On February 11, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Qiyue held the regular conference. Zhang first announced three pieces of news.

At the invitation of Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of NPC, Hon. Tui’Vakano, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Kingdom of Tonga will pay an official goodwill visit to China from February 16th to 23rd.

At the invitation of Premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of the Kingdom of Thailand will pay a working visit to China from February 18th to 20th.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, the EU Troika delegation consisted of Mr. Georgios Papandreou, Foreign Minister of Greece, the current presidency of EU, Mr.Christopher Patten, the European Commissioner for External Relations, Mrs. Margherita Boniver, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Italy, which will assume the EU presidency for the second half of 2003, and representatives of the EU Council will pay an official visit to China from February 13th to 15th.

Q: Since the DPRK nuclear issue stood out, the international community has been quite concerned with the stand and role of China in this regard. Could you elaborate on that?

A:  After the DPRK nuclear issue came to prominence last October, China made its clear-cut proposition immediately. We support the denuclearization of the Korean peninsular to maintain its peace and stability, and the peaceful settlement of this issue through dialogue.

China has had extensive contacts with all countries concerned and given the comprehensive enunciation of its stance on such occasions as international conventions. Our position has won wide international support and endorsement.

The key to the DPRK nuclear issue is to ensure the denuclearization of the Korean peninsular while resolving the security concerns of the DPRK. From the historical and practical perspective, the 1994 DPRK-US framework accord remains the important basis for a nuclear-free peninsular and should continue to be safeguarded.

The DPRK nuclear issue is still evolving and changing, but the problem should only be resolved peacefully through political means. China has always been dedicated to promoting peace and dialogue. We hope to see dialogue between the US and the DPRK at an early date. We welcome all efforts in that direction and oppose any move that may further deteriorate the situation. We are ready to continue efforts for peace and stability on the peninsular, achieving denuclearization, and contribute our share to a peaceful settlement of the DPRK nuclear issue. If all relevant parties make constructive efforts, the DPRK nuclear issue can eventually be resolved peacefully.

Q: You have indicated that China hopes to play a role on the DPRK nuclear issue. Could you give us more details on that? Is there any change on the role of China since last October? Or will be there any change in the future? You have stressed the role of the UN Security Council since last October, so what is your position on the discussion of the DRPK nuclear issue by the Security Council?

A: I have just briefed you on our stand on the DPRK nuclear issue. Since last October, the Chinese side has always been making vigorous efforts on the DPRK nuclear issue in our own way, with the focus of promoting dialogue between the DPRK and the US at an early date. In their conversation over this issue at Crawford Ranch last October, President Jiang Zemin and President Bush reached consensus on its peaceful settlement. Since then President Jiang had two phone conversations with President Bush upon request. And Foreign Minister Tang also exchanged views with Secretary of State Powell on this issue on many occasions. In other words, the two sides have been exchanging views at various levels.  On the other hand, China and the DPRK have also maintained exchanges and discussions in Beijing and Pyongyang. The Chinese side conveyed the concerns of the relevant parties to the DRPK side, and learned about the thoughts of the other side. China maintains that at present the relevant parties should refrain from taking actions that may further escalate the tension and should make vigorous efforts to urge the US and the DPRK to carry out dialogue. I should say that on the DPRK nuclear issue, China has had active consultations and exchanges of views with all the parties concerned, hoping that the issue can be properly settled. Although this issue is related to regional security, non-proliferation regime and other aspects and has raised broad international concerns, China still holds that the key to this issue is the US-DPRK dialogue. It is our hope that the two sides will make concrete efforts to resume dialogue at an early date for the eventual settlement of this issue.

Q: China has decided to withdraw some of its embassy staff and citizens in Iraq. Does it mean the possibility of the peaceful solution of the Iraqi issue declines? Besides, could you brief us in details on the visit of the EU delegation to China?

A: China stands for the peaceful and diplomatic solution of the Iraqi issue within the UN framework. China attaches great importance to the leading role played by the UN on the settlement of the Iraqi issue. On February 5th, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan made a special trip to New York to attend the conference of the UN Security Council on Iraq. China maintains that so long as there is hope for the peaceful settlement of this issue, the utmost efforts should be made.

Given the growing tension in Iraq, China, along with other countries, has taken necessary measures to protect the personal safety of its citizens in Iraq. Chinese embassy in Iraq has adopted a series of measures in case of emergency, and informed its citizens in Iraq of the security situation as well as the security alert and preparations. The Chinese embassy in Iraq is in duty bound to protect the safety of the Chinese citizens.

As for the visit to China by the EU troika delegation, the Chinese leaders will meet with them, and Foreign Minister Tang will have talks with them. The two sides will discuss international issues of common concern, certainly including the issue of Iraq. The two sides will also touch upon China-Europe relations. China-Europe relations have been in steady progress, with frequent exchanges of high-level visits and multi-faceted and wide-ranging exchanges and cooperation. Last year, the bilateral trade volume of 86.76 billion US dollars registered a new high. It is fair to say that the two sides are enjoying closer cooperation in various fields. We often exchange views in the UN and other international forums, reaching wide consensus. We are ready to enhance the overall cooperation between China and Europe through this visit.

