Q: It is reported that Japan is going to conclude its investigation of the unidentified sunken ship in China’s exclusive economic zone. What is your comment?

A: From 1 to 8 May, the Japanese side carried out underwater investigation of the sunken ship in the East China Sea after it recognizes China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zones and went through necessary procedures according to Chinese relevant laws and regulations. The Chinese law enforcement ships and aircrafts have supervised the whole process of the investigation. The Japanese side, as promised, has briefed the Chinese side daily. It will further brief China of the result of the investigation in the near future.


Q: It is reported that, when talking about the U.S. policy to Taiwan, the U.S. Undersecretary of State for arms control and international security affairs promised that the United States will firmly honour its commitment for the defence of Taiwan. What is your comment?

A: I have also read the relevant reports. The position of the Chinese Government on this issue is very clear-cut. Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. It is not a protectorate of any foreign country. The Taiwan question is purely China’s domestic affairs, bearing no foreign interference.

On many occasions, the U.S. leaders have reiterated that it adheres to the One China policy, the Three Joint Communiques, does not support “the independence of Taiwan” or encourage the splittist activities by the forces for the independence of Taiwan. The U.S. side should strictly honor its commitment and refrain from doing anything that interferes in China’s internal affairs or gives rise to the arrogance of the forces for the “independence of Taiwan”. The U.S. side should play a constructive role to realize the peaceful reunification of China.


Q: Recently, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued its 2002 annual report. Its part on China made accusation on China’s religious policy. What is your comment?

A: A so-called U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recently issued a report, making wild accusations upon the religious situation of China and some other developing countries. Its part on China has groundlessly and unreasonably blamed China’s religious policy, minority policy and the banning by the Chinese Government of the Falungong cult. Such accusations have undermined the basic norms of international relations and interfered in China’s internal affairs. The Chinese people wish to express their strong dissatisfaction and opposition.

The Chinese Government protects the freedom of religious belief of its citizens according to law.  The Chinese enjoy the freedom of religious belief according to law. Falungong is not a religion, rather it is a cult. The Chinese Government has banned Falungong according to law for the purpose of safeguarding the basic human rights of its citizens. The decision has won the support of the people, including the religious figures. The commission has annually used its report to make groundless accusations upon China under the pretext of religious freedom. This could only enable the Chinese people to see through its vicious intention to interfere in China’s internal affairs and undermine Sino-US relations.


Q: How does the Chinese Government distinguish between religion and cult?

A: There are clear legal distinctions. If you are interested, I am happy to provide you with the detailed legal provisions after the conference.


Q: It is reported that some U.S. congressmen are discussing the possibility of inviting Chen Shui-bian to visit the United States. What is your comment?

A: On many occasions, the U.S. leaders have indicated their adherence to the One China policy and the Three Joint Communiques. During Vice President Hu Jintao’s visit to the States, President Bush, Vice President Cheney and others have reiterated the position. We call upon the U.S. side to match its words with deeds and honour their commitment, so as to ensure the healthy and smooth development of Sino-U.S. relations.


Q: According to a report, a U.S. official claimed that the Bush Administration is prepared to impose sanctions on some Chinese companies for alleged arms deal with Iran. What is your comment? Besides, Chen Shui-bian claimed today that he would send a DPP delegation to the mainland in August for the start of talks. What is the response from the mainland? In an interview a few days ago, Chen claimed that the visit by Hu Jintao to the United States may not be successful. After Hu becomes the President, there will not be much change to the cross-Straits relations. What is your comment?

A: On your first question, the Chinese Government has always stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all weapons of mass destruction (WMD). We are opposed to their proliferation. As a contracting party to the NPT, the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological Weapons and the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, China has strictly honoured its international obligations, formulated a series of corresponding laws and regulations and exercised strict control over the export of related items. China is opposed to the unreasonable sanctions by the United States.

On the second question, Taiwan is a part of the Chinese territory. The relations across the Taiwan Straits are China’s internal issues. I would like to refer you to the spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. I am sure that you will get a clear-cut  answer.

On the visit by Hu Jintao to the United States, the visit is a successful one. It has reached its objective of enhancing contact, understanding and cooperation in the spirit of seeking common ground, while putting aside differences. During the visit, Vice President Hu stressed on many occasions to the U.S. leaders that the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue at the heart of Sino-US relations. The question bears upon the great cause of China’s reunification and touches the hearts of 1.3 billion Chinese people. We call upon the U.S. side to strictly abide by the One China policy and the Three Joint Communiques and play a constructive role in China’s peaceful reunification. It should not send a wrong signal to the forces for the “independence of Taiwan”. The U.S. leaders indicated that they have realized the sensitivity of the Taiwan question. They reiterated their adherence to the One China principle and the Three Joint Communiques. The United States does not support the “independence of Taiwan” of the splittist activities by the forces for the “independence of Taiwan”.