On 10 June Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kong Quan held a regular press conference.

Kong Quan: It’s been a long time since my last press conference. I’m very happy to see you, especially to see everybody look great and energetic. I also see some newcomers here. Welcome.

I will start with an announcement:

Q: What’s going on about Zhou Zhengyi’s case? The case has raised doubts among the international community and media on China’s economic status and the bank-monitoring systems. What’s your comment?

A: I have taken note of the remarks of the spokesperson of Shanghai Municipality. You just mentioned that the international community and media will doubt China’s economic status and the bank-monitoring system. I don’t that’s necessary. It’s known to all that with the deepening of China’s reform, that of the bank-monitoring system has also been enhanced. With relevant regulations and laws improving, the interests of foreign investors will be better protected, investment environment of China will become better and better. The case you mentioned will be handled in accordance with law. I myself am not aware of the details of the case.

Q: What’s your comment on the situation in the Middle East after the two summit meetings?

A: I remember that my colleague, Madame Zhang Qiyue has expressed here after the two summit meetings that China welcomed the two summit meetings, regarding it as a positive step of relevant parties to release and accept the roadmap. It’s our heartfelt wish that they can seize the favorable opportunity to work together, coordinating the peace-making efforts of the international community to bring the Middle East peace process to the right track so as to put an end to the conflicts between Palestine and Israel and restore peace.

Q: Reports say that Yang Bin, a citizen of Holland will be tried in Liaoning Province tomorrow. What’s your comment? Another question relates to economic matters, mainland China will sign a free trade agreement with Hongkong, do you have any latest information on that?

A: I know about the case of Yang Bin no more than what you just said. The Intermediate People’s Court of Shenyang will try the case tomorrow. Facts as the basis and law as the criterion has always been a principle. The case will be handled in accordance with law.

With respect to the trade arrangement between the mainland and Hongkong, the Central Government has been very active. Discussions on that are going on between the two. I have no further information at the moment but I’ll let you know once I have any.

Q: Today a Taiwanese media reported that your country applied pressure on WHO to remove China from the list of “affected regions” as soon as possible. The report also said that China wanted to do earlier than Taiwan no matter what. Can you confirm this?

A: I want to correct your terminology in your question. Taiwan is part of China. There’s but one China in the world. Please pay attention to that next time.

I’ve also come across a few reports saying that the mainland is preventing WHO from lifting the travel warning of Taiwan. Reports of the kind are groundless or even out of ulterior motives. The hearts of the people on the mainland beat with those of our Taiwan compatriots. On the battle against SARS, the mainland has always cared for our Taiwan compatriots and actively supported them in taking any strong measures to eradicate the disease at an early date. Not long ago, I accompanied Vice Premier Wu Yi to attend the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Vice Premier Wu Yi gave a full account on the support the Central Government has given to Taiwan in countering SARS, including medicines, experiences and technologies. Several symposiums were held very recently on the mainland, during which academia Zhong Nanshang and some experts from the mainland share fully their experiences with their Taiwan colleagues in fighting against SARS. It’s our heartfelt wish that WHO will lift is travel warning against Taiwan as situation there improved. It’s just obvious that the reports you mentioned are irresponsible, instigating and out of ulterior motives.

Q: WHO will hold a conference on SARS in Kuala Lumpur through June 17 to 18. Who will attend the meeting on behalf of China?

A: Certainly China will attend the meeting but the specific delegates are yet to be determined. China attaches great importance to the meeting. SARS is the common enemy of mankind. We have made some achievements in SARS control but we’ll continue to work on it. China stands ready to work with other Asian countries and the rest of the world to share the experiences and contribute to the final success over SARS.

Q: North Korea stated yesterday that it was attempting to develop nuclear weapons to cut its conventional troops and develop its economy. What steps will China take to prevent this from happening? My second question is, according to a US official, Pyongyang was believed to agree to hold the multilateral talks on the Korean nuclear question including South Korea and the US. What’s your reaction to that?

A: We’ve stated our principled position on the Korean nuclear question on many occasions, which is very clear and consistent. We resolutely support the denuclearization of the Peninsula, maintaining that peace and stability of it must be protected. We hope that under the current circumstances, both parties should refrain from taking any actions that may lead to escalation of the situation.

You mentioned the talks among five parties, I haven’t read the report you said. But there’s one fundamental shared view, the tripartite talks in Beijing of China, the US and DPRK in April have yielded some results. All the parties believed that the core issue at the moment is to keep the Peninsula free of nuclear weapons and maintain its peace and stability, which serves the interests of various parties. Therefore, it’s the shared wish to continue the process of Beijing Talks. China also hopes that various parties can make concerted efforts to renew the process.

Q: You just said that everybody should pay attention to the developments of Beijing Talks. Then the next round of the meeting will be held in Beijing or some other places? Besides, reports are saying that if Beijing asks North Korea to attend the multilateral talks, it will be held in July or August. What’s your view on it?

A: Beijing talks in April have made some results. It’s a sound start. We hope that under the current situation, the priority is to press ahead with the trilateral talks of China, DPRK and the US to realize the denuclearization of the Peninsula and maintain its peace and stability. China remains to be flexible and open to the specific form of the talks. What’s pivotal is the result, which should conform to the realization of a peaceful, stable and nuclear-free Peninsula.

Q: What’s your comment on the political situation in Myanmar? Especially on the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi? Has there anyone, for instance the US or UN asked China to mitigate between the government of Myanmar and the opposition party?

A: Myanmar is China’s friendly neighbour. We have enjoyed sound relations. The recent events happening there are something between the Government of Myanmar and the opposition party. As a friendly neighbour of Myanmar, we strongly believe that its people are capable of properly handling its own affairs, maintain domestic stability and develop its economy so that they can enjoy well-being.

Q: With respect to Mauritania, does China regard it as an internal affair or do you have any other comment?

A: Some events took place in Mauritania over last weekend. I have taken note that the President of Mauritania has just delivered a TV speech, saying that the government has defeated a military coup and domestic situation has returned to stability. As a friend of Mauritania, China sincerely wishes to see stability return to it at an early date so that people there can live a prosperous and contented life and develop their own country.