Beijing, May 2 (People's Daily Online)--The Foreign Ministry held a press conference on April 24, in which Liu Weimin, Foreign Ministry spokesman answered the reporters' questions.

Question: Please brief us on the specifics of President Kiir of South Sudan's visit to China. Will the two sides talk over the oil dispute between Sudan and South Sudan? What's China's view on South Sudan's attempt to build alternative oil pipelines?

Answer: President Kiir of South Sudan arrived in Beijing yesterday. During his visit to China, President Hu Jintao will have talks with him, and Chairman Wu Bangguo and Vice Premier Li Keqiang will meet with him respectively. We believe his visit will further enhance mutual understanding and trust and push forward China-South Sudan friendly and cooperative relations in an all-round manner. The two sides will sign relevant cooperation documents.

On the oil dispute between Sudan and South Sudan, China has expressed its grave concerns over the escalation of tension many times. We hope the two sides will resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation and do no take actions that will escalate tension. Oil is the economic lifeline of both Sudan and South Sudan. Maintaining the stability and continuity of their oil cooperation with foreign oil companies serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and also those of their cooperation partners including Chinese companies. We hope the oil negotiation between them will make progress so that a mutually acceptable solution will be found as soon as possible.