Q: Can you brief us on the results of Foreign Minister Singh’s visit to China?

A: At the invitation of Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister Singh of India paid an official visit to China from March 29 to April 2. During the visit, the two sides exchanged their views extensively on bilateral ties. Both sides agree to continue to develop the friendly relations and good-neighbourly cooperation on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, expand the exchanges between the two countries at various levels, strengthen their communication and cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, tourism and flood-warning as well as properly handle the problems left over from history.

This visit deepened mutual understanding and enhanced trust and friendship. It is of positive significance to promote further development of the bilateral relations.


Q: Did Foreign Minister Singh discuss with China about regional situation and Indian-Pakistani relations? What’s China’s position on that?

A: During his visit, Foreign Minister Singh exchanged views with Chinese leaders, Foreign Minister Tang in particular on China-Indian relations, situation in South Asia and issues of common interest. China expounded its principled position on the situation in South Asia especially the relations between India and Pakistan, hoping that the two sides can solve their disputes through peaceful dialogue and negotiation and devote themselves to stability and development of the region.


Q: How do you assess the current situation in the Middle East? What has China done in easing the tensions?

A: China expresses deep concern and worries over the abrupt deterioration of the Middle East situation. The Chinese Government opposes and condemns Israeli’s barbarous invasion into the Palestine, calling Israel for an immediate and unconditional implementation of Resolution 1402 of the UN Security Council, comprehensive withdrawal from the Palestinian territories and assurance for President Arafat’s personal safety. At the same time, we condemn the violent activities against the innocent civilians inside Israel, calling for an end to the vicious cycle of the trade of violence at an earlier date.

China has made its own efforts and contribution to easing the current tensions. Foreign Minister Tang had phone conversation with Hamad, his counterpart in Qatar, Chair of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, stating China’s basic position on the current situation in the Middle East. Two days ago, Foreign Minister Tang called Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Peres. Under the request of Minister Tang, the Israeli side promised not to endanger President Arafat’s personal safety nor to destroy the PNA. At the same time, the Chinese side has maintained consultation and coordination through various channels with the UN Secretary General and other Permanent Members of the Security Council. China stands ready to join the international community to make its own contribution to relaxing the current tensions in the Middle East.


Q: China regards Israeli’s actions as “barbarous invasion”, whileas calling the series of terrorist attacks by the Palestinian side in Israel as violent actions. Why does China use so different terminology?

A: At present, the Middle East situation is deteriorating abruptly. The Chinese Government condemns the barbarous invasion by the Israeli side against the Palestinian people, calling on Israel for an unconditional and immediate implementation of Resolution 1402 of the Security Council. The resolution represents the will of the international community. The top priority now is that Israel must withdraw its troops completely from the Palestinian territories and guarantee President Arafat’s personal safety. At the same time we are against any violent actions as well as the violent activities against innocent civilians inside Israel.

We hope that Israel can handle the Middle East situation by proceeding from the larger perspective of security and stability in whole of the Middle East and its own long-term interest. Relevant sides should take effective measures to put an immediate end to the current conflict so as to create conditions for the resumption of the peace talks.


Q: It is reported that Zhang Yan, China’s Ambassador to Vienna notified IAEA officially on March 28 that China had completed the legal procedures necessary for the Protocol Additional to the Safeguards Agreement between the PRC and the IAEA to take effect in China. How significant will this move be?

A: China notified IAEA officially on March 28 that it had completed the legal procedures necessary for the entry into effect of the Protocol Additional to the Safeguards Agreement between the PRC and IAEA. The Protocol has been in effect to China.

China is the first among the five nuclear states that have completed the necessary legal procedures, which fully demonstrates China’s firm stand on opposing nuclear proliferation, supporting IAEA in enhancing the existing safeguards regime and fulfilling its obligation in non-proliferation. We believe that China’s move is conducive to promotion of the universality and implementation of the Protocol as well as consolidating and enhancing the existing international proliferation prevention regime. We hope that other countries can finalize the necessary legal procedure at an earlier date. On this matter, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan wrote to his counterparts in the US, Russia, Great Britain and France on March 28.


