On May 22nd, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Qiyue held the regular press conference.

Zhang: Good afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen. Today I have no announcement to make. Now the floor is open.

Q: It is reported that a severe earthquake hit the Algerian capital of Algiers early this morning. What is the comment of the Chinese side? Are there any casualties of the Chinese citizens there?

A: The Chinese Government is very concerned about the strong earthquake occurred around the Algerian capital of Algiers. President Hu Jintao has sent a telegram to Algerian President Bouteflika, extending his sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and the injured. China is actively considering providing assistance to Algeria within its capacity.

The Chinese Government is deeply concerned about the safety of all the Chinese citizens in Algeria. According to my knowledge, so far the staff members of the Chinese embassy, the journalists from the Xinhua News Agency, and the medical team members at the capital are all safe. The apartments of the Embassy and the ambassador’s residence had several cracks. 7 people of a Chinese company were injured; another 6 were still trapped under a collapsed building. Chinese Embassy officials and managers of the relevant companies are cooperating with the Algerian side for emergency rescue. We are following closely the development of the situation.

Q: Late this March and early this April, a Chinese bus was looted and 20 Chinese citizens were killed in Kirgizstan. Before that a Chinese diplomat was killed in Bishkek. Will the Shanghai Cooperation Organization discuss the anti-terrorism issue?

A: To combat the three forces including terrorism constitutes a major function of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as well as the topic for discussion of the SCO members. Our stand on counter-terrorism is very clear-cut. The international community should jointly fight against terrorism, whatever form it takes, whenever and wherever it occurs. The SCO members have carried out good cooperation in this regard.

Q: What is China’s stand on the draft resolution proposed by the US on lifting the sanctions against Iraq? What is China’s position on the Middle East “road map”? Does China have any reservation towards the “road map”?

A: The UN Security Council is currently discussing the relevant draft resolution on the post-war arrangement of Iraq. The consultation is still underway with some positive development. China has closely consulted with other members of the Security Council in a constructive manner. It is our hope that the approval of the resolution will contribute to an early start of the reconstruction of Iraq. Last night, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and the US Secretary of State Powell exchanged views on the post-war arrangement of Iraq. During the phone conversation, Foreign Minister Li indicated that the Iraqi issue should be addressed in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
As for the Middle East “road map”, Ambassador Wang Shijie, China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East recently visited Israel and Palestine, and respectively met with Israeli Foreign Minister Shalom, Chairman Arafat of the Palestinian National Authority, Prime Minister Abbas and Foreign Minister Sha’ath for exchanges of views on the current Middle East situation and the “road map”.

Wang Shijie expressed his hope that Israel and Palestine will seize the favorable opportunity of the “road map”, take concrete measures to cooperate with the international peace-making efforts for an early settlement of the Palestinian issue under the principles of frankness, consultation on an equal footing, mutual accommodation and understanding, and dealing with the easier problems first. Ambassador Wang called upon the international community to intensify its attention and devotion to the Middle East issue and set up a fair, authoritative and effective international supervisory mechanism as soon as possible. He also proposed an international meeting on the peace in the Middle East participated by the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and relevant sides as soon as possible.

During his visit, Wang also met with Moratinos, the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Middle East. Both sides expressed their wishes to strengthen their consultation and coordination on the Middle East question.

Q: China and Russia have asked the US to make some amendments on the draft resolution on Iraq. Now that the US has made amendments, is China satisfied with it? Secondly, Israel has not accepted the “road map”. Does your stand mean that China urges Israel to accept and implement the “road map”?

A: In the discussion of the draft resolution on Iraq, China and other relevant countries have made some proposals for amendments. Our major concern is that the UN should play an important role in the reconstruction process of Iraq. Now the relevant consultation is still going on.

China hopes both Israel and Palestine will seize the current favorable opportunity, cooperate with the international peace-making efforts for an early settlement of the Palestinian issue, which is also the consensus of the international community.

Q: Does China believe that a timetable is needed for US military existence in Iraq and Afghanistan?

A: My colleagues at the Permanent Mission to the UN are busy consulting with the parties concerned on the draft resolution on Iraq these days. It is our hope that the draft resolution will take in the opinions of the majority of the international community, and that it will be further improved so that the reconstruction of Iraq can start at an early date.

As a close neighbor of Afghanistan, China is following closely the development of the situation. We are very delighted to see that Afghanistan has walked on the road of peace and development after years of prolonged war and turmoil. It will still encounter a few difficulties. We hope that under the leadership of the interim government, the Afghan people will eventually overcome the difficulties and realize peace and tranquility at an early date.

As for how long the international security assistance force should stay in this region, it is our hope that the international efforts should conduce to an early realization of peace and stability of the Afghan people.

Q: Could you brief us about the specific agenda of President Hu Jintao’s visit to Russia? When will the summit between China and Russia be held?

A: At Tuesday’s press conference, I have briefed you about President Hu Jintao’s trip to Europe and Asia and his attendance to the multilateral events. Yesterday Vice Foreign Minister Liu Guchang also introduced in detail the relevant activities and the crucial significance of the visit.

During his visit to Russia, President Hu Jintao will meet with Russia’s President Putin, the Prime Minister and other leaders. This is an important state visit and will undoubtedly promote the long-term good-neighborly friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation between China and Russia.

