On 5th December Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference. Liu Jianchao made a piece of announcement before taking questions. At the invitation of Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Speaker Mehdi Karroubi of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran will lead a delegation to pay an official good-will visit to China from December 9 to 14.

Q: The Japanese Government decided to send escort vessels to the Indian Ocean. The US Government welcomed it. What is the comment from the Chinese side?

A: The Chinese side has taken note of it. Due to historical reason, sending troops abroad by Japan, has always been a sensitive question which draws concerns from relevant countries in Asia.  That’s why we hope that Japan can continue to abide by the policy of exclusive defence, embark on the road of peaceful development and exercise prudence on relevant questions.

Q: The DPRK refused the inspection request from IAEA and expressed its unwillingness to abandon its nuclear plan. What is the comment from the Chinese side?

A: Not long ago, the IAEA adopted a resolution unanimously on the nuclear question in DPRK. China’s position on it is consistent. We support the non-nuclearization and peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and hope that relevant sides can solve the question through dialog. Meanwhile, we also hope that relevant resolution adopted by IAEA can help achieve the above-mentioned goal.

Q: The Chinese side once considered to send experts to the UN weapon inspection team. Any progress now?

A: The Chinese side is still consulting with the UN on sending experts to the weapon inspection team. And so far I have got no further information. The UN resumed its weapon inspection in Iraq on 27 November to which the Iraqi side has accorded cooperation. Up till now，the inspection is going rather smoothly. Secretary General Annan and Chairman Blix have both affirmed it on many occasions. The Chinese side hopes that this momentum can maintain and both sides can go on with such good cooperation so that relevant UN resolution can be implemented in an all-around and strict way to create conditions for the political settlement of the Iraqi question within the UN framework.

Q: Taiwan plans to chart a plane to fly across the Taiwan Straits during the next Chinese New Year. I know this is a cross-straits affair but it also touches upon peace and stability in the region. What is your comment?

A: Just as you have said, it is a cross-straits affair. So I suggest that you refer this question to the Taiwan Affairs’ Office of the State Council.

Q: President Putin just finished his visit to India. What is your comment on the agreements signed by Russia and India?

A: India and Russia are both China’s friendly and close neighbours. We welcome their friendly relations and also hope that President Putin’s visit will facilitate the development of their relations.

Q: What is your comment on Iraq’s accusation that the UN weapon inspectors are spying for the US and Israel? Do you think it is not good for the future inspection?

A: We maintain that up till now, the cooperation between Iraq and the UN weapon inspectors are rather smooth. We hope such momentum will go on to enable the smooth inspection by the UN and ensure that relevant UN resolution will be implemented in full and strictly.

Q: The DPRK refused IAEA’s inspection. Will the Chinese side urge the DPRK to have dialog with the IAEA?

A: On the nuclear question in DPRK, I have stated the position of the Chinese side here on many occasions. We hope that relevant sides can solve this question peacefully through dialog and consultation.

Q: Please introduce the details of the new round of China-US defence dialog and the human rights dialog to be held in Beijing.

A: On the first question. President Jiang Zemin reached an agreement with President Bush during his visit to the US last October to resume military-to-military exchange and to hold defence consultation between vice defence ministers and other exchange programs.  After consultation between the two sides, the 5th defence consultation between the vice defence minsters of both China and the US will be held in Washington from 9 to 10 December. General Xiong Guangkai, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of China’s People’s Liberation Army will soon lead a delegation to the US to attend the consultation. During the consultation, both sides will exchange views on international and regional situation, bilateral relations and military-to military relations as well as other issues of common interest.

On China-US human rights dialog, the two sides have decided to hold the 13th round in Beijing in mid December. Director-General Li Baodong of the Department of International Organizations and Assistant Secretary Craner will be the main participants.