Home > Spokesperson's Remarks
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao's Regular Press Conference on 24 April 2007

2007-04-25

On the afternoon of April 24, 2007, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on the death of former Russian President Yeltsin and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Liu: Good afternoon. Press release from the Information Bureau of the Russian President says that former Russian President Yeltsin died of disease in Moscow on April 23.

Mr. Yeltsin is the first President of Russia. He attached great importance to Russia-China relations. During his presidency, the two countries established strategic partnership of collaboration and resolved the border issue left over from history, and maintained rapid development of cooperation in all fields. He has made outstanding contribution to China-Russia relations. With his unfortunate passing away, the Chinese people lost a sincere friend, and we express deep condolences over his death.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: The funeral of former Russian President Yeltsin will be held tomorrow. Will the Chinese Government send officials to attend the funeral? Will President Hu Jintao send a telegram of condolences to the Russian leadership?

A: I would like to ask the Russian correspondents present here today to convey our condolences to Russia over the passing away of Mr. Yeltsin. As far as we know from the Russian side, Russia will not invite foreign leaders to attend the funeral, and we respect their arrangement. As for the telegram of condolences, we will release the information in due course.

Q: The US FDA is investigating over pet food with melamine imported from China and hoping to send officials to China for further investigation. Will China allow them to come and grant them visas?

A: I am not aware of the exact situation in this regard. You may consult the Central Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Q: The International Campaign for Tibet claimed that the Chinese Government was conducting religious persecution in Tibet. What's your comment? Does the reincarnated Panchen Lama designated by Dalai Lama 12 years ago enjoy full freedom now?

A: The organization you mentioned accused China of conducting religious persecution, which is totally groundless and flawed with distortion. We express strong dissatisfaction and indignation to that. Having been to Tibet for reporting or visiting, many of you must be well aware of the real situation there. Normal religious activities and religious belief in Tibet are guaranteed by law.

The child you mentioned is coming of adult age. Like other ordinary teenagers in China, he is leading a normal and free life and does not want to be disturbed.

Q: During Pakistani Prime Minister Aziz's visit to China, consensus has been reached between Pakistan and China on a common strategy on the issue of Afghanistan. What's the focus of this strategy?

A: During his visit, Pakistani Prime Minister Aziz exchanged in-depth views with Chinese leaders on China-Pakistan relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest. As friendly neighbors of Afghanistan, both Pakistan and China attach great importance to its stability, security, and development. Leaders of the two countries exchanged views on the issue of Afghanistan and the regional situation. They agreed to make joint efforts to maintain regional peace and stability so as to contribute to the development of the region.

Q:Japan's National Security Advisor Yoriko Koike said that the DPRK showed no sincerity in dismantling its nuclear facilities since April 13, which constitutes a threat to Japan and East Asia. What is your comment? Besides, is there any new development in the Six-Party Talks? When will it resume? How can the deadlock be broken?

A: The Fifth Round of the Six-party Talks produced the February 13th Joint Document. Recently, the relevant parties have reaffirmed their commitment to implement the initial actions. China attaches great importance to the significant commitment made by the parties concerned and assess it positively. At present, the technical problem is yet to be resolved completely and thoroughly and the relevant process is put  off  to some extent. The relevant parties are maintaining contact and communication to solve the issue in a cooperative gesture. China holds that the relevant parties should do and say more for the benefit of the Six-Party Talks and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula so as to press ahead with the process in a cooperative atmosphere on an equal footing.

Q: What is the specific obstacle for the deadlock of the funds issue? What is the "technical" problem on earth?

A: The specific question is how the DPRK can get the funds, that is, how to get the funds transferred. There are still some problems in this regard. The DPRK has expressed their concerns on many occasions.

Q: What is your comment on the current China-India talks on boundary issues?

A: During the just-concluded 10th round of meetings between the two special representatives, the two sides had an in-depth and conducive exploration on the framework of resolving the China-India boundary issue in a candid and friendly atmosphere. The two sides agree to work together to accelerate the negotiation and to hold the next meeting in China.

During his stay in India, Dai Bingguo, China's special representative and Deputy Foreign Minister met with Indian leaders and officials. Both sides are satisfied with the development of bilateral ties in recent years and the cooperation in politics, culture and tourism. They agree to continue the efforts to press ahead with China-India Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.

If there are no other questions, thank you!

<Suggest To A Friend>
  <Print>