CHINA / Ministry Press Conference
Jiang Yu's first FM regular press briefing
(fmprc.gov.cn)
Updated: 2006-06-15 10:28
On the afternoon of June 13, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held
a press conference.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Jiang Yu. As a new
spokesperson, I hope we can establish congenial work relations in the
future. I have no announcement to make. Now I'd like to take your
questions.
Jiang Yu, a new Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, asks for a question at her
first press briefing in Beijing June 13, 2006. Newly-appointed Jiang, 42,
is the 23rd public face of the Foreign Ministry, since the spokesman
system was established in 1983. She is also the fourth woman to take the
post. Jiang graduated from the China Foreign Affairs University in 1987
and is now vice-director of Foreign Ministry's Information Department.
[newsphoto]
Q: The Spanish national court accepted the lawsuit filed by "Tibet
independence" and "Falungong" Cult organizations. What's your comment?
A: The libel by "Tibet independence" group and "Falungong" Cult is
completely based on fabrication out of apparent political motives, aimed
at smearing China's international image and sabotage China-Spain
relations. According to international law and universally recognized
basic norms governing international relations, the court of the country
concerned has no right to accept and hear cases of this kind.
China and Spain have established an all-round strategic partnership, with
rich fruits yielded on all fronts. We hope Spain can properly handle this
matters so that our bilateral relations can keep its momentum of healthy
development under our joint efforts.
Q: What message will President Hu convey to the Iranian President when
they meet?
A: Iran is an SCO observer. According to the SCO documents and on the
basis of consensus of member states, China invited the Iranian President
to attend the summit. During the summit, President Hu will hold talks
with leaders of member states and observers. Arrangements are yet to be
finalized.
We think there is a new opportunity to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue
peacefully through diplomatic negotiation. China appreciates the fact
that Iran expressed its intention to earnestly consider the proposal, and
hopes Iran will respond positively and create favorable condition for
resuming the negotiation. Only when we resume dialogue can we resolve
differences. China hopes all parties can keep patience, exercise
restraint and do more to help resume negotiation.
Q: The human rights group Amnesty International issued a report early
this week, saying that weapons exported by China to Myanmar, Sudan and
Nepal fueled the local conflict. What's your comment? Does China track
the exported weapon or not? How can you ensure the weapons being used
properly?
A: The accusation of relevant group is groundless and does not comply
with fact. China adopts prudent and responsible attitude towards military
export and abides by three principles. The export should boost the
legitimate self defense capability of the recipient countries, should not
prejudice regional and international peace, security and stability, and
should not interfere in the internal affairs of recipient countries.
China has normal cooperation with many countries on conventional military
trade. The cooperation complies with China's military trade policy,
regulations and international obligations.
I can offer some figures for your reference. China is the smallest weapon
exporter among the major countries. According to the statistics of
Stockholms International Peace Study Institution, from 2000 to 2004, the
conventional weapon exported, the US valued $25.93 billion, whereas
China's export $1.436 billion, only 1/20 of that of the US.
China controls all the export of conventional military items, including
small arms, in line with Regulations on Control of Military Product
Export, and exercise unified export of military items. In addition, China
has established and end-user control system to prevent weapons from being
transferred to hotspots or sensitive regions.
Q: What's China's position on the Western Sahara question?
A: China has a consistent position on the Western Sahara question. We
maintain that the question should be properly resolved through dialogue
and consultation on the basis on the UN resolutions. China hopes that the
parties concerned will bear in mind the overall purpose of maintaining
regional unity, stability and development and return to the track of
friendly consultation. We support a solution acceptable to all parties.
Q: Last week, it was reported by the Xinhua News Agency that Vice Mayor
of Beijing Liu Zhihua was removed from office due to corruption. Liu
Zhihua was in charge of the construction projects of Beijing. Will his
corruption case affect the preparation for Olympic Games?
A: The officials of Beijing Municipal Government and Beijing Organizing
Committee for the Olympic Games have talked on this matter. The handling
of the issue will not affect the Olympic Games at all.
Q: It is reported by the US and Japanese media that the DPRK might plan
to conduct a missile test. What comment does China have? Yesterday, the
US House of Representative passed a resolution, accusing China of
suppressing religious freedom. What's China's comment?
A: On your first question, we have taken note of the report. Now, the
Six-Party Talk encounters some difficulties. China hopes parties
concerned will take a flexible and pragmatic attitude, make concerted
efforts and do more to enhance trust, dissolve misgivings and promote the
talks, so as to resume talks at an early date and make progress.
