qualities for a person to become a talent and can be called a talent is to love his country as much as he loves his mother. Only when a person loves his own country, can he love the people and progressive cause of the whole mankind.

Q: With Agence France-Presse. My question regards the 6-party talks. In another 40 days there will be a 6-party ministerial conference as proposed in the common document and will be the first conference of that kind among the 6 parties. What do you expect from this kind of ministerial conference and what progress do you think should be made at this conference? What do you think will be some of obstacles to it? And will the 6-party talks be turned into a security mechanism in Northeast Asia?

Li: On 19 September 2005, we adopted a Joint Statement. This is a very important and rare diplomatic document and is the result of hard negotiations. Following the spirit of this important document, it is imperative for the 6 parties to translate their commitment to their common goal of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula into concrete actions. This is of high importance for peace and stability on the peninsula and also is closely connected with the goal of peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

I have mentioned the positive progress that we made in the 3rd session of the 5th round of the 6-party talks already, and it is another step forward towards our common goal. I hope all the working groups set up according to this common document will carry out their work as scheduled and make concrete progress so that we will be able to gradually move closer and finally attain our common goal of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

Q: With China Daily. As China's global influence rises, the international community expects China to play a bigger role in international affairs. Quite a number of countries suggest that China should assume more international responsibilities. What is your response to this suggestion?

Li: The Chinese government runs our country in accordance with law. Today I have 3 most important documents with me. They are The Constitution of the People's Republic of China, The Charter of the United Nations and Regulations on Reporting Activities in China for Foreign Journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and Its Preparatory Period.

We observe the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and earnestly discharge our international obligations. China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and safeguards its own lawful rights and interests and also respects the lawful rights and interests of other countries. We stand for resolving differences through consultation and meeting our common challenges through cooperation.

We pursue a national defense policy that is of defensive nature, carry out military exchanges with other countries, increase our military transparency and have taken an active part in international security cooperation, including counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and UN peace-keeping operations. The day before yesterday I was told by General Xiong Guangkai, President of China Institute for International Strategic Studies that over the years China had sent more than 5000 peace-keepers to participate in 16 UN peace-keeping operations. That is a fairly high number among the P-5 of the Security Council.

During his state visit to Liberia, President Hu Jintao had cordial meetings with the Chinese peace-keepers there. We have about 600 peace-keepers in that country, and all of them are in high-spirits. They are a mighty and well-disciplined contingent and also good friends with the local people. Besides discharging their obligations and responsibilities stipulated in the relevant UN resolution, they have also assisted the local people in some poverty-alleviation programs, and are very popular among the locals. Some Chinese peace-keepers sacrificed their young lives at their posts. They sacrificed their lives in the interest of the cause of peace. They lived a noble life and the loss of their lives is also for the noble cause.

Q: With Al-Jazeera. Let me first extend Happy New Year greetings to you, Mr. Foreign Minister. Today, the international community and the UN are very familiar terms in our life, and it seems that we keep hearing these terms on a daily basis. And you also refer to them on a few occasions in today's press conference, Mr. Foreign Minister. But in my view, there is only one country in today's world that dictates international affairs and international situation, because otherwise how can we explain such a situation in which a superpower--the US I mean, was able to invade a sovereign state--Iraq I refer to, and the international community has failed so far to give a reasonable response to this kind of action. How can we explain that when a sovereign country is trying to pursue peaceful use of nuclear energy, it has been criticized by relevant countries. But when a country, what I mean is Israel, is developing nuclear weapons, the international community turns a blind eye to this development. Isn't this kind of thing an employment of double standards? Aren't the international community and the UN under these two scenarios and situations different from those that you talked about, Mr. Foreign Minister? Can you explain to us China's position on all those key issues in the region of the Middle East including the Iranian nuclear issue, the issue of Iraq and conflicts between Palestine and Israel? What role do you think China can play in resolving these issues so as to balance this lopsided international order with double standards?

Li: I can't recall anybody saying that today we have a perfect international political and economic order. Your questions show us the picture of a complicated international community full of challenges or even different standards. I think for us our task is to make every effort to meet the common aspirations of the people of the world, to carry out dialogue and negotiation and use other diplomatic means to reduce and resolve these differences and disputes and broaden our common ground so that this world will be turned into a more reasonable and democratic place and we will be able to bring more benefits to the people.

We need to face up to such a reality with a cool head. Every coin has two sides. When we are making progress we also need to be mindful of the difficulties and challenges lying on our way ahead. Isn't this the international community and the world that we live in today's era? At the same time we see progress in political multipolirization and economic globalization. But in the meantime we also see that some places and regions in today's world are not so stable and face the potential dangers of conflicts and even local wars. The economic order in today's world is also not so reasonable. The South-North gap is widening. Neither is the cultural order very reasonable in today's world. Some countries have their fine culture, but other countries know little about it. We need to make joint efforts to find gradual solutions to these problems.

