On 22 October, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao had a regular press conference.  He made the announcements of forthcoming Ghana President’s visit to China as well as Premier Zhu’s visit to Cambodia and attending the 10+3 meeting.  He also introduced the assistance by the Chinese side to the victims of Indonesian bombings.

Q: The US Senior Director for Asian Affairs of the National Security Council James Moriarty yesterday gave a briefing at he White House about President Jiang’s visit and he mentioned two points.  Firstly, on arms sales to Taiwan, the US has already informed China that the Taiwan’s appropriate defense depends on the threat it faces.  Secondly, under the framework of a peaceful solution of the Taiwan question, the US would not support Taiwan independence movements.  Is there any difference between his points and the 8.17 Joint Communiqué?What is China’s comment?

A: On the question of US arms sales to Taiwan, the position of the Chinese Government is very clear.  China is opposed to arms sales to Taiwan by any country, including the US and we call on the US side to handle the relevant issues in accordance with the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués, the 8.17 Joint Communiquéin particular, to ensure the smooth and sound development of China-US relations.  The Chinese Government always stands for the policy of “one country, two systems and peaceful reunification” and opposes any activity attempting to separate the motherland.  The principles enshrined in the 8.17 Joint Communiqué are  very  clear and  should be faithfully observed.


Q: About the visit to China by US Attorney General, Can you talk about the specific areas that the Chinese side will be willing to discuss, particularly regarding the counter-terrorism?  And a related question.  Is China considering or has ever in the past few months considered the use of a listening post in Xinjiang?

A: As for the visit you have mentioned, at present I don’t have anything to provide.  The anti-terrorism cooperation between China and the US has been proceeding smoothly.  The two sides have already conducted two rounds of consultation in this regard and the third one will also be held soon.  


Q: What are the main topics for the China, Japan and South Korea leaders meeting, which you have just mentioned?  Will the meeting touch upon the North Korean nuclear issue?

A: China, Japan and ROK are countries with important influence in Asia and it will help the three countries strengthen mutual understanding and promote development in Asia for the leaders of the three countries to meet and exchange views.  During this meeting, leaders will exchange views on Asian development and issues of common interest to enhance understanding and expand consensus.


Q: According to the reports in Washington, a copy of the new draft resolution on Iraq has been distributed to all the members of the UN Security Council on Monday.  Can you confirm that China has received the copy and is China considering it?  What is China’s latest position on this question?

A: China has already received the copy of the new draft resolution on Iraq and we have maintained close contacts and consultation with the relevant parties on that.  The Chinese side always holds that the UN weapons inspectors should return to Iraq as soon as possible to start work and the Security Council should decide on the next step in light of the inspection result.  For any proposal that will facilitate the UN weapons inspection in Iraq, help overhaul and eliminate its weapons of mass destruction and promote the political solution of the issue, we will give serious consideration.


Q: Is there any latest progress on the establishment of a FBI office in Beijing?  

A: To my knowledge, China and the US have had contacts and consultation on this issue.  The Chinese side has an active attitude on that.  I can get some information for you on the details.


Q: Do you think that the forthcoming meeting between President Jiang and US President Bush could have any positive impact on peace and stability of South Asia?  Can it be helpful for resolving India-Pakistan dispute?

A: President Jiang has left for the US and started his visit this morning.  This visit is major event in China-US relations.  I believe that during his visit, leaders of the two countries will have deep-going discussion on bilateral relations and issues of common interest, including some international hotspot issues.  I am convinced that with the joint efforts of the two sides, this visit will enhance the mutual understanding and trust and promote the development of constructive and cooperative relations between China and the US.  The in-depth exchanges of views between leaders of two countries will help solve some major international issues.


Q: Recently, when meeting with a Japanese parliamentarian, Chinese Minister of the Organizational Department of the CPC Central Committee expressed that China supports Japan’s position of opposing North Korean nuclear weapons development.  How do you view this?  What is China’s position on the North Korean nuclear program?