Q: Some ROK citizens who helped smuggle of 78 North Koreans will be tried today. Could you give us an update on that? Some human rights organizations blamed China for sending those smuggled North Koreans back to the DPRK. What benefit will China get by doing so?

A: China’s stand on the illegal immigration has been very clear-cut. We have all along been opposed to the smuggling and illegal immigration activities. As for those snakeheads caught for organizing illegal immigration and smuggling, China will punish them in accordance with law. Besides China, all the other countries in the world have very strict laws against all these organizers.

As for some North Koreans entering China illegally, judged from their plight, they are not refugees. Rather, they are illegal trespassers. Therefore, we are always treating them in accordance with the international law, the relevant laws of China and in a humanitarian spirit.

Q: Regarding the draft resolution on the Iraqi issue, Russia and France insisted that their interests in Iraq should be protected. Has the Chinese side asked the US side to protect its interests in Iraq? The Israeli side has warned of boycotting any foreign officials meeting with Arafat. Does China deem it serious? Does the warning have anything to do with the fact that Sharon did not meet with Mr. Wang Shijie, China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East?

A: China has always taken part in the consultation of the draft resolution of the Security Council on this issue in a constructive manner. We believe that the post-war arrangement on Iraq should focus on the preservation of peace and stability of Iraq, the Gulf region and the whole Middle East, on the long-term development and stability of Iraq in this region, and should conform to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

In his recent trip to Israel and Palestine, Ambassador Wang Shijie met with the leaders of both countries. This has already demonstrated the just stand of China, indicating its willingness to make unremitting efforts for the early realization of peace in the Middle East.

Q: Could you give more details on the upcoming visit of the Vice President of Afghanistan? Will China provide new assistance to Afghanistan?

A: At the invitation of Vice President Zeng Qinghong, Vice President Shahrani of the Islamic Interim Government of Afghanistan will visit China from May 26th to 30th. NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, and Vice President Zeng Qinghong will meet with him. Besides Beijing, he will also visit Shanghai. During his trip, the two sides will mainly exchange views on the help to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. As far as I am concerned, the two sides will also sign documents on the economic and technical cooperation.

Being a close neighbor of Afghanistan, China attaches great importance to its relations with Afghanistan and supports the peace process and reconstruction undertakings of Afghanistan. China committed last year to provide an assistance of 150 million dollars for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, mainly in two areas, the rebuilding of the Parwan Irrigation Works and the Republic Hospital in Kabul. Now we are making some preliminary preparations for these two key projects, hoping their implementation will benefit the Afghan people.

Q：On May 21, the 56th World Health Assembly elected Dr. Jong Wook Lee as the new Director General of the World Health Organization. What is your comment?

A: The Chinese Government extends its congratulations to Dr. Jong Wook Lee on his election as the new Director General of the WHO. Dr. Jong Wook Lee has rich professional knowledge and management expertise. We believe that under his leadership, the WHO will make greater contribution to the development of the global health care undertakings. China stands ready to enhance its cooperation with the WHO in various fields.

Q: India, Pakistan and Iran have indicated their willingness to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Will these countries be accepted this time? Are there any other countries willing to join the SCO? It is reported that the Secretariat of the SCO will be headed by a Chinese. Could you give more details on that? What are the functions of the Secretariat?

A: Some countries have indicated their willingness to be new members of the SCO, which demonstrates that the SCO is an attractive organization, and that the various parties have seen its positive role in this region. The SCO adopts an open policy. However, it was just initiated, much remains to be done in terms of the internal institutional construction. Therefore the SCO members agreed not to recruit new members for the time being. But the policy of further opening remains unchanged.

As for the Secretary General of the SCO, after consultations, the Secretariat will be established in Beijing and first headed by a Chinese. The nomination has been approved by the senior officials’ meeting and the foreign ministers’ meeting of the SCO, and is waiting for the formal ratification of the SCO summit. The Chinese nominee is well experienced and endorsed by the various parties. The SCO Secretariat is a standing institution in charge of the daily activities of the SCO.

Q: Could you give us an update on the foreign assistance to China against SARS? The Pakistani Government has indicated to provide aid to China against SARS. Could you comment on that?

A: Recently the Chinese media has made full coverage of the international assistance and help to the Chinese people against SARS. The SARS virus is a new challenge facing the mankind and requires the international efforts against it. Recently Pakistan promises to offer medicine and health care equipment to China. We appreciate all the countries including Pakistan and the organizations for their assistance to China, from which we have felt the profound friendship of these countries and peoples to the Chinese people. We are ready to enhance our cooperation with the rest of the world to jointly combat the SARS epidemic.0

Q: During yesterday’s phone conversation between Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Secretary of State Powell, have the two sides touched upon the visit to China by the US Vice President Cheney, in particular a new date of his visit to China? The Swiss Foreign Minister will arrive in Beijing from Korea tomorrow. Who will she meet with in China?

A: Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and the US Secretary of State Powell had a phone conversation last night and exchanged views mainly on the post-war arrangement of Iraq, especially the draft resolution of the UN Security Council.

We attach great importance to the visit made by the Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister on May 23rd. According to my knowledge, Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will meet with Ms Rey and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will have talks with her. The two sides will exchange views on the bilateral relations and the international issues including the DPRK nuclear issue.