On the afternoon of 17 September, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan held a regular press conference.  

Kong Quan: good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  Today I have no announcement and now I am glad to take your questions.  

Q: What is your comment on the summit between Japan and DPRK?

A: We are very concerned about the visit by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to DPRK.  Before the press conference, I saw the relevant pictures and reports about the remarks of the two leaders made prior to the meeting.  The Chinese side hopes that Japan and DPRK will make joint efforts to achieve positive results from this summit.  Both Japan and DPRK are East Asian countries and also China's close neighbors.  China supports the improvement and ultimate normalization of bilateral relations between the two countries.  We are convinced that the improvement of the relationship between Japan and DPRK will benefit regional peace, stability and development.  

Q: According to Taiwanese media, the deputy manager of the German submarine factory said the factory would sell eight submarines to Taiwan.  What is your comment?  Israeli Foreign Minister has made the commitment to Beijing that Israel would not sell arms to Taiwan.  Yet it is possible for Taiwan to buy submarines from Israel.  Do you think that they will sell submarines to Taiwan?

A: We have for several times expressed the position of the Chinese Government here on this question.  We firmly oppose arms sales and provision to Taiwan by any country in the world.  The two countries that you mentioned have stated to China that they will strictly abide by the One China policy, honor their commitments made at the establishment of bilateral relations with China and never sell weapons to Taiwan in order to develop friendly relations and cooperation with China.  

Q: During this year's United Nations General Assembly, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan attended the high-level meeting on the Afghan issue.  What is the view of the Chinese side on this meeting?

A: On 13 September, the high-level meeting on the Afghan issue was held at the UN headquarters in New York.  Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan attended and addressed the meeting, which was presided by the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.  President of the Afghan Transitional Government Karzai, Pakistani President Musharraf and foreign ministers from 21 countries, including the US, the UK, Russia, France, Germany, Japan and India also attended the meeting.  This is a very important meeting on the Afghan issue and it mainly covered the situation in Afghanistan and its post-war rebuilding.  Various parties have reached broad consensus on the meeting and are satisfied with the achievements.  We believe that rebuilding is an important guarantee for the Afghan peace process and it is necessary for the relevant UN organizations to give full play to their respective advantages and continue to strengthen coordination.  As a friendly neighbor to Afghanistan, China has been closely following the developments in Afghanistan and is actively committed to its peace and rebuilding process by providing substantial timely assistance.  We are ready to continue to work with various parties to promote the Afghan peace process.

Q: Can you tell us the fate of the two North Koreans who broke into the German school last week?  A German doctor claimed that he had helped many North Koreans travel to China, and some Chinese agents have plotted murder against him.  What is your comment on this?

A: As for your first question, it is true that on the afternoon of 13 September, two unidentified people entered the apartments of German diplomats.  China and Germany are now having contact on this issue to find out a solution.  Regarding your second question, actually, we have kept explaining China's position on this question since April.  We have said for several times that some so-called NGOs and human rights groups have instigated some people who entered China illegally to break into diplomatic missions and challenge China's social stability, laws and regulations.  It has undermined the security of foreign diplomatic missions in China and their normal life and work.  We are firmly opposed to it.  China is a country ruled by law and we will handle such cases in accordance with laws.  As for the German doctor you have mentioned, I believe what he said is sheer fabrication.  What he should do is to abide by China's laws and regulations.  

Q: I heard that China has appointed Mr. Wang Shijie as the Special Envoy to the Middle East.  Can you tell us that when he will visit the region and can we understand that it shows China will play a bigger role in the region?  Second question is Iraq has already allowed the return of UN weapons inspectors.  What is the comment of the Chinese side?

A: You are well informed.  Recently, Chinese Foreign Ministry has informed Arab countries and the Israeli side through different channels that China decided to appoint Ambassador Wang Shijie, a veteran diplomat as China's Special Envoy to the Middle East.  Ambassador Wang has been accredited ambassador to Bahrain, Jordan and Iran.  Both Israel and Palestine have expressed welcome for China's decision.  Our basic consideration for this decision is that first of all, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always closely followed and actively participated in the Middle East peace process to promote the proper settlement of the issue through peaceful ways.  Secondly, leaders of Middle East countries including the vast majority of Arab countries have for several times indicated that they hope China will exert more positive influence on the Middle East question, and this decision is China's response to their call.  China's Middle East Special Envoy will strengthen contact and negotiation between Israel and Palestine and relevant parties of the international community and make unrelenting efforts for the early settlement of the Middle East question and the realization of regional peace.  The Chinese Government will send the special envoy to Middle East at an appropriate time.

