Q: You told us that China, the DPRK and the
US agreed to maintain contact through diplomatic channels on
the talks. What do you mean by the diplomatic
channels? Do you still have contacts with the DPRK and
the US? Is there any possibility of convening second round
of Beijing talks? What is the prospect? Secondly, it is
reported that the DPRK revealed in the talks that they had a
nuclear bomb. Would you please
confirm?
A: On your first question,
the three parties all maintained in the Beijing talks that
talks are conducive but they need some time to study the
positions of the other parties. They all agreed to keep
contact on the process of the Beijing talks through
diplomatic channels. The Chinese side has always maintained
contact with the US and the DPRK on the DPRK nuclear
question. At the same time the Chinese side has always
stressed in the talks that the Korean peninsula should be
nuclear free and the DPRK nuclear question should be solved
peacefully. The goal of the Chinese side is very clear, that
is, to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula. The
Chinese side will continue to make its unremitting efforts.
On your second question, according to what I
know, the DPRK side has not made such statement in the
talks. I want to reaffirm here that the Chinese side stands
for the denuclearization on the peninsula and the position
is consistent.
Q: We got the news
from the Japanese embassy in China that Japan has decided to
provide 205 million yen assistance to China to prevent and
treat SARS. Please confirm.
A: The
Japanese Government announced on 28 April that it would
provide 205 million yen assistance in medical equipment and
pharmaceuticals to China to prevent and treat SARS. The
Chinese Government appreciates this.
Q: US Secretary of States Powell said
yesterday that during the tripartite talks last week in
Beijing, the DPRK offered to scrap its nuclear and missile
program in return for various concessions including
diplomatic concessions from the US. Can you confirm and what
is Chinas position on that
offer?
A:During the Beijing Talks,
the parties elaborated on their own positions and had a full
exchange of views. The talks achieved the objective of
enhancing understanding. We believe that the Beijing Talks
are a good beginning for the efforts to solve the Korean
nuclear question. As I mentioned just now, the three parties
all believe that the talks are beneficial. However, it needs
time to study the positions of the others. I believe that
the U.S. side will also study the positions and proposals
that the parties raised during the talks. The parties agree
to keep touch with each other on the Beijing Talks process
through diplomatic channels.
Q: What
is Chinas reaction to French Prime Ministers
invitation to China to attend the G8 summit? Secondly, Wen
Jiabao is currently on his first overseas trip as the
Premier to Thailand. What will he propose to the ASEAN
countries to combat SARS?
A: On your
first question, French President Chirac has officially
invited President Hu Jintao to attend the informal dialogue
meeting between leaders of the south and the north to be
held at Evian of France on 1 June. We believe that the talks
between the south and the north are very important to
safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.
China supports the French proposal and will give positive
consideration to the French invitation.
On
your second question, Premier Wen Jiabao has arrived in
Bangkok, Thailand today. He will attend the special leaders
meeting on SARS between China and the ASEAN. The meeting
will be held at 5:30 (Beijing time). The leaders will meet
the press at 7:00 p.m. Countries of the region are
confronted with the common challenge and threat of SARS. The
Chinese Government attaches great importance to the meeting.
China will attend the meeting in a constructive attitude and
come up with Chinas proposals and propositions. We
hope to make joint efforts with the ASEAN countries to treat
and eradicate the threat of SARS. The relevant information
of the meeting will be provided to you by the relevant side
in due course. Your colleagues in Bangkok will also timely
get the information.
Q:
Please comment on the DPRKs proposal made at last
weeks talks in Beijing? Secondly, as far as China
knows, the DPRK is still not a nuclear power. Is that
correct?
A: On your first question,
I have introduced just now and have nothing to add.
On your second question, namely the DPRK
nuclear plan, the Chinese side has had no knowledge but its
position on the DPRK nuclear question is consistent. We
support the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and
maintain that peace and stability should be kept and that
the relevant issues should be solved peacefully. At the same
time, the legitimate security concern of the DPRK side
should be cared for.
Q: Indian Prime
Minister Vajpayee extended the hand for
friendship to Pakistan on 18th April and expressed
that it was willing to hold peaceful dialog to solve
questions. Following this, Pakistani Prime Minister Jamali
phoned his Indian counterpart in which he reaffirmed his
wish to resume dialog with India and invited him to visit
Pakistan. What is your comment? Second question, what is
your comment on the recent announcement by the Tamil Tiger
to suspend dialog with the
government?
A: China welcomes and
appreciates the recent positive gestures made respectively
by India and Pakistan that are conducive to the resumption
of dialog between them. China has always maintained that
they should solve their disputes peacefully through dialog
and negotiations, and hopes that they adopt further measures
to improve bilateral relations and live together in harmony.
This not only conforms to their common interests but also to
peace and development in South Asia.
As a
friendly and close neighbor of Sri Lanka, we have always
followed very closely the development of situation there. To
achieve national reconciliation and rejuvenate economy
through peaceful talks conforms to the fundamental wish and
interests of its people. We sincerely hope that its peace
process can continue.
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