Q: Sources say that some legislators from the South Korea will come to China on a fact-finding mission to look into the situation of ethnic Koreans here as part of plan to make it easier for ethnic Koreans to find jobs in Korea. Please confirm and brief us on the related matters. Also wondering is that was it discussed between the head of the Korean Parliament and the Chinese officials when he visited China?

A: Four legislators of R.O.K. plan to come to China to listen to China’s views on amendments of its Law of Korean Compatriots. They applied to Chinese Embassy in the R.O.K. for visas. Since China had informed the R.O.K. side on its position relating to the matter through diplomatic channel before that, China doesn’t think it is necessary to arrange a visit to China for the legislators to listen to Chinese views again. Both China and the R.O.K. have always been concerned very much about the fact that some people in Northeast China was cheated and hurt on getting a job in the R.O.K.  Never have the two sides ceased endeavor to create more opportunities for the Chinese people to get employed in the R.O.K.

Concerning the matter that the law of the R.O.K. has put Chinese ethnic Koreans into the category of  R.O.K. compatriots, China has taken note of the related press report of the R.O.K. China is a country of multi-ethnic groups. Ethnic Koreans are members of the big family of the Chinese nationality. They are Chinese citizens. China holds a clear-cut position on this matter. We hope that the R.O.K. side can handle the question properly.


Q: Can you explain in more detail on China’s position on this matter? Is China in favor of ethnic Koreans being allowed easier access to South Korea for job opportunities?

A: I’ve already expressed that ethnic Koreans are members of the big family of the Chinese nationality. They are Chinese citizens, enjoying the same rights as other ethnic groups as provided for in China’s Constitution. As for exchanges of labor services, the two countries have made proper arrangements according to related laws of both countries. Some illegal labor services do exist, which we are strongly opposed to and have taken measures to stop them. We encourage normal lawful labor services.


Q: Foreign Minister of the Interim Government of Afghanistan declared yesterday that Chairman Karzai will visit China after attending the International Conference of Reconstruction and Assistance to Afghanistan in Tokyo. Please confirm.

A: Chinese Government stands ready to develop its relations with the interim government of Afghanistan. Relevant visits are under arrangement and I haven no specifics to share at this moment.


Q: What are the results of Premier Zhu’s visit to India?

A: Premier Zhu Rongji has spent four days in India during his visit at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister,. He will finish the visit and return to China tomorrow.

During his visit, he held formal talks with his counterpart, met with other Indian leaders and people from various circles. He also visited Bombay and Bangalore. His visit has consolidated China-India friendship, enhance their mutual understanding and trust and promote their cooperation and exchanges in various fields. Both sides believe that consensus and common interests between the two sides far outweigh their disputes and frictions. Some problems between them should not affect the development of their relations. They should seek proper ways to solve their disputes through friendly consultations. Premier Zhu and Indian leaders have also exchanged their views on international and regional issues of common interest. Six documents have been signed between the two on tourism, peaceful use of the outer space, water conservancy, personnel exchanges, science and technology and vegetable quarantine. China decides to open its regular flight from Beijing to Deli in the later half of the coming March. We believe that this visit is crowned with success and has greatly promoted the further development of the China-Indian relations. Premier Zhu reaffirmed China’s consistent position on the question between India and Pakistan in the meetings and talks with the Indian leaders, which is, as a friendly neighbour to both India and Pakistan, China hopes wholeheartedly that the two sides can resolve their disputes through peace means and reduce tensions in South Asia. It will not only serve the interests of peoples of the two countries but also benefit peace, stability and development of the region.


Q: Do you believe that Premier Zhu’s visit will help to bring Indian back to the negotiating table with Pakistan so as to solve the disputes peacefully?

A: I would like to stress here that China hasn’t any self-interest to seek in South Asia. We have been doing through the years to encourage the two sides to make peace. China has all along been encouraging the two sides to solve their problems through peaceful negotiations.


Q: What’s your comment on Powell’s visit to India, Pakistan and Kabul? You stated before that China would reopen its Embassy in Afghanistan within this month. Can you give us a specific date? Has China appointed the ambassador for it?

A: China has taken note that many countries are making positive efforts to reduce the tensions between India and Pakistan, which China welcomes and appreciates. China has a consistent position on anti-terrorism. China is opposed to any sort of terrorism and supports U.S. anti-terror campaign in Afghanistan.

China has been maintaining a positive attitude in restoration of peace and  reconstruction of Afghanistan. China has decided to restart the work of its embassy there shortly. With regard to whom will be appointed as ambassador, I will let you know in due time.


Q: Can you give us any details about the Norwegian Prime Minister’s visit here this weekend and also what’s China’s reactions to plans of Washington to send troops to Tajikstan, Uzbekistan and Krijistan?

A: President Jiang and Premier Zhu will meet and hold talks with the Norwegian Prime Minister during his visit to China,. They will exchange views on bilateral relations and other international and regional issues of common interest. Other than Beijing, he will also visit Xi’an and Shanghai and attend the symposium held by the business communities of the two countries.

With regard to your second question, Central Asia is a close neighbour of China. We are very much concerned about the developments of the region. We have taken note that the U.S. has expressed on various occasions that it doesn’t seek long-term military existence there. China has always held that maintaining long-term stability and development in Central Asia not only serves the fundamental interests of the region and surrounding countries but also benefits world peace and stability.


Q: The American company H&P was fined by the Chinese Government for having product manuals in China mistakenly referred to Taiwan as a country. It’s the second time H&P has been fined for this. Panassonic and other companies have also been punished for similar mistakes. Is it now the Chinese Government policy to track down and fine foreign companies who even mistakenly refer to Taiwan as a country? Does it represent new tactic in China’s relations with Taiwan?

A: I am not aware of the specifics of the matter. But the Chinese Government has a consistent and clear-cut position on Taiwan Question. We stick to One China Policy and are opposed to any official relations between Taiwan and those who have diplomatic ties with China. China is opposed to any attempt to make “two Chinas” or “one China and one Taiwan” in the international arena but it does not object other countries in developing non-governmental or economic and trade relations with Taiwan. China will handle related questions in accordance with these principles.


Q: U.S. Agriculture Secretary says overnight that she will no hesitate to seek WTO action against China if it will slow to open its market to foreign wheat. She also expresses concern over China’s vague rules related to genetically modified fruits. Does China have any comment on this?

A: I have not got any related information up to now. China has adopted a policy of reform and open-up. It will adopt policies enabling it to open even wider to the outside world following its accession to WTO. China’s accession will help to enhance its economic and trade exchanges with the rest of the world, WTO members in particular. With regard to disputes and problems that might arise in the course, they will be resolved through consultations in accordance with WTO agreements and bilateral agreements between China and related members.