Your second question is a public focus. Chinese Foreign Minister Tang, who is attending the UNGA, made the remarks in this regard yesterday.  China welcomes Iraq's unconditional acceptance of UN weapons inspection and views it as a result of the common efforts by the international community.  We hope that UN weapons inspectors will return to Iraq and submit an objective and just inspection report to the UNSC as soon as possible.

Q: Last Sunday a poisoning incident happened in Nanjing.  I know that it is not the question that Foreign Ministry usually answers, but can you tell us some details, such as how many people died, how many are infected, is it a coincidence or crime?

A: You said Foreign Ministry Spokesman can refuse to answer it, and I am thankful for your understanding.  We are all greatly shocked at the incident.  At any rate, it is a serious incident.  The police immediately closed the restaurant in the wake of the incident, and helped to rescue the victims.  Hospitals in Nanjing are all busy treating those infected.  To my knowledge, the police are investigating the incident to identify its nature.  If I have further information I will make it available to you as soon as possible.

Q: Do you know the details about the rebuilding in Afghanistan?  Does China have cooperation with Pakistan in this regard?

A: When answering the question raised by the journalist from Xinhua News Agency, I said that China is Afghanistan's friendly neighbor.  At present the problems that confront Afghanistan are peace and rebuilding, to both of which we have attached great importance.  We have supported its peace process and actively participated in its reconstruction.  The Chinese Government has already committed US$ 150 million worth of aid to Afghanistan.  In last May, the two sides have agreed to use US$ 30 million worth of grant in the repair work of Kabul Republic Hospital and the water conservancy project in Parwan.  Here I want to add a few more words for the water conservancy project in Parwan.  In fact, it is an assistance project by China in 1960s, and the construction spanned from 1968 to 1975.  The reservoir can provide irrigation for 40 thousand acres of surrounding area, which is a benefit for the local people's livelihood and agricultural production.  Besides, some Chinese companies are conducting business study in Afghanistan.  The Chinese Government supports the diversified economic cooperation and trade with Afghanistan on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Q: The US is skeptical about Iraq allowing the return of UN weapons inspectors.  It means that the US may try to push for adoption of new UN resolutions on Iraq and weapons inspection.  As a permanent member of the UNSC, what is China's position?  Will China support a new resolution or veto it?

A: We have noticed the US response toward Iraq.  We believe that it is a positive step in cooperation with the UN that Iraq allows the return of weapons inspectors.  We hope that the Iraqi side can earnestly implement the relevant UN resolutions to create necessary conditions for the political settlement of the Iraqi issue at an early date.  

Q: The US views Saddam as a threat.  Does China think so?  Under what condition will China support use of force against Iraq?

A: We have expressed our deep concern and worry toward the escalation of the Iraqi issue when Iraqi Foreign Minister Sabri visited China not long ago, because it is not conducive to regional peace and stability, and does not benefit world peace, stability and development.  The Chinese side has clearly expressed its position.  Firstly, Iraq should earnestly implement the relevant UNSC resolutions in full to restore cooperation with the UN as soon as possible.  Secondly, the international community should respect Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity and reasonable security concern.  I think you may have noticed that Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan also talked about this question at the recent UNGA.  According to him, firstly, the Iraqi issue should have a political solution within the UN framework; secondly, Iraq should implement the relevant UN resolutions in a strict, earnest and comprehensive manner; thirdly, Iraq's security, sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected.  

Q: Foreign Minister Tang mentioned in his address at the UNGA that Russian President Putin will visit China and meet with President Jiang in December.  Can you tell us some details?

A: On 15 September, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, who was attending the UNGA, had an important meeting with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov.  The two foreign ministers had in-depth exchanges of views on China-Russia relations, especially Russian President's visit to China and the Iraqi issue.  In fact, the two sides began busy preparation for it after Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov's visit in August.  We are fully aware that this visit is an important one, and it will surely become a fruitful one.  As for the agenda and other details, the two sides are having further discussion.  When we have precise information, we will make it available to you as soon as possible.    

Q: It is reported that Iraq attempted to obtain some materials for nuclear devices.  Can you confirm it?  Has China investigated it?

