On March 25, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan held the regular press conference.

Kong: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I’ve no announcement to make. I’m happy to take your questions if there’s any.

Q: The Pakistani Prime Minister Jamali is in China for a visit. Please brief us on that. Have you reached any agreement? Any common ground in particular on the war on Iraq?

A: The Pakistani Prime Minister Jamali started his visit to China yesterday. It’s a visit of significance from the perspective of bilateral ties. You may know that the new government of Pakistan has just been formed. The same is to the new government of China after the First session of the Tenth NPC. Therefore it’s the first meeting with foreign counterpart for both Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Jamali. They first reviewed 52-year long bilateral relationship and exchanged views in an in-depth manner on its further development. Four important agreements have been reached. First, enhancing bilateral exchange of high-level visits; second, strengthening exchanges and cooperation at various levels; third, expanding bilateral economic and trade exchanges and cooperation, four documents of cooperation were signed during the visit; fourth, intensifying communication and cooperation in international affairs on anti-terrorism in particular, as agreed by leaders of the two governments.

In relation to Iraq, Premier Wen expressed serious concern over the current Iraqi situation, noting that, China has a consistent and clear stand on Iraq and made unremitting efforts for a political settlement. We call for an immediate end to war so as to relieve the Iraqi people from the humanitarian disaster. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq should be safeguarded and we should return to the correct path to a political settlement.

Prime Minister Jamali appreciated China’s position on Iraq, hoping to intensify the coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs.

Q: We’ve been seeing people all over the world take to the street to oppose to the war on Iraq. The Chinese Government is also against the war. Then why isn’t there any similar protest in China? My second question relates to prisoners of war, is the Chinese Government going to appeal to both Iraq and US to protect the rights of POWs as required by UN Geneva Convention?  

A: I really appreciate your efforts in raising a question in Chinese. In fact, in relation to your first question, I’ve repeatedly made China’s position known on many occasions. If I remember correctly, our friends from AFP have also asked the same question. The Chinese people cherish peace and resolutely oppose to war. The Chinese people have expressed their wishes and demonstrated their support in various ways to the Chinese Government for a political settlement of the Iraqi question. The way you mentioned is not the only way to express the anti-war feelings.

On your second question, according to the 1949 Geneva Convention, prisoners of war must be granted humanitarian treatment, their person and dignity must be respected. As the war further develops, we call for the warring parties to fully abide by the Geneva Convention and other international humanitarian pacts. But I’d like to stress that we strongly appeal to relevant countries to put an immediate end to the military action in Iraq and return to the track of a political settlement of the Iraqi question.

Q: You said that the Chinese people support the Chinese Government’s anti-war stand. On what basis have you made this assessment? From any polls? The second question is, Premier Wen said at the press conference that China’s policy on Iraq proceeds from its national interests.1 Can you tell what China’s national interests are?

A: You may find that the Chinese people have expressed their wishes and hope for peace and against war by way of participating assembly and seminars not only after the war broke out on March 20th but also far before that. I believe from what you’ve heard and seen from TV, newspapers and radio after March 20th and your contact with the general public, you can definitely feel the hope of the Chinese people not only for a peaceful environment to live, study and work but also for a peaceful international environment. There’s no doubt about that.

On your second question, Premier Wen noted at his press conference that China takes the stand on the Iraqi question based on the fundamental interests of the world and China. My understanding is, China hopes for a peaceful international environment and stable surrounding environment to develop its country. China is a developing country, which is confronted with lots of problems. Many people are still in poverty. Premier Wen expounded in length on the question at the press conference. It’s our profound belief that it remains the top priority for many countries in the world to develop national economy and raise people’s living standard when the world economy is moving towards globalization. Therefore as the rest of other developing countries, China longs for a peaceful international environment. We are against the use of force in settling international disputes, which should be solved politically within the UN framework.

Q: You appeal to stop war. But appealing for a political settlement is one thing; making constructive diplomatic efforts is quite another. Then does China want to be a major mediator in solving the Iraqi question or take advantage of its sound relations with the Iraqi Government to mitigate in between?

A: It’s the common wish of people in the world including the Chinese people to oppose to war and safeguard peace. The Chinese Government has always devoted itself to maintaining world peace and stability. China stands ready to work with the international community to take every measure to push the Iraqi question back to the track of political settlement within the UN framework. Recently, China’s President, Premier and Foreign Minister have on many occasions strongly appealed for an early end of war and bringing the Iraqi question back to the track of political settlement, which requires the joint efforts of the international community.

