On November 5, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan held the regular press conference.

Q: Mr. Wang Shijie, China’s Middle East Special Envoy is on his way to the Middle East today. Is he going to bring there any special plan or proposal of China or just listen to the views of relevant parties?

A: Mr. Wang Shijie, Middle East Special Envoy of the Chinese Government left Beijing this afternoon for some Middle East countries, mainly Israel and Palestine. As it’s his first visit in this capacity, Mr. Wang will establish contact with various parties and exchange views with them on the current Middle East situation, the stalled peace process in particular. He will make his efforts to move the situation towards peace by explaining to various sides the concerns of the Chinese Government and exchange views with relevant parties. After he comes back to China, we will try to invite him to brief you on his visit.

Q: There’s been report in Japan saying that a member of a NGO helping North Koreans was missing in Dalian. Do you have any information on that?

A: I’ve seen some reports and received several phone calls from some correspondents. We are trying to learn about that from the department in charge. I’ve no information to share with you right now but there’s one thing I’m sure, no matter what happens, China will strictly follow the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations in handling consular matters with Japan or other foreign countries.

Q: China will be the rotating chair of the Security Council this month, what kind of role China will play in this capacity?

A: According to the procedure of UN, the permanent representative of China to UN will be the rotating chairperson of the Security Council this month. The Security Council has a very busy schedule this month. Top on the agenda is Iraq. As the chair, China will maintain close contact with relevant parties, press ahead with an agreement on Iraq among members of the Security Council so that the UN inspectors can return there smoothly and conduct their work effectively. The final purpose is to obtain a political settlement at an earlier date. Obviously the Security Council will have to deal with other matters besides Iraq, namely hot spots in Africa, the Middle East and Afghanistan. China will try to accomplish its work successfully by following the procedure of the Security Council; hosting the consultations inside the Security Council in a just and objective manner; earnestly listening to different views in a more transparent way and address the problems in the agenda through full consultations.

Q: The US side has clearly stated that the Iraqi leaders and Government are connected with Al Qaeda. Does China believe it? Is there any evidence supporting or overriding it?

A: I have introduced to you China’s position on anti-terrorism. We hold that terrorism should be fought with resolutely; no matter it’s conducted by whom, where and when. But fighting against terrorism should have compelling evidence and a clear target. No innocent should be injured. As to Iraq, the top priority right now is to work together to ensure an earlier return and effective work of the UN weapons inspectors so that Iraqi question can be solved politically at an earlier date.

Q: Premier Zhu has just concluded the meetings in Cambodia. It’s reported that he flew to Guanzhou first before coming back to Beijing. Does it mean that he has shortened his program in Cambodia?

A: My knowledge is that Premier Zhu’s visit to Cambodia and attendance of the 10 plus 3 meeting and 10 plus 1 meeting has followed the agreed schedule. It’s true that he and the Chinese delegation made a technical stop in Guanzhou last night. They returned to Beijing this afternoon after taking a short break there.

Q: You just said that you had no information concerning the missing Japanese. Can you be more specific by telling us that which department that you have kept in touch? Is it safe to say that they are not arrested or detained by the Public Security Bureau of China?

A: I’m afraid it will take a lot of time to name all the departments one by one. But I have already asked my assistant to get in touch with relevant departments including the local governmental ones to verify the issue as soon as possible.

Q: Couple of days ago, Saddam stated that Iraq might cooperate with UN if a new resolution gets approved. What’s your comment? Yesterday a car carrying some members of Al Qaeda was bombed in Yemen. Investigations indicate a US intelligence involvement. What’s your comment?

A: I read the reports on the remarks made by Iraqi leaders. China has always been asking and hoping for a full Iraqi cooperation with UN. During the process, China has always been playing a constructive role either in the Security Council or at the bilateral level.

As for the car bombing in Yemen, I have taken note that there have been different interpretations. Therefore it’s hard for me to release any official remarks at this moment. But I can reiterate China’s position against terrorism. Just as I just said, the Chinese Government holds that terrorism should be resolutely fought with, no matter what kind of form it may take. At the same time, fighting terrorism should have compelling evidence and a clear target. And no innocent casualties are allowed.

Q: If this bombing is a unilateral military act without consulting the Yemenis Government, can that be interpreted as violation of national sovereign of relevant country?

A: We have read reports on it. But since there are different versions, I’m not in the position to make any comment before we can get a clearer picture.

Q: You mentioned on Foreign Ministry’s Press Conferences that foreign correspondents were welcome to cover the 16th Party Congress. Foreign Ministry is a window of China to the outside world. As the spokesman of the Ministry, how do you wish the foreign correspondents to cover China in the following weeks of the 16th Party Congress?

A: To learn about China fully and cover it fully.

Q: What’s your comment on the planning visit of Dalai Lama to Mongolia?

A: We are against Dalai Lama’s splitting activities in the name of religion. We request the Mongolian side not to grant such forum and venue to him.