Liu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Now the floor is open for questions.

 

Q: Recently the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo became turbulent again. Armed conflicts took place in Bukawu, in the eastern part of the country, causing casualties and chaos. The UN institutions there were also attacked. What's your comment? And what's the situation of the Chinese peace-keepers there after the armed conflict?

 

A: Armed conflicts broke out again recently in the DRC with civilian casualties, threatening the safety of UN peace-keepers. The Chinese Government is deeply concerned over the development. We condemn the armed conflicts and violent actions in that area and urge the conflicting parties to stop hostile actions at once. We call on them to obey the agreement on cease fire and ensure the safety of UN institutions and Chinese and other peace-keepers.

Currently, there are all together nearly 200 Chinese peace-keepers in the DRC, mainly field engineers and medical teams and they are all quartered at Bukawu which is in the eastern part of the country. After the conflict, the Chinese Embassy in the DRC and the Chinese Ambassador to the DRC, Mr. Cui Yongqian attached importance to the safety of the Chinese peace-keepers and reminded them for many times to take precautions. Moreover, our peace-keepers are kept in touch with day after night and are guided to properly handle emergencies. Now the armed conflicts in Bukawu have been calmed down and our peace-keepers there are in safe hands.

 

Q: It is reported that the amendments to the new UN resolutions on Iraq put forward by the US and UK has adopted part of the suggestions by the Chinese side. Which parts in the amendments does China believe that further discussions and adjustments should be made? My second question is: the coalition is going to handover power to Iraq on 30 June. Will the Chinese Government send delegates to attend related activities?

A: As to the first question, the Chinese side welcomes the US and UK's amendments to the UN Security Council draft resolution on Iraq. The contents that have been revised reflect opinions and concerns of China as well as some other countries. Currently the Chinese side is making analysis on the revised draft resolution and is ready to carry on discussions with relevant parties. We hope that the parties within the UN Security Council reach consensus on this draft resolution at an early date in order to stabilize the situation in Iraq as soon as possible and push forward the process of the reconstruction of Iraq. We also hope that the Security Council listens to extensive opinions from Iraq, other Arabic countries as well as Secretary-General Anan.

As to your second question, I think it's too early to talk about this now.

 

Q: Are there any latest news concerning the issue of the US visa information center in Shanghai?

A: I have noticed the situation of Chinese citizens applying for visas to go to the US and the media has made a great many of reports on this. I want to take this opportunity to brief you about the resumption of operation of the Shanghai Xin An Company.

On 23 April 2004, the Shanghai Xin An Information Service Company Ltd. was shut down by relevant departments of Shanghai because it didn't carry out relevant procedures.

According to the report of the US Embassy in China, the company was authorized by the US Department of State and is capable of providing Chinese citizens with paid information on US visa and booking interviews. This company was registered in Shanghai while its charging standard was set by the US Department of State.

The Foreign Ministry has made several representations to the US side in order not to affect Chinese citizens who want to go to the US to study, visit relatives, run businesses, travel or do official businesses; relevant departments of the Chinese side also urged the company to carry out relevant judicial procedures, run business according to law and charge reasonably. It is reported that the Xin An company has realized its problems, made adjustments on its charging standard and made applications to relevant departments. Our relevant departments has issued license to the Xin An company. On 3 June, the US visa information center has resumed its business.

 

Q: Nine Chinese female students were peeped in Japan. Liaoning Province has sent a delegation to Japan to join in investigations. What's your comment?

A: This incident took place nearly 3 weeks ago. On 9 May, nine Chinese female students in Japan found video cameras in their locker room which was provided by the Japanese side.

As soon as the Department of Consular Affairs of the Foreign Ministry got this message, it immediately instructed the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka to send personnel to the scene. Consular officers met with the nine Chinese students and made representations to the local police station. They clearly indicated that this is a serious incident in which our students' personal rights were severely violated and they urged the Japanese police to make investigations carefully and do justice according to law.

This case is being handled now. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka will follow it closely.

 

Q: The second round of Dialogue between China and MTCR was held in Beijing these days. Please brief us on this.

From 1 to 2 June, Director-General Liu Jieyi of the Department of Disarmament and Arms Control of the Foreign Ministry, together with the Chairman of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Argentine Ambassador Sersale, jointly chaired the second round of the China-MTCR Dialogue in Beijing. The relevant departments from the Chinese side, officials and experts from MTCR member countries including U.K., France, Russia, Canada, ROK, Ukraine and Japan attended the dialogue. The two sides had an indepth exchange of views on the further development of China-MTCR relations under current situation and the law enforcement in export control.

The two sides believed that the two rounds of dialogue increased mutual understanding and trust. The dialogue is of major importance to the further development of China-MTCR relations as well as to the international cooperation on non-proliferation. The Chinese side is positive on further exchanges and dialogue. The Chinese side reiterated its willingness to join the MTCR.

Ambassador Sersale indicated that the MTCR will actively take the application by the Chinese side into consideration.

 

Q: India appointed a new National Security Adviser early this week who was also the Indian Representative of the China-India border issue. Is Minister Dai Bingguo still the Chinese Representative of the issue? Will the two special Representatives hold talks recently? Besides, do you know that there is a Japanese Sumo Delegation visiting today and please give us some information about that.

A: To the first question, Deputy Foreign Minster Dai Bingguo is the Chinese Special Representative of the China-India border issue. This remains unchanged. As for the time of the third round talk, the two sides will discuss and decide through diplomatic channels.

To your second question: in order to commemorate the 30th anniversary of China-Japan navigation, the "2004 Sumo Public Show" which is jointly sponsored by the All-China Sports Federation and the Nihon Sumo Kyokai will be held on 5 and 6 June in Beijing and on 9 and 10 June in Shanghai respectively. A total of 121 people of the Japan Sumo Delegation together with 13 members of the Japan-China Friendship Association Delegation have arrived at Beijing this midday. Director-General Kitanoumi heads the Japan Sumo Delegation. Members include Grand Champions Asashoryu, Ozeki Chiyokaikai and Musouyama; members of the Japan-China Friendship Association Delegation include former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and Japanese Ambassador to China Koreshige Anami. The first show will be held on 5 June at the Capital Gym. China and Japan have a friendly history for 2000 years. In recent years, the two countries have more and more frequent civilian exchanges and cooperation in the fields of sports, culture and economy. China attaches importance to this sumo public show in China. We believe this activity will promote the mutual understanding of the two peoples, further strengthen the civilian exchanges and cooperation in the fields of sports, culture and economy and deepen the lasting friendship between the two peoples who are only separated by a narrow strip of water.

 

Q: It is reported that the Chinese Government is making efforts for the carrying out of a new round of the Six-Party Talks at the end of June. What's your comment?

A: As far as I know, the six parties are still negotiating on the date of the third round of the Talks. As for when will the third round take place, it depends on the six parties to reach consensus. So far there is no definite message.

 

If there is no further question, the conference is now over. Thank you!