Q: On question of the North Korean nuclear crisis, you’ve said repeatedly that China has remained in contact with various parties. I believe that China must have maintained contact with DPRK. If so, can you tell us at what level? Is it at the decision-making level? How did the US and DPRK respond to direct dialogue or multi-lateral dialogue? Secondly, in relation to Iraq, you mentioned that it should be solved within the UN framework. If both bilateral and multi-lateral dialogues fail to solve the Korean nuclear issue, should it be submitted to UN Security Council?

A: You’ve raised a very long question. On you first question, I can give you a very short answer, yes. But I guess that by only giving an affirmative answer will not help us remember what your question is. China was, is and will be playing an active and constructive role in promoting the realization of a nuclear free Korean Peninsula, which is peaceful and stable. Problems should be solved peacefully by political and diplomatic means. Relevant contact has never been ceased. Forgive me that I’m not in the position to share with you more details. But I firmly believe that we’ll find a way out so long as each party continues to make efforts.

On your second question, I think you’re too pessimistic. We should be optimistic about it. On the question of Iraq, there is a solving mechanism based on over 60 resolutions of the UN Security Council. While as on the nuclear issue, we have the Agreed Framework between US and DPRK. Therefore we hope that DPRK and US can resume dialogue at an early date so as to solve the nuclear issue based on the Agreed Framework which hasn’t come by easily.

Q: Yesterday, the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Arab League proposed to convene a meeting of the UN Security Council as soon as possible. What’s your comment on that? Is China in favor of a special meeting of the UN General Assembly? The second question is, China has provided humanitarian aid to the refuge camp of Iraq inside Jordan. Hundreds of people died each day inside Iraq. There is no electricity or water in Basla. Then what kind of humanitarian aid can China provide to those Iraqi people in difficulties?

A: The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Arab League is of great significance. Its resolution reflects the appeal of people all over the world for peace and against war. On whether to convene the UN Security Council’s meeting or a special meeting of UN General Assembly, our position is very clear. China will give an earnest consideration to any plan or proposal that helps to put an end to war, restore peace and bring the Iraqi question back to the track of a political settlement.

On your second question, on March 22, China decided to provide some humanitarian assistance to Jordan to help the Iraqi refugees inside Jordan. Your may have taken note that China is among the first countries to grant humanitarian assistance to Iraq, which is an expression of our consistent position. In relation to the next step that the Chinese Government will take, in the first place, we appeal to relevant countries to put an end to the Iraqi war immediately and return to the track of a political settlement of the question. Secondly, we will continue to provide humanitarian aid to relevant countries within our capacity so as to relocate those Iraqi refugees in the plague of war.

Q: I want to ask a question relating to the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Media has taken note that there were two important meetings between China and DPRK this February when the latter’s Foreign Minister and Speaker of the Supreme People’s Assembly visited China. I learnt that DPRK asked China to provide weapons during the meetings, can you confirm that?

A: I haven’t heard any news of the kind. So far as I know, the two sides focused their discussions on bilateral ties and the nuclear issue during the two meetings.

Q: I want to follow up the question asked by the South Korean correspondent. Can you give us some details on that? We all know that President Jiang had phone conversations with President Bush, Chirac and Chancellor Shroeder during the Korean nuclear crisis. Then who is going to call Kim Jong Il through the hot line between Beijing and Pyongyong?

A: You will definitely get your answer once it’s reported.

Q: We’ve read reports saying that China has given the US the geographic location of its embassy in Baghdad. Why? Can you tell us how the Chinese diplomats are doing in Iraq? Are there still any of them in Iraq? Is there any official media, like CCTV, still there covering the news?

A: I’m not aware of what you’ve said. But I must point out that it is required by international law to protect the diplomatic missions of relevant countries.

On your second question, I remember that I told you last time here that the Embassy of China in Iraq was temporarily closed mainly to ensure the personal safety of our diplomats. Ambassador Zhang Weiqiu and his main assistants were among the last to withdraw from there. So far as I know at this stage, there aren’t any journalists from mainland China there in Iraq.

Q: I feel very curious about the Korean issue. Can I interpret your answer as China has made proposals to both US and DPRK on how to solve the Korean nuclear crisis and is right now waiting for their responses?

A: In fact, since the Korean nuclear issue became prominent, there have been some considerations and proposals from various parties. We will not exclude any idea or proposal so long as it is conducive to the realization of the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and the maintenance of peace there. But these ideas or proposals must have the consent of the countries involved, otherwise they cannot be launched.

