Q: Recently there are indications of relaxation of tensions between India and Pakistan, what’s China’s comment? Is there any possibility of peace in South Asia without the withdrawal of troops of both sides along the line of actual control and the resumption of negotiations on Kashmir?

A: China welcomes the recent relaxation of tensions between India and Pakistan and appreciates the measures taken by both sides to that end. Proceeding from peace and stability in South Asia, China sincerely hopes that the two sides can resume dialogue in an earlier date and settle all their disputes including that of Kashmir through peaceful negotiation. Peaceful coexistence between the two complies with the mutual interests of them and is also the common aspiration of the international community, China included.


Q: Vietnam strongly protested China’s live military exercise in the South China Sea, holding that China violated international law by having the exercise in the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf of Vietnam, posing a threat to the fishing safety in the region and infringing upon Vietnamese sovereignty. What’s China’s reaction to that?

A: According to our information, the maritime force of China held regular shooting training exercises in Southwest Hainan Island. China has publicized a notice beforehand to ensure the sailing safety of the ships in the surrounding areas. It fully conforms to international law, norms and related Chinese laws. The accusation of Vietnam is absolutely groundless.


Q: What’s your comment on the result of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Saint Petersberg?

A: Saint Petersberg Summit is the second Summit meeting for SCO heads of states. It’s an important meeting at a moment of significance. The summit is a great success with fruitful achievements. The SCO Charter adopted by the summit clearly provides the purposes, principles, structure and operational rules, laying a solid legal foundation for the construction and development of the Organization. The Agreement on Regional Anti-terrorism Agency is the legal basis for members to launch the substantive cooperation in the field of security. Members then have effective means to fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism more resolutely. The Declaration of Heads of States of SCO Members expounded on the common stand and principled position of member states on major international and regional issues. The successful convocation and results of the meeting will greatly promote the future construction and cooperation of the organization.


Q: What kind of role China has played in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan? What’s China’s response to the postponing of Loya Jirga?

A: I’ve just briefed you on China’s position on the relaxation of tensions between India and Pakistan. The international community including China has played an important part in easing tensions between the two sides. China is glad to see that tensions have been reduced recently, hoping that the momentum can be maintained.

It’s our sincere hope that the Loya Jirga can proceed smoothly and a well-representative transit government can be elected after full negotiation. It not only serve the fundamental interests of all the Afghan people but also conforms to the realization of lasting peace and stability of Afghanistan and the whole region. On behalf of the Chinese Government, Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi to Afghanistan will attend the meeting upon invitation.


Q: A senior official of Nepal claimed over last weekend that China is assisting Nepal to fight against the anti-governmental forces. Can you tell us what kind of assistance China is providing, economic or military?

A: China and Nepal are friendly neighbours. The Chinese Government supports the efforts of the King and Government of Nepal in maintaining domestic peace and stability. It’s our heart-felt hope that Nepal can maintain peace, stability and development.


Q: There were more North Koreans broke into the Embassy of South Korea over the weekend. Last time when such things happened, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kong Quan said that China required the South Korean side to turn them over to China. Is China going to do the same this time?

A: Some unidentified people broke into the South Korean Embassy in China recently. China has maintained contact with the South Korean side. I have no further information. China will continue to handle the case in accordance with international law, domestic laws and in a humanitarian spirit.


Q: Can you tell us when the Defense Minister of Sri Lanka will visit China? What’s his schedule? What’s your comment on the peace process of Sri Lanka?

A: I have to make some inquiries of the details of the visit. As a friendly neighbour of Sri Lanka, China sincerely hopes to see a peaceful, stable Sri Lanka, which is in the interest of the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.


Q: Is there anything new on the consultation of the “sunken ship” between China and Japan?

A: The Japanese side informed China the results of the underwater investigation of the unidentified sunken ship in the East Sea couple of days ago. Based on that, Japan hopes to salvage the ship. China will conduct research in line with the UN Conventions on the Law of Sea and relevant Chinese domestic laws.