On July 11, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao announced the upcoming visits respectively by Vice Chairman Jiang Chunyun of the Standing Committee of NPC to Malaysia and Vietnam, Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of the Representatives and British Foreign Secretary to China. He also briefed on the establishment of a boundary marker on the Yunnan section of the China-Vietnam border and also the China-Russia Joint Military Exercise of the press’ concern.

On the first question, Liu Jianchao said that the the establishment ceremony of the Hekou-Lao Cai boundary marker on the China-Vietnam land border would be held on the morning of July 13th respectively in Hekou Port of Yunnan Province and Lao Cai of Vietnam. Head of the delegation of the Chinese Government, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Vietnamese counterpart Lee Cong Phung will be at the ceremony. This is another important activity by the China-Vietnam Joint Demarcation Committee in line with the “Sino-Vietnamese Land Boundary Treaty” after the establishment ceremony of a boundary marker on the Guangxi Section of the China-Vietnam border in December 1999. It marked concrete steps forward of the survey and establishment of boundary markers on the China-Vietnam land border, and it would help promote the overall process of the survey. It is of real significance to maintain peace and tranquility in the border area and to promote economic development and exchange of personnel.

On the second question, Liu Jianchao said that in July 1994, China and Russia officially signed “China-Russia Agreement to Prevent Dangerous Military Activities”. In order to act on the agreement, the two sides have held military communications exercises in the border area on unit-basis in recent years. Now the two sides are conducting consultations on holding a signal communications exercise on both sides of the border in Inner Mongolia this August, according to the approaches and scales of past exercises. The purpose of such exercise is to test the reliability of the signal communications methods set forth in the agreement, to ensure that the possible dangerous military activities in the border area could be effectively prevented, and to better maintain peace and stability in the border area. It will not target against any third country.

Recently, some foreign media reported that China and Russia would hold a large-scale military exercise on the land, sea and air basis targeting against a third country, which is not true.

Q: On the China-Russia joint military exercise in the border area. What is the scale of the exercise? What branches of the military will take part in the exercise? In addition, has there been any progress in dealing with the two North Koreans within the South Korean Embassy?

A: Concerning your first question, I have made a briefing. The exercise in on unit basis. As for what branches will participate in the exercise, I haven’t learnt about it. On the North Koreans who broke into the South Korean Embassy, I have no information to offer.


Q: US President Bush had recently on many occasions expressed that all measures should be taken to force the stepping down of Saddam Hussein. What’s your comment on Bush’s tough remarks? In addition, Chen Shuibian returned to Taiwan after he concluded his visit to four African countries. It has been reported that the accused the mainland of bullying over Taiwan to prevent it from receiving international humanitarian assistance. What’s your comment?

A: On your first question, China has always maintained that Iraq should earnestly abide by relevant resolutions adopted by UN Security Council. However, its sovereignty, territorial integrity and reasonable security concerns should be fully respected. The Chinese side always maintains that to deal with state-to-state relations, we should abide by the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and norms governing international relations. China opposes willful use of force in international relations.

As for your second question, I have not learnt about the specific report. The overwhelming majority of the countries in the world are clear about the position of the Chinese Government on the Taiwan Question.


Q: Though the Palestinian Resistance Movement reduced or even stopped its activities on the occupied territories of Palestine, occupation and retaliation of Israel towards the Palestinian people has not ceased. Yesterday, the Palestinian authorities made a statement to call upon the international community to stop Israeli violence towards the Palestinian people. What’s your comment?

A: The Chinese side has always maintained that the pressing task for the two sides is to stop conflicts as soon as possible, to build mutual trust, and create conditions for settling differences and conflicts and realizing lasting peace through political negotiations. We hope that Israel and Palestine could continue to make efforts to seek a political solution through dialogues.


Q: It has been learnt that during the visit of British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in China, he will have discussions with China on many issues. One of the topics is to encourage China to sign the ICC statute. You mentioned last time that the Chinese side has been positive on the establishment of ICC but with some reservations on some details. I would like to know the current position of China. Will this position be changed in the future?