Q:  Tomorrow the IAEA will hold a board meeting in Vienna discussing the DPRK’s non-compliance with the NPT. As you mentioned, China maintains that the key to the DPRK nuclear issue is the dialogue between the DPRK and the US. Will China vote against referring this issue to the UN Security Council at the board meeting?

A: The IAEA is scheduled to hold a board meeting on February 12, during which the DPRK nuclear issue will be discussed.  As a matter of fact, the unofficial consultations on this issue have always been going on. We support the denuclearization of the Korean peninsular to maintain its peace and stability, and the peaceful settlement of this issue through dialogue. We will review the DPRK nuclear issue based upon this position.

Q: The weapons inspectors of UNMOVIC and IAEA will present a report on Friday about their trip to Iraq. France and Germany may also put forward a new proposal to the United Nations, demanding more time given to the inspection for the diplomatic settlement of the Iraqi issue, which is close to the stand of China. Will China adopt the similar measures as those of France and Germany?

A: The chief weapons inspectors of UNMOVIC and IAEA will once again submit the report on Iraq to the UN Security Council. Before concluding the visit, they expressed that their visit had made progress, and that Iraq had also indicated to enhance cooperation with the UN. China has stressed on many occasions that the Iraqi issue should be politically settled within the UN framework. The UN Security Council has approved Resolution 1441 on the Iraqi issue. If the two UN weapons inspection agencies believe that more time is needed for the inspection work, their conclusion should be respected, and more time should be given for better inspection. China maintains that utmost efforts should be made to continue the inspection process according to the UN Resolution 1441.

Q: What is your comment on the statement made by France, Germany and Russia on giving more time to the weapons inspection in Iraq? What is your attitude towards the evidence provided by US State Secretary Powell?

A:  China has taken note of the statement made by France, Germany and Russia, calling for the reinforcement of the UN weapons inspection in Iraq. China welcomes all efforts conducive to the political settlement of the Iraqi issue.

On February 5th, State Secretary Powell provided some evidence from the US side to the UN Security Council. This move conforms to the relevant regulations of the UN resolution 1441, which requires all countries to help the two inspection agencies in their work and provide evidence. Such meetings held by the Security Council are conducive to enhancing the transparency of its work. At present there are still concerns of some countries on the destruction of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The two inspection agencies also indicated that some problems need further clarification. Iraq should take a more active part in its cooperation with the UN weapons inspectors and make further explanation and clarification on the relevant issues. This will help promote the political settlement of the Iraqi issue.

Q: It is reported that last year Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology approved a publishing house to omit the accurate number of war victims of the Nanjing Massacre in middle school history textbooks. What is the comment of the Chinese side?

A: The Nanjing Massacre is the heinous crimes committed by the Japanese militarism in its war of aggression against China with compelling evidence. Any attempt to deny or dilute the historical facts will be futile.

The crux of the textbook issue is whether Japan is ready to correctly view its history of aggression. We hope that the Japanese government will adopt a responsible attitude towards history and educate its young generation with the correct version of history.

Q: Both the DPRK nuclear issue and that of Iraq touch upon the weapons of mass destruction and regional situation. Why does China support the resolution of the Iraqi issue within the framework of the UN Security Council, while believing that the DPRK nuclear issue is something between the DPRK and the US? What is your response to the State Secretary Powell’s call for a greater role of China on the DPRK nuclear issue?

A: The Iraqi issue and the DPRK nuclear issue are different. The United Nations has approved dozens of resolutions on the Iraqi issue and established a mechanism for its solution. The UN should continue to play a leading role on the Iraqi issue and allow the two inspection agencies to continue their work. Although the DPRK nuclear issue is connected with such things as regional security and non-proliferation and has aroused international concerns, China believes the key to this issue is the US-DPRK dialogue. We should ensure a nuclear-free peninsular and resolve the security concerns of the DPRK as well. Given the historical and present situation of this issue, it can only be politically settled in a peaceful way. There is no substitute for it.

As for the US asking China to do more in this regard, in fact, China has been working hard on the relevant parties in its own way since last October. But the key to this issue is the restoration of dialogue between the US and the DPRK.

Q: You have said that China opposes any move that may further deteriorate the situation in the peninsular. Do you believe the military build-up in the peninsular of the US will further deteriorate the situation there?

A: China does not hope to see any deterioration or escalation of the present situation. The relevant parties should take measures to settle their disputes through dialogue, rather than to further complicate this issue.

Q: Was China involved in the proposal of France and Germany on the possible change or reinforcement of the inspection regime?

A: China maintains close contacts with the parties concerned on the Iraqi issue. Germany is now a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. We often have consultations with the Security Council members including Germany and France within the Security Council. The relevant parties should make the utmost efforts to seek the political settlement of this issue.

Q: How long, in your view, will it be for the weapons inspection process of Iraq? For another few weeks or months?