On your second question, the resolution passed by the US House of
Representatives is a groundless attack and vile slander on China's human
rights and religion. It violated the basic norms governing international
relations and grossly interfered with China's internal affairs. China
expresses its strong concern and firm opposition.
The Chinese Government protects Chinese citizens' freedom of religious
belief in accordance with law, and Chinese citizens enjoy broad and full
freedom of religious belief. The Chinese people are most qualified to
speak on this matter. All religions in China follow the principle of
"running religious affairs independently" and admit of no interference by
foreign forces.
Since the start of reform and opening up, China has made remarkable
achievements in social and economic development and our democracy and
legal system have steadily forged ahead. Chinese people enjoy human
rights and basic freedom according to law. This is a fact obvious to all.
We advise the US Congressmen to take care of the problems in the US and
think more about how to redress the grave human rights violation in the
US. They should stop interfering with China's internal affairs under the
pretext of human rights and religion.
Q: Some US experts questioned the authority of Shanghai Cooperation
Organization, because this organization, which proclaims itself as an
anti-terrorist organization, granted observer status to Iran. What
comment does China have? Will Iran become a full member of SCO?
A: The SCO Summit will be held in Shanghai. On the sideline of the
summit, the heads of states will exchange views on the development of the
SCO and the major international and regional issues of common interest.
The summit will also make a thorough review of the success and experience
in the development of SCO and work out the orientation and measures for
its future development.
Iran is one of the four observer countries of SCO. According to the
documents of SCO and through consensus of member states, China invited
Iranian President Ahmadinejad to the summit. This is not the first time
for Iran to attend the SCO meeting. Last year, Iran attended the Astana
Summit and Moscow Prime Ministers' Meeting.
Q: The three EU countries, the US and Russia may have direct negotiation
with Iran on the Iranian nuclear issue. Will China join in the
negotiation?
A: China has always stood for peaceful solution of the Iranian nuclear
issue through diplomatic negotiation. We are supportive of the
international non-proliferation regime and oppose proliferation of
nuclear weapons. We do not wish to see new disturbance in the Middle East
due to the Iranian nuclear issue. We have always called on the parties
concerned to put forward a solution both feasible and acceptable to all,
so as to promote the talks on the issue. China has all along stayed in
close contact with the parties concerned on the issue. Recently,
President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao respectively made telephone
conversations with US President Bush and German Federal Chancellor
Merkel. Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing made telephone conversations with
Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki, EU High Representative of Common
Foreign and Security Policy Solana and the Spanish Foreign Minister. In
addition, he met with Iranian Vice Foreign Minister Araqchi, who came to
China for consultation. China will continue to play a constructive role
in promoting reconciliation through talks. We will work with other
parties for the proper solution of the Iranian nuclear issue through
diplomatic negotiation.
Q: It is reported that Venezuelan President Chavez will visit China in
September. Please brief on the date and purpose of his visit.
A: I am not aware of this matter. China maintains normal relations with
Venezuela.
Q: In late June, the UN Human Rights Council will hold its first session
in Geneva. Who will represent China at the meeting? What proposition will
China forward? What does China expect from the first session?
A: The first session of the Human Rights Council will be held in Geneva
on June 19th and 30th. The Chinese Government attaches great importance
to the meeting. Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will attend the
high-level meeting and make a speech. Ambassador Sha Zukang,
Representative of Chinese Permanent Mission to the UN Offices at Geneva
and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, will head Chinese
delegation at the meeting.
This session will focus on discussing the work methods and rules for the
Council and the imminent international questions on human rights. We hope
all interested parties will show their political willingness and take
earnest actions to ensure that the Council will respect the historical,
cultural and religious background of all countries and regions, push
forward dialogues between different civilizations, cultures and religions
and pay equal attention to economic, social and cultural rights as well
as civil and political rights. It should handle human rights questions in
a just, objective and non-selective manner, play a effective role in
promoting and safeguarding human rights and avoid following the old path
of the sessions of Commission on Human Rights, which was plagued with
double standards and political confrontation.
The Chinese delegation will advance its view and proposition on the
future work of the Council and participated in the deliberation on all
questions with a positive and constructive attitude. We are willing to
work with other parties to make this session a successful opening for the
Council.
If there are no more questions, thank you for presence! See you.
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