Q: Chairman Li Peng will pay an official visit to Japan starting from today. What expectations does China have for this visit?

A: At the invitations of leaders of both Houses of Japan, Chairman Li Peng starts his official visit to Japan today. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of the bilateral ties. During his visit, Chairman Li Peng will attend relevant celebrating and commemorating activities and have wide contact with Japanese leaders and personnel from all walks of life. He will also explore with the Japanese side on promoting further development of the bilateral ties in the new century.

We hope that this visit will help to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two peoples, consolidate and deepen the mutually beneficial cooperation and make due contribution to the revitalization and prosperity of Asia. This visit will definitely promote the healthy and steady development of the bilateral relations in the new century.


Q: Is it true that the Chinese Embassies in the world have the responsibility to disseminate the position of the Chinese Government on Falungong?

A: Falungong is an anti-human and anti-science evil cult. It damages and claims lives, destroys families and endangers society. More than 1700 people died because of practicing it. The decision by the Chinese Government to outlaw Falungong in light of law is to safeguard the fundamental human rights and freedom of the citizens and it has won support of the vast number of the people. Some outside of China may not know the true nature of Falungong or there are some distorted reports. Therefore Chinese diplomats in foreign countries have the obligation to make the position of the Chinese Government on Falungong understood by the governments of their resident countries and let them know the evil nature of Falungong.


Q: Foreign Minister Tang noted at last month’s Press Conference that President Jiang and Vice President Hu will visit the US this year. I know that President Jiang will visit the US after the APEC meeting in October. Vice President Hu will pay the visit before or after that? What’s China’s reaction to the passing away of the Queen Mother of Great Britain?

A: The two sides are preparing for Vice President Hu’s visit to the US. I will let you know the details in due course.

President Jiang has sent a telegram of condolence to the Queen on the passing away of the Queen Mother.


Q: Yesterday some Arabian diplomats demonstrated against Israel here in Beijing. What’s China’s comment? If such kind of anti-Israeli demonstration is held outside of the compound of the Embassies of Israel, the US and the office of the UN, will China approve it?

A: Given the abrupt deterioration of the Middle East situation it’s natural for some Arabian diplomats and people to gather together to express their position. On your second question, China is a country ruled by law. Every thing should be handled in light of law and relevant regulations.


Q: It’s now the anniversary of the collision of the airplanes between China and the US. How is the case being dealt with right now? What’s China’s position on it? Some foreign Falungong followers were arrested and deported by China recently, saying that they were prosecuted by the public security departments of China. Has the Foreign Ministry received any protest? What’s your comment? It’s reported that a cross-nation bridge will be jointly built by China and DPRK over the Yalu River, please confirm. What effect will it have upon China-DPRK relations?

A: China’s position on the collision incident hasn’t changed. China’s demand on the US compensation is reasonable. The US has the obligation to give its justification.

Recently there were some foreign Falungong followers coming to China and involving with illegal activities of Falungong. They stirred up trouble and broke relevant Chinese law. Relevant department of the China has dealt with them in accordance with law.

Some of those people went every corner after being deported, spreading rumors of being inhumanely treated in China. I’d like to stress that these people broke Chinese law and were dealt with by Chinese department in light of law, but they got human treatment when they were in China.

We hope that relevant countries can educate their people to abide by Chinese law.

On your third question, I have no related information.


Q: It’s reported that the Defense Minister of India might pay a visit to China. What’s China’s position?

A: We welcome the visit of Mr. Fernandes to China at the convenience of both sides. The specific schedule will be consulted by the two sides through relevant channels. Both China and India are countries of significant impact in Asia. The improvement and development of the all-round bilateral relations serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples and conduce to peace and stability of the region. We welcome and expect this visit in due time.