On
November 13, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a
regular press conference and answered questions on President Hu Jintao
attending the G20 summit on financial market and world economy, the
Six-Party Talks and etc.
Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
Today we have a special
group of audience who are the contestants of a mock spokesperson
competition held by China Foreign Affairs University among college
students in Beijing and Tianjin. Last night, I was among the audience
of the competition, and was deeply impressed by their confidence,
courage, wisdom and talent. From them I see a promising future of the
cause of spokesperson in China. Here, I’d like to extend my warm
welcome to them all. If I get stumped on any questions today, I’d ask
them to take my place. (Laughter and applause)
Now the floor is open.
Q: Could you brief us on the schedule for President Hu Jintao’s bilateral events in Washington?
A: When he is attending
the G20 summit on financial market and world economy, President Hu
Jintao will have bilateral meetings with leaders of several countries.
Specific arrangements are still under discussion.
Q: What does China want to discuss at the financial summit? Is China willing to capitalize the IMF? If so, is this because other countries ask so? What does it take to get China on board?
A: China believes that
the G20 summit on financial market and world economy to be held in
Washington will be an important platform for the international
community to exchange views on the current international financial
situation and the future development of world economy. We hope the
summit could send a positive and strong message to the international
community. That is, countries should join hands, display confidence,
decisiveness and a responsible attitude, take measures to restore
market confidence, stabilize the financial market and ensure stable
growth of world economy. On the other hand, we must have vision to
carry out comprehensive, effective and necessary reform to replace the
existing international financial system with a fair, just, inclusive
and orderly one that could better play the function of supervision,
early-warning and helping relevant countries, especially the developing
countries. We hope relevant stakeholders will exchange views on the
basis of sufficient consultation and reach consensus on some major
issues of principle so as to lay a sound foundation for further
discussions and the healthy development of world economy. Of course,
it’s not realistic to expect the one day’s summit to be a panacea all
the problems, nonetheless, it’s significant for leaders of the world to
send signal of confidence, solidarity, decisiveness and accountability.
About whether China
would capitalize the IMF, in fact, China’s subscription share at the
IMF was already raised from 2.98% to 3.72% in 2006 according to
relevant IMF resolution. China holds that under the current
circumstances, the international community should step up cooperation
and pull weight together. China is ready to work with world financial
organizations including the IMF to jointly address the crisis. We shall
continue to play our due role within the IMF and other multilateral
organizations.
Q: It’s reported that the “Tibetan’s in exile” plan to meet in Dharamshala, India next week to discuss whether to continue contact with the Central Government, and to express support for Tibet “independence” and Dalai Lama. What is your position? And what message will you send to these people?
A: The Chinese
Government resolutely opposes any overseas activities that attempt to
separate China and seek for Tibet “independence”. Those who plot and
attend the meeting cannot represent the vast majority of the Tibetan
people. Their separatist attempt will arrive nowhere.
The Indian Government
has repeated its commitment on many occasions that it will not allow
any anti-China activities on the Indian territory. We believe India
will honor its commitment.
Q: Firstly, Iceland has reportedly turned to China
and some other countries for help with its financial crisis. Can you
confirm? What is your response? Secondly, Russian media said that the
China-Russia negotiation on oil pipeline program in Siberia ceased
because of China’s unreasonable request of loans. Please confirm. What is your view on the problems with the negotiation?
A: We follow closely
the adverse impact of the current international financial crisis on
relevant country, which we take note have already taken measures to
address the crisis. We hope the measures will take effect as expected.
We welcome the IMF and some countries planning to provide assistance to
Iceland.
As for your second
question, this is normal business negotiation between banks and
enterprises on the two sides. I’m not aware of the specifics.
Q: About the Korean nuclear issue. Yesterday North Korea
declared that they would not allow taking samplings from the nuclear
sites for verification. How will this affect the Six-Party Talks? Can
you give us any information about what was discussed yesterday between
Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and Mr. Li Gun?
A: I have taken note of
the relevant reports you mentioned. At present, the Six-Party Talks are
in the process of finalizing the second phase action. We hope that all
the related parties can make joint efforts to press ahead with new
progress of the talks. China will continue to play a constructive role
in this regard.
Mr. Li Gun, Director
General of the North America Department of the D.P.R.K. Foreign
Ministry stopped over in Beijing on his way back to the D.P.R.K. from
the U.S.. Yesterday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei met with
him. They exchanged views on the current situation of the Six-Party
Talks and the next phase of work.
Q: A US official reportedly asserted in anonymity that the Chinese military has boosted its troops along the border with North Korea since this September. Can you confirm?
A: I have not heard of any abnormal circumstances along the border between China and the D.P.R.K..
Q: Chinese travel agencies said that North Korea blocked entry from China via land. Since North Korea has already closed its borders with South Korean, can you confirm whether the land border entrance Dandong between China and North Korean has been closed?
A: We did not hear of
any abnormal circumstances on the border between China and the
D.P.R.K.. I will double check what you have mentioned with the related
authorities. As for the issue between the North and South on the Korean
Peninsula, we are happy to see them improve their relations through
negotiations. Their conciliation and cooperation is beneficial to peace
and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the region.
Q: The Taiwan
Affairs Office of the State Council said yesterday that it needed to be
discussed whether President Hu Jintao would meet Lien Chan on the
sidelines of the APEC meetings. Do you have any latest information?
A: I do not have that information at present.
Q: Has the Foreign Ministry made any comment on the arrest of Chen Shuibian? Do you have anything to say on this?
A: I suggest you read
today’s newspapers. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council has
already commented on this. You’d better check up their positions on
issues related to cross-strait relations.
Q: Reports say that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin was in Beijing. Allegedly, he also planned to settle down here. Can you confirm that he was in Beijing? Is he still in Beijing
or has he left? My second question is on the lawsuit against Sanlu. Has
there been any development on this case? What is the Government’s
position?
A: About Mr. Thaksin,
he was in China on vacation. I read from today’s news that he had been
to Hong Kong. I don’t have any further information.
The Chinese
Government’s position on the Sanlu infant formula incident is very
clear and firm. Any breaches of the law will definitely be punished by
relevant authorities. Since the Foreign Ministry is not in charge of
the case, please refer your question to the relevant authorities.
Q: Has Thaksin asked the Chinese side for a permission to stay when he was in China?
What was your reply? If he raises the issue, what will be your
response? Can you tell us the specific dates when President Hu Jintao
will be visiting Cuba?
A: About Mr. Thaksin,
what I can tell is that he was in China on vacation. As far as I know,
he has been to Hong Kong. I prefer not to comment on any hypothetical
questions.
On President Hu Jintao’s visit to Cuba, he will be there from November 17 to 18.
If there are no more questions, thanks for coming. See you.