A: During the visit of British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in China, the two sides will have an exchange of views on China-UK relations and international issues of common concern. As for the issue of ICC, I expounded on our position in the last two press conferences. The reason why China did not accede the ICC Statute is because the Chinese side has some reservations on the issue. The main reasons are as follows. The Chinese sides maintains that relevant rules in the statute do not strictly abide by the principle of supplementarity, which will possibly influence the jurisdiction of a certain country on some crimes. The Statute also failed to settle the issue of the crime of aggression. In particular, it did not determine the right of the UN Security Council to make judgement on aggression according to the UN Charter. We are also concerned about the mechanism to settle the issue of crime of aggression. The Statute lacks necessary check and balance over the right of the prosecutor to initiate an investigation, which could give rise to irresponsible willful prosecution easily. Judging from the performance of the Former Yugoslavian Court, political factors do exert an influence over the court. We still have to take stock of how the ICC is going to prevent the interference of political factors. The above-mentioned deficiencies of the statute will possible influence the just and effective function of the court. Of course, we hope the ICC could manage to win the confidence of non-signatories with its performance in the future.


Q: China recently accused Falun Gong practitioners of interferring with the transmission of TV signals. However, Falun Gong practitioners themselves claimed that this is one of the ways of spreading information in China. They also use telephone, fax and Internet. Do you consider this as a problem? What measures is the Chinese Government going to take to solve the problem? In addition, when will the Beidaihe annual meeting be held this year?

A: On your first question, the international community has a clearer understanding of what Falun Going is and its nature as a cult. Not long ago, in particular, the overseas Falun Going manipulated by Li Hongzhi sent illegal TV signals with Falun Gong contents and attacked the transmitter of Sino Satellite. It interfered with the normal function of the broadcasting and TV showing in China and the satellite, seriously violated the relevant international conventions and basic norms of civil communications, gravely endangered public security and infringed upon the rights and interest of the public. These are serious violation of law. As for the Beidaihe annual meeting, I have no information of offer.


Q: It has been reported by Hong Kong and Taiwan media these days that an interference and counter-interference conflict broke out between two US military crafts and Chinese military near East China Sea, causing the breaking down of some electronic facilities of China. Please confirm that.

A: I have not learnt about such information and I myself doubt the reliability of it.


Q: On Falun Gong. Could you please confirm that Falun Going practitioners also used other ways to spread information other than interferring the TV relay? Do they use telephone, fax and Internet?

A: Based on its nature as a cult, Falun Going practitioner have done a lot of things that interfere China’s social order and endanger normal life of Chinese people. I also heard about the examples you have just raised. But I have no knowledge of the details. You may make an inquiry to the public security departments of China. They may give you a more accurate answer.


Q: The Fist Anniversary of Beijing’s winning of the 2008 Olympic Games bid is around the corner. When Beijing won the bid, IOC expressed that the reason for their leap of faith is that they believed hosting the Olympic Games will make the Chinese society and perceptions more open to the world. The Chinese officials then also said that it would indeed accelerate the reform and opening up of China. Is China still of such a view? From what perspectives shall we see a more open China through hosting the Olympics? A related question. The BBC relay in Chinese hotels and residential areas for foreigners was shut down recently, could you please explain that? When will it be resumed?

A: On the issue of reform and opening up in your question, it is not difficult to see that China has opened itself wider to the outside world in retrospection of the 20 years since the introduction of the policy of reform and opening up. China will open itself still wider in 2008, when the Olympic Games are held. And the Chinese society shall also be more open. As for your second question, according to what I have learnt from departments concerned, BBC World on many occasions violated the agreement between British Broadcasting Company and China International TV Corporation, so the latter acted in light of and on the agreement and shut down the landing signals of BBC World. As for when it will be resumed, it depends on the attitude of BBC.


Q: On the details of BBC’s violation of the agreement. I would like to know if BBC has failed to abide by executive clauses such as payment or if its reports have some problems.

A: I have not learnt about the specific differences on the issue of agreement between them. But as far as I know, the two sides have conducted and will continue to conduct consultations on the issue.


Q: Does China possess AA-12 missiles to be placed on SU-27 and SU-30? If yes, could you brief us the number and location? In addition, the US is considering delivering the already purchased AIM-20 missiles. What are the consequences?

A: Your first question has been very professional, and I am not a military expert. If you make inquiries to Chinese Defense Ministry, you will probably get better answers. On the military cooperation between US and Taiwan, I have on many occasions expounded on China’s attitude. We have been seriously concerned about the series of reports concerning arms sales to Taiwan by US recently. There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The Taiwan Question is China’s internal affairs, which brooks no interference of other countries. Taiwan is not a protectorate of the US, and arms sales to Taiwan by the US seriously interferes with China’s internal affairs, intervenes and undermines the efforts of the Chinese Government to peacefully solve the Taiwan Question, and destroys China-US relations as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. China has always firmly opposed any arms sales to Taiwan by the US, and has, on many occasions, made representations to the US side. The US has been very clear of China’s position. We urge the US to see clearly the serious harm of arms sales to Taiwan, honor its own commitments, strictly abide by the three Chins-US Joint Communiqués, especially the August 17th Communiqué, and stop the arms sales to Taiwan, military exchanges and any other official contacts with Taiwan, so that the China-US relations and the common interests of the two countries will not be harmed.