Everybody is talking about how important human rights are, but the situation regarding human rights is also far from reasonable. First and foremost human right is a right to subsistence. But in today's world how much it varies from country to country when we touch upon the issue of life expectancy. According to relevant statistics last year, the longest life expectancy is 82 years old and the shortest only 36. If we want to attain a world in which all men are created equal, at least we will be able to enjoy more or less the same life expectancy. But it seems to me that even this goal is somewhat a distant prospect.

More than a thousand years ago there was in China a famous poet called Du Fu. He once made the following remark, "Behind the vermilion gates of the rich meat and wine are left to rot while out on the road lie the bones of the poor who have frozen to death." In today's world I believe that to some extent this kind of sad scene still exists. Our purpose is to build a harmonious world enjoying peace, stability and common development. This goal is clear and definite and our resolve is staunch and firm. We need to be well prepared for making long-term efforts to attain this goal.

Talking about the harmonious coexistence between man and nature, in the first place I believe we need to protect our environment. More than 30 years ago a famous American lady environmentalist already said that poverty is the most serious source of environmental pollution. Why I remember the remark of this lady scholar is because when I was as young as some of you are present today, I had the honor of being a member on the Chinese delegation working with delegations of other countries in establishing the UNEP-the UN Environment Program, which is the first international organization for the protection of environment established in Kenya. I was particularly inspired by what the lady scholar said at that time and that book she wrote is entitled One Earth Only. You have also mentioned some specific issues; let me share with you some of my responses in brief. China enjoys traditional friendship with Arab countries. China supports the people of these countries in restoring their lawful rights and interests. Mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Arab countries has also been growing fast. In 2006, the trade volume between China and 22 member states of the Arab League reached US$ 65.5 billion. We have also had good energy cooperation with Arab countries and countries in the Middle East. China is both a big energy consumer and a big energy producer. It has conducted mutually beneficial energy cooperation with these countries. Last year, China's import of crude oil from the Middle East accounted for 6% of the traded crude oil in that part of the world. I believe as regards this issue you can get a more detailed response from Chairman Ma Kai of the National Development and Reform Commission tomorrow or the day after tomorrow and more statistics and responses from Commerce Minister Bo Xilai regarding trade between the two sides.

As regards the issue of the Middle East, we believe that it is imperative for both Palestine and Israel to stay focused on the fundamental interests of the people in this region and the overall interests in maintaining regional peace and stability, carry out political negotiations to resolve their disputes based on relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "Land for Peace" so as to achieve peaceful coexistence at an early date between "two states and two peoples".

As regards the issue of Iraq, this morning when I got up I learned from foreign reports saying that by yesterday the fatalities of American soldiers in Iraq already reached 3116. These are all human lives and very young lives. That is why we hope that we will see peace in Iraq and in the Middle East at an early date. We welcome the efforts made by the Iraqi government in stabilizing the situation of security on the ground, in advancing its ethnic reconciliation process and in carrying out reconstruction in Iraq. In this process people also expect the UN to play an important role. China will continue to provide assistance to Iraqi reconstruction to the best of its ability.

Q: I am with the Indian Newspaper The Hindu", Foreign Minister, you have said just returned from India a few weeks ago, and underscored that the bilateral relationship between India and China has in resent years been sharply improving. However we do continue to have an extremely important border dispute that is dragging on. My question is, in China's opinion what is the biggest remaining stumbling block for resolving this border issue and in what time frame do you think this issue can be resolved. Further there is a lot of talk about Chindia that is a concept India and China coming together to form some kind of formidable economic and political block. Do you think that until we resolve this border issue they can be any reality at all to this idea of Chindia?

Li: I feel particularly happy to have this opportunity to share how happy I was during my visit to your country with you and with all journalists present here today. I went to a place that is the dreamed place of every pupil in China. The place where Husan-Tsang, an eminent Tang Dynasty Chinese Monk went to, that is Nalanda in India. I stayed one day and one night there and I was extremely happy there. It looked like I was back to my primary school years as a very hard working student.

In the India languages, NALAN means a lotus flower that presenting knowledge, while DA that means to give, Nalanda means a place to give knowledge. In China's history, this eminent Monk from Henan Province without the prior consent and approval of the then central government, left Chang An, the then Capital of China and went through all twists and turns with his perseverance to come to that beautiful place of Nalanda. He served as a student and also worked as a teacher in that city for 12 years in total. He played as a bridge between the people of the two sides and helped nurture the strong and deep friendship between the two sides.

