On June 24, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Six-Party Talks, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force destroyer's visit to China, Zimbabwe's Presidential election and etc.

Liu Jianchao: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! It's been quite a while since I met you last time. I hope everything is fine with you. Now I'm ready to take your questions.

Q: Some Japanese media said that after a Taiwan fishing boat sank in a collision with a Japanese ship, Japan worried about the public anger in China and decided to downgrade its naval ship to visit China. Do you have any comment?

A: According to the common understanding between leaders of China and Japan, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force vessel is to visit China by the end of June as a return visit of the Chinese naval missile destroyer Shenzhen to Japan in 2007. It is the first time for Japan Maritime Self Defense Force to visit China, with the purpose of strengthening the two countries' exchanges in defense and shipping some relief materials to the quake-affected area.

We believe this visit will promote exchanges between the two defense departments and enhance mutual understanding, friendship and trust between the two countries. The specifics will be decided by the two defense departments through consultation. I believe closer communication and cooperation between China and Japan, including that in the field of defense, will win understanding and support of the two peoples.

Q: It is reported that the DPRK will submit its nuclear declaration list this Thursday. But how can you be sure that the DPRK is honest with its declaration? And why so long a delay? Secondly, will the list include nuclear proliferation? If not, is China concerned about this?

A: About the Six-Party Talks, due to some reasons you all know, the second-phase action lags behind schedule. This just proves how hard and complicated the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsular could be. Meanwhile, we are glad to see that none of the parties give up. Instead, all the six parties of China, the DPRK, the US, Japan, the ROK and Russia are working hard to fulfill the second-phase action. Recently, parties concerned had close consultation in this regard, and achieved positive progress. As for what actions to take as the next step, parties concerned are having discussion on details. We expect a successful outcome that will fulfill the second-phase actions and start a new phase.

As for your second question, I'm not in a position to respond because China has not yet received the declaration. We believe the second-phase actions should be implemented in a comprehensive and balanced manner.

Q: It is reported that the UN Security Council unanimously supported a statement on June 23, condemning Zimbabwe's ruling party for its violence against the opposition party prior to the second round of poll. The opposition party has decided to pull out of the election. Do you have any comment? Another question is, will China receive the DPRK nuclear declaration list on Thursday? Any update on the specific date when the next round of the Six-Party Talks will take place?

A: As for your first question, like the international community, China is concerned about the current situation in Zimbabwe. We hope relevant parties in Zimbabwe could put their national and people's interest first, keep calm and refrained, and continue to solve their disputes peacefully through dialogue, so as to complete their Presidential election smoothly and resume the national stability and development.

As for your second question, we hope the second-phase action could be materialized in a balanced, comprehensive and effective manner. Relevant parties are working on the details of the next round of meeting . China is listening carefully to the opinions and ideas of all other parties.

Q: Officials from the Tibetan Autonomous Regions said that the number of tourists will be limited in order to protect the local environment. Please confirm. When will that policy be carried out and what's the exact number of limitation? Will China ask Nepal for cooperation? Also, when will Tibet be open to foreign tourists and journalists?

A: As for your first question, I'm not aware of the remarks by the local officials of Tibetan Autonomous Region. But firstly, China's policy of an open Tibet will stay unchanged. And secondly, China's policy to protect the ecological environment in Tibet will stay unchanged.

As for your second question, we understand your wishes to go to Tibet. We will try to make early arrangement for your trip to Tibet after the local situation is further improved.

Q: It's reported that Anyuejiang cargo ship has sent its weapons to Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe officials have claimed receiving the weapons. Could you confirm on that?

A: There have been a lot of rumors about the Anyuejiang cargo ship, and the report you mentioned is just one of them. The An Yue Jiang has already returned to China.

If there are no more questions, thank you for your attendance.