Q: You just now mentioned that Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of NPC will visit Vietnam. Could you comment on the current development of China-Vietnam relations, especially the cooperation between the two congresses?

A: The bilateral ties now enjoy good momentum of development. Exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been continuously deepened, and the leaders of the two parties and two countries have maintained frequent contacts. This week, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Lee Cong Phung in China. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on further strengthening the bilateral ties and corporation between the two foreign ministries. At the end of last year, the two party secretaries exchanged visits. They had an in-depth exchange of views on the further development of China-Vietnam relations in the new century and reached extensive consensus, enhancing trust, friendship and cooperation. China and Vietnam enjoy similar national conditions. We both adhere to socialism, and commit to reform, opening up and economic development. We hope to further develop, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries and the two congresses.


Q: Yesterday, President Jiang Zemin expressed his support of Nepalese efforts to crack down on terrorism and anti-government forces. Have China and Nepal talked bout the US intervention into the fight against Maoists in Nepal?

A: Yesterday, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and visiting Nepalese King Gyanendra had a very good talk. The two sides think highly of the existing friendly relations of the two countries. Jiang made the following proposals on further developing China-Nepal good-neighborly and friendly relations and cooperation. First, to actively conduct exchanges and contacts in various fields and on different levels. Second, to vigorously develop China-Nepal economic cooperation and trade. Third, to make great efforts to promote exchanges and cooperation between the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China and Nepal. Fourth, to continuously strengthen exchanges coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs. The two sides also signed relevant agreements as the meeting concluded, namely, “Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of the Nepal” and “Agreement on Commercial Links and other Issues Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of the Kingdom of Nepal”. I have not learnt that President Jiang and the Nepalese King talked about the US intervention in Nepalese internal affairs.


Q: President Jiang Zemin pledged to support Nepalese efforts to crack down on antigovernment forces. Is such support moral support or economic assistance?

A: The Chinese Government firmly supports the measures taken by the Nepalese King and Government to maintain domestic peace and stability, and has provided some assistance to the Nepalese Government within its own capacity. We sincerely hope that Nepal could maintain peace, stability and development.


Q: China adopts a very active and just position on defusing tension in South Asia and urging the resumption of negotiations between India and Pakistan. Does China support the withdrawal of the two troops back to the peacetime location and conducting dialogues to settle the disputes? Does it support the mediating efforts of the international community, including that of US and UK, in these two countries? Is China going to talk with the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on this issue during his stay in China, to help relax the tension?

A: On your first question. Recently, the India-Pakistan tension has witnessed some de-escalation, which is still quite fragile. If the two sides could take measures to further defuse the tension, I believe such efforts are worth welcoming. We hope that the two sides shall soon resume dialogues and settle the differences and disputes, including the Kashmir issue, through peaceful means. As for your second question, the Chinese Government has always supported the efforts of the international community to resolve the India-Pakistan conflicts and defuse the tension between the two sides. During the visit by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, the two sides will have an exchange of views on some international and regional issues, which, I believe, will help solve these problems.


Q: On the issue of Tibet. Have China and Nepal reached consensus on permission of the return of Tibetans in Nepal back to Tibet and the handing of illegal entries from Tibet to Nepal?

A: In the meeting between President Jiang and the Nepalese King, the latter thanked China’s support and assistance for years to Nepal, and said that Nepal would like to strengthen cooperative relations with China, especially with the Tibetan Autonomous Region. He said that Nepal and Tibet border on each other and huge potential for exchanges and cooperation remains untapped. Thus, Nepal was ready to take an active part in the development of Tibet. In his four proposals, President Jiang also mentioned the cooperation between China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region and Nepal. He said that Tibet and Nepal border on each other and they enjoy unique advantages in developing mutually beneficial cooperation. He also said that the agreement on the commercial links and other issue signed by the two countries would vigorously promote the exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. I have nothing to add.


Q: The US recently released an evaluation report on China’s military strength. What’s your comment?

A: I have no yet read about the report, so I am in position to make comments.


Q: How does China see the anti-government forces named Maoists in Nepal? Did the two sides talked about the issue yesterday?

A: The anti-government forces in Nepal have usurped the name of the great leader Mao Zedong of the Chinese people. China has no relations with the forces, nor does a single organization or group within China. China hopes that Nepal could maintain peace, stability and development.