As early as the 1950s, the first Chinese Premier, Premier Zhou Enlai and the first Indian Prime Minister, Prime Minister Nehru already made the decision that the Memorial Hall in Commemoration of this eminent Monk from Tang Dynasty Husan-Tsang would be built in that place. I went to India to attend the completion ceremony for the renovation of the memorial hall. That was a grand festival for people of the two countries. It was followed by inauguration ceremony of The Year of Tourism and Friendship between China and India. I believe during this year there will be significantly increased mutual visits between our two countries.

As regards the boundary issue between China and India it was something imposed upon the Chinese people and Indian people when they were not the masters of their own houses. It was imposed on us by the western colonialists. I believe the two peoples having won their struggles for national independence and liberation have every wisdom and capability to find a proper solution to this issue left over from history. For special representatives appointed by the Premier and Prime Minister of China and India already held 9 meetings. They reached agreement on the guiding political principles for the settlements of boundary questions between China and India. They also held useful discussions regarding the settlement frame work for this question. And the border areas between China and India have remained peaceful and tranquil. We have taken as our guide the "China India Joint Declaration" and are moving forward in all aspects of strategic partnership, and this has also created favorable conditions for the final settlement of the boundary issue. I believe as long as the two sides bearing in mind the larger interests of China and India friendship, acting in the spirit of peace, friendship, equality, mutual understanding and mutual respect, we will be able to find a proper solution to this issue that is acceptable to both countries.

Q: I am from the Swedish TV. Global warming is getting more severe. How much has China affected the current situation and what is the country's responsibility for improving the situation?

Li: Global Warming is an issue of common interest of people of all countries. I remember during my visit in your country what attracted me most is the nights of Sweden. I was particularly impressed by how crowded the stars in the sky of Sweden. It seems that the sky was overflowing with stars. And I also believe that all countries have their own respective strength, we need to draw upon each others' advantages and learn from each other.

The international community has already formulated the and . These two documents established the fundamental principles for developed and developing countries in coping with climate change including the fundamental principle of "Common but Differentiated Responsibilities". At present, China's per capita CO2 emission from also fuel burning is less than 1/6 of that of some big country. It is partially caused by the relocation of the international industries and economic globalization.

As one of the developing countries who has been adversely affected by climate change. China takes the issue of climate change very seriously. Let me show with you an example that has something to do with the country you come from. In 1972 the first U.N. conference on human environment was held in Stockholm of Sweden. Although China was undergoing the cultural revolution during that year, we still sent a delegation to attend this conference, and we still have vivid memory of the contribution Stockholm and Sweden as a whole has made to improving human environment and we applause your efforts.

I also remember that one of the members of the Chinese delegation to Stockholm on 1972 conference years later became my superior. He served as the administrator of the State Administration of Environment Protection, and later involved in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Qu Geping. He also got an award from the United Nations for his efforts in protecting environment. Originally he was no expert on environment protection. He used to do writing but now he became an expert on environment protection.

China follows its strategy of sustainable development. In our "11th Five Years Plan on National Economy and Social Development", we set the targets of putting the emissions of greenhouse gasses under control and reducing energy consumption for unit GDP by 20%. This goal if attained will be China's contribution to resolving the issue of global climate change.

Q: With Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore. Mr. Foreign Minister, we have all seen the tremendous achievements China has made in its diplomatic work with African countries. People also have this worry that China is practicing a "New Colonialism" when it is having relationships and exchanges with smaller countries as a big rising power. Does China have any new thinking on this front and where this new thinking he applies to the smaller countries in South East Asia? My second question concerns Cross Straits relations, some people from the Pan Blue Camp say that the China's mainland have been too pushing for the sufferance of Taiwan diplomatic ties with some countries and this is not productive for the development of Cross Strait relations. What is the response to this kind of remarks?

Li: The first sentence of "The Charter of the United Nations" spelt out two fundamental principles. These two principles are closely connected with everybody's life. The first one being equality between men and women. The second one being equality between all countries, big and small.

China knows it's national conditions best. We know that we are the biggest developing country. We know that we still face quite a few difficulties and challenges. But it is why we must take as fundamental of all our diplomatic efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with all other developing countries.

We believe that treating each other as equals should not be diplomatic rhetoric. We should translate it into concrete actions. That is what we are doing now. Before paying his visit to the 8 African countries, President Hu Jingtao gave us instruction that we need to give consideration to the interests of those African friends to feel what their difficulties are and to carry out friendly consultation with them to help them generate their capability from achieving independent development and help them improve the wellbeing of the people in those countries through cooperation of mutual benefit. During his visits to African countries Premier Wen Jiabao also reminded us that we need to carry forward the fine Chinese tradition of being kind hearted to people. We must not forget under what ever circumstances what kind of help and good things other people have provided us or done to us. But we can forget the good things we have done to help others.