A: I think it is sheer fabrication.  China has very effective and strict administration and control on the export of nuclear materials.  China opposes proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their carriers and has very effective and strict administration on the export of nuclear materials.  I think what you have said is a wicked rumor forged by some people with ulterior motives against the special backdrop at present and it is not worth commenting.

Q: Many foreign journalists have witnessed the incidents of North Koreans attempting to break into the diplomatic compound.  How are they now?

A: First of all. We are opposed to their activities.  They entered China illegally and this is already a violation of China's laws.  The Chinese people are benevolent and have provided food and housing for them.  So they should not do any other activities that undermine China's stability, challenge China's laws and regulations and disrupt the normal life and work of foreign diplomatic missions in China.  Secondly, China is a country ruled by law, and we will follow China's laws and regulations in the case of these incidents.  We will handle them according to China's laws and regulations and the international law and also in a humanitarian spirit.

Q: Foreign ministers of China, Russia and India had the first meeting during the UNGA.  What is your comment?  Besides, the Sri Lankan Government is negotiating with Tamil Tiger rebels in Thailand.  How do you comment on this?

A: To my knowledge, on 14 September, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, who is attending the 57th Session of the UNGA, had a working lunch with his Russian and Indian counterparts.  They exchanged views on relevant issues reviewed at the UN.  It is conducive to the strengthening of understanding among the three parties.  

As for the second question, China is happy to see the meeting between the Sri Lankan Government and Tamil Tiger rebels.  We sincerely hope that the Sri Lankan Government and people will be able to build their country in a peaceful and harmonious environment to achieve prosperity.  

Q: Two weeks ago, you promised to get further information of those unidentified people who attempted to break into the diplomatic compounds in Sanlitun. Twelve of them were detained by the Chinese police.  How are they now?

A: The Chinese police are verifying their identities and I have no further information for you.

Q: According to Foreign Minister Tang, President Jiang has expressed to leaders of relevant countries China's position toward Dalai Lama during his visit to the Baltic countries in June.  But I haven't seen relevant report.  Can you tell us something about it?

A: The policy of the Chinese Government toward Dalai Lama is consistent and clear.  Dalai Lama should truly abandon its Tibet independence position, stop his splittist activities and recognize that Tibet is an inalienable part of China, Taiwan is a province of China, and the government of People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.  On this basis, the central government is willing to have contact with him.  As for President Jiang's visit you have mentioned, I am fortunate enough to serve as a staff member to accompany him on the visit.  President Jiang expressed the aforementioned stance of the Chinese Government during the meetings.  

Q: What is your comment on Lee Kuan Yew's visit to Taiwan?

A: We would like to express regret and dissatisfaction for Lee Kuan Yew's visit to Taiwan.  The Singaporean side is clear about China's position on the Taiwan question and has reiterated for several times that Singapore will strictly abide by the One China policy.  So we hope that it will honor its commitment not only orally but also in practice and adhere to the One China policy to avoid doing activities that will undermine bilateral relations.

Q: How does the Chinese side comment on the dispute between DPRK and Japan on the question of kidnapping?

A: We welcome Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to DPRK.  We hope that through this visit, the two countries will make joint efforts to solve the problems left over from the past and normalize the bilateral relations at an early date.  This is conducive to peace, stability and development in East Asia.

Q: Why is China dissatisfied with Lee Kuan Yew's visit to Taiwan?  Is China dissatisfied with his role of secret envoy in the past between the two sides?    

A: As far as I know, we haven't invited him to take up the mission you have said.  I think the reason for our regret and dissatisfaction is rather clear.  A basic principle of China is that countries that have diplomatic ties with China should pursue the One China policy, recognize that there is but one China in the world and do not have any official relations or official exchange with Taiwan.  We require and hope that countries who have diplomatic relations with China can strictly abide the One China policy not only orally but also in practice.

Q: The German company that prepares to sell submarines to Taiwan is now a US company and it will not honor Germany's commitment of not selling submarines to Taiwan.  How does the Chinese side comment on this?  Did China warn Singapore not to join Taiwan-ASEAN free trade zone?

A: As for the question of arms sales to Taiwan, I want to reiterate in clear terms that China opposes arms sales or provision to Taiwan by any country in the world because Taiwan is a part of China's territory.  We are firmly against arms sales to Taiwan by any country and this principle applies to all countries in the world.

As for the so-called warning and free trade zone, I have no knowledge about it.