A: I have no knowledge about the details of Japanese parliamentarian’s visit and his meeting with Chinese Minister of the Organization Department of the CPC Central committee.  On the North Korean nuclear issue, we have already expressed our position on many occasions.  We are always committed to the maintenance of peace and stability on the Peninsular and support its denuclearization.  At the same time, we hope that the 1994 Framework Agreement between the US and DPRK can be continually implemented and the issue can be properly solved through dialogues and negotiations.  


Q: Regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, is China aware of Pakistan’s help in North Korea’s nuclear development program?

A: I am not aware of what you have said.  But I have noticed that the Pakistani side has already denied that.


Q: I am wondering whether there is any news about China’s Middle East Special Envoy?  What is China’s reaction toward yesterday’s suicide bombing in northern Israel?

A: Firstly, I can say that the Chinese Government is considering sending the Middle East Special Envoy in the near future.  We hope that through the strengthening of contacts and consultation with Israeli and Arab sides as well as the relevant parties of the international community, we will make positive efforts of an early solution of the Middle East question.

On the second question, we strongly condemn the suicide bus blast in the northern Israeli city.  It again shows that “trading violence with violence” and the use of extreme means will only aggravate the situation.  We call on the relevant parties to immediately stop violence and return to the right track of peaceful negotiation as soon as possible.


Q: You have mentioned the 1994 Framework Agreement between the US and DPRK.  Some relevant countries believe that this framework is already nullified and does China think that it is still in effect?  And when will President Jiang return to Beijing?  

A: The Geneva Framework Agreement plays an important role in maintaining the Peninsular denuclearization and its peace and stability.  The framework does not come by easily. The relevant parties should faithfully implement it.  Although it is an agreement between the countries concerned, we hope the relevant arrangement will facilitate peace and stability on the Peninsular.  The Chinese side always believes that dialogue and negotiation are the most effective way to settle the North Korean nuclear issue and we support the relevant countries to peacefully solve this issue.

As for President Jiang’s agenda, he will attend the 10th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting after his visit to the US.  He will return to Beijing after the APEC meeting.


Q: Both China and the US are very concerned about the North Korean nuclear issue and the US Attorney General is coming.  Can you characterize how heavily this issue is going to weigh in the talks between China and the US?

A: I think that he North Korean nuclear issue is a concern not only to the US, but also to China.  Not long ago, the US Under Secretary of State John Bolton visited China and informed us of the relevant situation.  He discussed with China the North Korean nuclear issue.  I have already underlined China’s position.  We always support the denuclearization on the Peninsular and safeguard its peace and stability.  We hope the relevant countries will solve the issue through dialogue and negotiation.


Q: In the upcoming summit between President Bush and Jiang, I am wondering how much progress China is expecting to make on non-proliferation.  Is China expecting the US to lift sanctions on Chinese entities accused of transferring weapons technology or to start reissuing license for space cooperation?

A: President Jiang will soon arrive in the US to pay a working visit and he will have broad exchange of views with the US leaders.  The attitude of China on non-proliferation is serious and active and the recent moves by the Chinese side confirm that again.  We have already promulgated four regulations and measures in this regard, including the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Missiles and Missile-related Items and Technologies in August, the Regulations of the People’s  Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-use Biological Agents and Related Equipment and Technologies on 14 October and the Measures on Export Control of Certain Chemicals and Related Equipment and Technologies on October 18.  In addition, on October 20, the Chinese Government promulgated the decision by the State Council and the Central Military Commission on the amendment of the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Military Items.


Q: Is there any progress regarding China’s decision to send the Special Envoy to the Middle East.  When is he likely to go to the Middle East?

A: In order to play an active role on promoting the solution of the Middle East issue, an early end of the Israel-Palestine conflict and in response to the call of the Arab countries, the Chinese Government decided to appoint the Middle East Special Envoy.  As for when he will visit the region and start work, I have said that it will be in the near future.  I will make an announcement here if there is an exact date.


Thank you.