On the afternoon of March 10, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan held a regular press conference.

Kong: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. These days the media circle must be very busy because of the tight agenda of NPC and CPPCC. I'd like to extend my regards to all of you, for at such a busy time you still insist on attending the regular press conference.

At first, I'd like to begin with 3 announcements.

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will pay a state visit to China from March 17 to 19.

Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxemburg, Italy Albania and the EU Headquarters. During his visit to Italy, Foreign Minister Li will co-preside with the Italian Foreign Minister the first Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Governmental Committee. During his visit to Brussels, he will also meet with the Belgian leaders.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, the Secretary of State of the United States Condoleezza Rice will visit China from March 20 to 21.

Now, I'd like to take up your questions.

Q: The US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will visit China next week. Can you tell us the major goal of her visit? Will this visit push forward the Six-Party Talks? Rice once indicated that she would remind China to attach more importance to the protection of intellectual property rights. What's your comment?

A: This is Dr. Rice's first visit to China since she took the office as the Secretary of State. She visited China when she served as the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. During this visit, China and the US will have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations. Both sides will also discuss the major international and regional issues. We hope China and the US can enhance mutual understanding, expand common consensus and narrow differences on a good many issues and ultimately help to advance the Sino-US constructive and cooperative relations.

As to her suggestion that China should strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights, I think both side absolutely can exchange views on this issue. Over these years, China and the US have been staying in close contact on this issue. We have also stated our position on many occasions that the continuously stronger protection of the intellectual property rights not only meets our needs to carry out reciprocal cooperation with the international community and other countries, but also the needs to develop ourselves. During this session of NPC, the relevant departments are also discussing how to further strengthen the protection of the intellectual property rights and other work involved.

Follow-up: Will she talk about the Six-Party Talks?

A: The Six-Party Talks is the common concern of the international community and relevant countries. Judging from the current situation, the Talks encountered some difficulties. We have stressed on many occasions that all parties are expected to make joint efforts for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. I believe that this topic will be discussed by the two sides.

Q: The Philippines and Vietnam are going to conduct a joint marine research in the South China Sea from April 6 to 9. What's China's comment?

A: China is concerned about the joint marine research in the South China Sea by the Philippines and Vietnam. We hope relevant parties to follow the principles enshrined in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in their cooperation on marine research in the South China Sea. All countries in this region have reached the consensus that any action in the South China Sea should abide by the principles established in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. We hope all parties can honor that commitment.

Q: Ambassador Ning Fukui is going to visit the US. Could you brief us on his agenda and topics? The second question, could you comment on the Anti-terrorism Conference held in Spain?

A: China's special envoy for Korean Peninsula Ning Fukui headed for the US on March 8th. He will discuss the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula today with chief U.S officials, including the Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the US National Security Council Green, Special Envoy for Six-Party Talks DeTrani, and American Ambassador to ROK Hill. The main topic will be the Six-Party Talks, and how every party should make efforts to resume the Six-Party Talks as soon as possible.

I think the Anti-terrorism Conference held in Spain is a very important conference. Former Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen attends this conference, representing China. The reason we say this conference is important is not only it reminds us of the tragedy took place in Madrid, but also it made the international society once again realize clearly the threat the terrorism imposed upon the international society, and every country should make a joint effort to eradicate the root of terrorism, fighting against terrorism in an all-round way. In this conference, Chinese representatives will exchange opinions on further fighting against terrorism with representatives from other countries.

Q: US Spokesman for the Congress and Spokesman for the White House constantly made comments on the 'Anti-Secession Law' these days. They regarded the law as unhelpful to the relaxing relation across the strait, and hoped Beijing could reconsider it. What's your comment on that? Is the US's response within China's expectation?

A: I believe you must participate in the interviewing activities held by NPC these days. NPC vice chairman Wang Zhaoguo made an explanation on this law on March 8th. Did you attend the meeting? Through vice chairman Wang Zhaoguo's explanation, I believe the international society will see very clearly that Chinese people will strive for a peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost effort. But we will never allow the 'Taiwan Independence' force to split Taiwan from China in any way. China's action has gained comprehensive understanding and support from the international society. We oppose to the remarks made by the US officials recently. They shouldn't make any irresponsible remarks on China's legislation. We require the US side to abide by the norms governing international relations, to show their understanding and support to China's legislation, instead of doing anything boosting the 'Taiwan Independence' force or harmful the China-US relation, and maintain the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait area and promote the healthy development of the China-US relation through concrete practice.

Q: Could you brief us on Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's agenda to EU? Which EU leaders will he meet? What will be the topics? Will he introduce some content of the Anti-secession Law? Will this law have any influence upon the EU's decision of lifting the arms embargo against China?

A: He will meet EU committee's chairman Barosso, EU Commissioner for External Relations Waldner, and the High Representative for the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy Solana. This is Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's first visit to EU. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and EU. The two sides will explore on how to quicken the pace of developing the overall strategic partnership between China and EU, and exchange opinions on regional and international issues of common interest.

I don't think there is any connection between NPC's legislation and EU's lifting of the arms embargo. We have stated many times that the lift of EU's arms embargo against China is to remove the political discrimination and the obstacle in the way of the development of China-EU relations. Anti-Secession law represents Chinese government's firm resolution to maintain the peace and stability in Taiwan Strait area and to realize the peaceful reunification of our motherland.

Q: Who will Secretary of State Rice meet during her visit to China?

A: You could write down Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's name in your report first, since she is invited by Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. Then, you can also write that Chinese leaders will meet Dr. Rice. But at present I have no further details to provide now.

Q: Would you please introduce in details the topics of discussion during Dr. Rice's visit? Will the nuclear issue, the Anti-secession Law and the EU arms embargo be touched upon? Will China send some new message to Rice, or just reiterate China's past position?

A: Regarding the topics of discussion during Rice's visit, I mentioned that it would be mostly about the bilateral relations between China and the US. This visit is her first visit to China since she was elected as Secretary of State. The two sides will exchange views on China-US relations and the cooperation in all fields. Meanwhile, the two sides will also exchange views on the regional and international issues of common interests. The nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and the Six-Party Talks are important factors in regional situation, so these issues will be touched upon. Of course, the Chinese side will also exchange views with her on other issues if she wishes to.

Follow-up: Will China send some new message to Rice, or reiterate China's past position?

A: The two sides will sum up the development of bilateral relations through this visit. The leaders of Foreign Ministry of two countries will exchange views on issue of further promoting bilateral relations. Our final goal is to eliminate or decrease differences and increase similarities. Our common goal is to promote the sound and stable development of the constructive and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Thank you for your attendance!