The warmest welcome and most sincere welcome President Hu Jingtao and Premier Wen Jiabao received in those African countries they visited came from the people of those African countries. Those people who were waving to the Chinese leaders with sincerity and with their sweat drops glistening under sunlight although they have to withstand such harsh and hot weather. I saw the sincere smiles on faces of those African people and it makes me feel that they are more valuable and most sincere than any political rhetoric that a politician may make. I met a dozen of African people who once suffered from malaria were cured with Artemisia apicia, an anti-malaria drug with Chinese intellectual property and he holding my hands told me that "my life was saved by the Chinese people". I believe they speak from their hearts.

Q:With Xin Hua News Agency. In 2006, the Chinese citizens made 34 million visits abroad. As China continues to reform and open up itself, this figure is also expected to continue to rise. However, at the same time, the accidents involving Chinese nationals going abroad are also increasing. I would like to ask you Minister Li, what measures will the Chinese Consular Department and relevant agency adopt to protect lawful rights and interests as well as the life and property security of Chinese citizens abroad and overseas Chinese community?

Li: At present, there are more than 48 hundred people working in China Foreign Services. We have more than 240 overseas missions. All of them have the responsibilities of providing consular protection services for the protection of lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals and corporations abroad directly or indirectly.

As China continues to develop itself there are increasing people who need this kind of consular protection service from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. In 2006, according to our literal figure, we now have about 675,000 laborers of Chinese nationality working abroad. There are about 40,000 people involved in the industry of oceanic fishing. We have about 150,000 seafarers working on foreign ships. And there are about 10,000 Chinese enterprises established abroad. The number of Chinese people going overseas as tourists, or to visit families or to study, is also increasing year after year. 132 countries out of more than 190 countries in this world have become the approved tourist destinations for Chinese people. In 2006 the Chinese people paid 34.52 million visits abroad according to the estimation of the World Tourist Council. This figure will rise to one hundred million .The Chinese Foreign Ministry as well as its overseas Embassies and Consulates handled in total about 30,000 cases of various kinds, including 3 employees of Chinese companies killed in a terrorist attack in Pakistan, a major traffic accident Hong Kong tourist group in Egypt, as well as the case of Chinese engineers kidnapped by militants in Nigeria on two occasions, and also our evacuation of local Chinese communities from the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Lebanon and Tonga.

In providing consular protection services, we will follow "the policy of putting people first on doing diplomatic work in the interest of the people". Our specific measures include: One, we will bring into full play the role of inter agency coordination mechanism led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at protecting the safety and security of overseas Chinese citizens and institutions. Two, we will beef up our preventive consular protection efforts. Three, we will further disseminate the knowledge and information of our consular protection to the public. Four, we will publish a to provide timely consular services. Fifth, in the event of major cases of consular protection we will launch immediate representations and if necessary, send special representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or government task forces to the places where such mentioned incidents take place to assist the relevant countries in their efforts to safeguard the local rights and interests of overseas Chinese nationals. Last but not least, we will listen to the proposals and views from NPC deputies and CPPCC members to study the proposal for legislating on better consular protection services in a phased manner, and to standardize our efforts on this front.

I received the note with a written question from a journalist, asking me to brief him or her on the achievements that Tibet has made in political, economic, cultural, religious and other fields. Chairman Jiang reminded me that we almost run out of time, but let me share with the journalist briefly some of the information that I got from the head of the State Administration of Tourism. Since the Qinghai-Tibet Railway came into operation on January 1 last year, I haven't been able to pay a visit to Tibet, but I would like to share with you the following information which really impressed me, although your question is not strictly a diplomatic question.

In building this railway linking Tibet with Qinghai we set a lot of records. First, with the entire length of 1956 km, the entire route of this railway was built at 3000m above sea level.

The highest point along the railway was 5072m altitude which is even 200m higher than the highest point at the Andes railway in Peru.

Thirdly, in the five years of constructions of this project, we have no case of human fatality caused a disease or illness by high altitude. .

Forth, in those sections along the railway at 4500 to 5100m above seas level we have employed technology of highly intensive oxygen compartments of the trains.

Fifth, on those sections about 5400m above sea level we have grown grasses and forged a green corridor with 300km.

Sixth, the designers and engineers of this project took into further account the habits of the wild animals in the concerned areas. They put into construction 33 places under the beneath bridges on the top of tunnels or at the road beds or gentle slopes for better protection of those wild animals living in these areas. Now these animals are living a happy life.