Q: The US Government has asked many countries to expel the Iraqi diplomats. Has China received similar request? If so, what’s the reaction of China?

A: The Chinese Government has always handled such questions in accordance with international and relevant domestic law of China.

Q: As for the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister, have the two sides discussed the further expansion of the military cooperation? Have the two sides reached any agreement on this issue?

A: Just now I have given you a detailed briefing on the meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Jamali. If you are interested in the four agreements signed by the two countries, I can provide you more details on them, including the agreements on the economic cooperation, railway cooperation, second phase of the peaceful use of nuclear energy and designating Pakistan as a tourist destination of China.

Q: Is it fair to say that China and Pakistan did not touch upon their military cooperation or China’s military assistance to Pakistan this time?

A: I have just briefed you on the relevant information I have.

Q: Could you comment on the coverage of the international media on the war on Iraq? Also on the coverage of the Chinese media?

A: I believe you are clearly aware that this question does not fall within my responsibility as it is not related to China’s foreign policy. However, personally I would like to say a few words on the issue you mentioned. The relevant media, especially the Chinese media has made timely coverage on the war on Iraq. These reports showed us the latest development, the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Iraq, which we are reluctant to see. We are shocked by what we have seen and heard. We strongly urge the relevant countries to put an immediate stop to the military action, so that the Iraq issue will return to the track of political settlement.

Q: There are some reports this morning saying that China still fails to meet the request of the WHO to provide it with the relevant data concerning the atypical pneumonia that broke out in the southern China and has spread around the country. How many such cases have been found in China? Why did not China provide the data to the WHO? Have such cases been found in Beijing?

A: I am wondering where you got the information for your first question. The WHO has sent three officials and experts to China from late February to early March, exchanging views on the relevant issues with the Chinese officials from the Ministry of Health. They first affirmed the effective measures taken by the Chinese government in handling the issue of the atypical pneumonia in Guangdong, indicating that the two sides should enhance cooperation hereafter. The Ministry of Health and the relevant departments in Guangdong announced that 305 people have been infected with atypical pneumonia in Guangdong since last November, besides, I have nothing new to provide. This problem has been under effective control since last November. In case of the similar situation in other places, the government will take effective and active measures to curb the spreading of the disease. You may refer to China’s Ministry of Health for more details.

Q: Terrorists killed 24 innocent people in Kashmir on 24 March. What is your comment on that? Besides, Tamil Tiger in Sri Lanka denied the attack on the Chinese fishing boat that was sunk last week. Has the Chinese government made representations to the government of Sri Lanka on this issue?

A: We condemn the incident in Kashmir and extend our sympathy and condolences to the families and relatives of the victims.

In respect of the armed attack on a Chinese fishing boat fishing in the waters of Sri Lanka by unidentified ships on March 20th, in the wake of the incident, China’s embassy in Sri Lanka took emergency measures and established an emergency task force headed by charge d'affaires. They contacted the Foreign Ministry as well as the navy of Sri Lanka, asking them to take immediate measures to rescue the fishermen and search for those missing. According to the information we now have at hand, 8 people were rescued and 7 bodies have been found. Considering the effect of the sea currents, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has instructed its embassies in the surrounding countries to ask for assistance from the host countries to jointly search for the missing fishermen. In the meantime, we also made clear our hope and request that the government of Sri Lanka should investigate into the relevant situation at an early date, to find how it occurred, who conducted it, and to handle the aftermath properly.

Q: Vice President Ramadan of Iraq strongly criticized the adjustment by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the “oil-for-food” plan. What is your comment on that?

A: “Oil-for-food” plan is important. China is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Iraq. Secretary-General Annan proposed to adjust the “oil-for-food” plan so as to adapt to and meet the emergency humanitarian need of Iraq. We wish to express our understanding of the proposal, and will continue to participate in the relevant consultations of the UN Security Council with a positive and responsible attitude to push for an early agreement on this issue by the various parties.

Q: The Health Bureau of Hong Kong confirmed that a tourist group was found infected with atypical pneumonia after traveling to Beijing. Is it safe to say that there are symptoms of the disease in Beijing? Can you confirm that two overseas Chinese have been infected with atypical pneumonia?

A: I haven’t read any reports relating to that. I suggest you to make inquiries to the Ministry of Health. But you said that people from a tourist group were found infected with the atypical pneumonia after visiting Beijing. I found it hardly convincing. If there are such similar cases, the central government will take effective measures to prevent the disease from spreading.