A: The two heads of the UN weapons inspection agencies will present their ideas and proposals to the UN Security Council on February 14. The Security Council will then decide whether more time should be given to the two inspection agencies. Since there are still concerns of some countries on the destruction of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and the two agencies also proposed to have more time for their work, China believes that more time should be given to the two inspection agencies for the evaluation. As for how long it will last in specific terms, we should leave it to the members of the United Nations to discuss.

Q: What emergency measures has the Chinese government taken to protect its citizens in Iraq? Iraq has agreed the use of U2 spy planes by UN weapons inspectors, while the US side said it was too late. What is your reaction to this?

A: The Chinese government attaches great importance to the personal safety of all Chinese citizens in Iraq. Considering the development of the situation there, the Chinese embassy in Iraq has drafted several plans in case of emergency, making registration of the overseas Chinese and Chinese citizens in Iraq, briefing them on the relevant situation. With the development of the situation there, the Chinese embassy will continue to take concrete measures to safeguard the security of the Chinese citizens in Iraq.

The recent statements made by Iraq show that it is ready to enhance its cooperation with the United Nations. China believes that Iraq must cooperate with the UN weapons inspectors and make clarifications on certain issues.

Q: Some military analysts believe that the DPRK may conduct missile tests. What is the comment of the Chinese side? Will it raise concerns over this issue to the DPRK side? Will China persuade the DPRK to give up the plan?

A: China and the DPRK maintain contacts with each other both in Beijing and Pyongyang. China voiced its concerns and stand to the DPRK. China believes that it is imperative not to escalate the current tension or make any provocative move so as to create the condition and opportunity for dialogue and consultations. The relevant parties should take measures conducive to the restoration of direct dialogue. We hope that this issue can be properly settled through dialogue.

Q: Recently Israel will sell early-warning planes to India with the permission of the US. Last year China planned to buy such type of planes but was blocked by the US. What is your comment on that?

A: I personally have not read the report concerning this issue. But we hope the move taken by the relevant countries will be conducive to the regional peace and stability.

Q: You said that the Chinese side has maintained contacts with the DPRK side to prevent further deterioration of the situation. But the DPRK is developing nuclear facilities in Yongbyon. Do you believe that the DPRK did not listen to China’s concerns?

A: China believes that the issue can only be settled in a peaceful and political way. China will continue to make clear its stand to the relevant parties and work for the solution to the dispute through dialogue.

Q: It is said that China successfully test-launched a medium-range missile with multiple warheads against the NMD of the US. Could you please confirm that?

A: I cannot confirm on that. The allegation that the national defense construction of China is targeted against the weapons systems is utterly groundless.

Q: The US indicates that it will hold talks with the DPRK, but within the multi-lateral framework, including China. Will China attend such multi-lateral talks?

A:  China has taken note that the US side indicated its willingness to conduct dialogue with the DPRK side, and that the DPRK side also expressed its hope to conduct dialogue with the US side on an equal and just basis. We hope that the two sides will resolve disputes through direct dialogue.
　
Q: Why did not the Chinese side adopt measures similar to those it adopted in Iraq to reduce the casualties of the labor in Israel when the situation became tensed there?

A: China hopes to settle the Iraqi issue in a political and diplomatic manner. Given the current tension, China decides to withdraw part of the embassy staff not in urgent need from Iraq. This measure is necessary and has already been adopted by quite a few countries. The Chinese embassy in Israel has also given security advice to Chinese citizens working and living there, warning them about the personal safety.

Q: You said Beijing kept frequent contacts with Pyongyang to express its stand. Have the two sides touched upon the specific issue of the possible missile test of the DPRK? Or just the general nuclear issue of the DPRK?

A: China has always maintained contacts and exchanged views with the DPRK side on how to solve the DPRK nuclear issue. China is always making efforts in this regard in its own way.

Q: China notes that the US-DPRK dialogue may be held on the basis of 1994 US-DPRK nuclear framework accord, while the US said that the DPRK had abandoned the accord. Why does China still believe the accord is important? Is it the thought of the DPRK or only of China to regard the 1994 framework accord as the basis of dialogue?

A: China believes the 1994 US-DPRK nuclear framework accord constitutes the basis for safeguarding peace and stability of the peninsular. Had the relevant parties earnestly implemented the accord, there would have been no such tension since last October. In view of this, the accord remains the important basis for a nuclear-free peninsular and should be earnestly observed and implemented.

Q: Powell expressed his hope for a greater role played by China on the DPRK nuclear issue since most of the food and oil assistance in the DPRK come from China. The US hoped that China could pose restrictions over it. Will China consider stopping its food and oil aid because of this? Will China connect its assistance to the DPRK with the latter’s observance of the NPT and missile tests?

A: China maintains that the key to this issue is to ensure a peaceful, stable and nuclear-free peninsular. In the meantime, the security concerns of the DPRK should also be resolved. China has always been working with the relevant parties for the peace promotion. And we will continue to do so in the future.