On the afternoon of October 24, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a press conference.
Liu: Good afternoon. I shall begin with several announcements.
At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Fradkov of the Russian Federation will pay an official visit to China from November 9 to 10. During the visit, Premier Wen and Prime Minister Fradkov will hold the 11th regular China-Russia Prime Ministers' meeting and attend the closing ceremony of the Year of Russia.
Before that, Vice Premier Wu Yi and Vice Prime Minister Zukov will hold the 10th meeting of the committee of China-Russia Prime Ministers' regular meeting on November 7. State Councilor Chen Zhili and Vice Prime Minister Zukov will hold the 7th meeting of the Committee of educational, cultural, health and sports cooperation on November 6.
At the invitation of the Chinese Government, Secretary-General elect, Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon of the ROK will pay a working visit to China from October 27 to 28.
Beijing Summit of China-Africa Cooperation Forum will be held in Beijing. To keep you better-informed of the summit, we invited director-generals in charge from six different ministries to brief you on the cooperation between China and Africa last Saturday. Besides, IPC has invited Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun and Vice Minister Wei Jianguo of Commerce to brief the press on the Forum and China-Africa cooperation here at 10 a.m., October 26 (Thursday). They will share with you more related information and expound on China's principled position on its cooperation with Africa and answer your questions. You are welcome to attend the briefing.
With that, I would be happy to take your questions.
Q: President of the World Bank accused China of neglecting human rights standards when granting loans to African countries. Do you have any comment? It's reported that General Secretary Kim Jong Il apologized to State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan for the nuclear test of the DPRK. He also promised that the DPRK would not have a second nuclear test. Western diplomats in Beijing say that those reports are not true. Can you confirm? Did he apologize? Did he talk about the second test? There are some reports say that several Chinese were arrested for selling uranium that can be used for nuclear weapons. Can you confirm and tell us more about it?
A: On your first question, China can not accept the accusation that China has undermined human rights status in Africa when providing financial and economic assistance. These accusations are groundless. China has adopted the principle of non-interference of other nations' internal affairs in its foreign relations. China does not accept any country imposing its values, social systems and ideology upon China. Neither will China allow itself to do so to others. China has trade and cooperation with African nations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, which is conducive to the improvement of people's livelihood and the development of various social and economic and social undertakings of Africa.
On your second question, the reports you quoted are not accurate. I haven't heard that General Secretary Kim apologized to China. During State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan's visit to the DPRK, he had candid and in-depth exchanges of views with the leadership of the DPRK on the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. The latter reiterated its willingness to stick to the Six-Party Talks and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He also noted that the DPRK does not have the plan for a second nuclear test. But if there is further unfair external pressure, the DPRK may consider taking further actions.
On your third question, I have just learnt this news from media report. I tried to contact with relevant authorities before the press conference, but I have yet to get any accurate information. However, China's policy and measures in the control of sensitive items are very explicit. We do not allow any individual to privately trade radioactive substances and other sensitive items by unjustified means.
Q: Four of China's state-owned banks have reportedly stopped foreign currency remittance business to the DPRK, which was seen as one of China's sanction measures against the DPRK. However, prevention of foreign currency remittance is not included in the UN resolution. What's Chinese Government's reaction on the relevant report?
A: While China strictly abides by the UNSC resolution, it does not interfere with the normal business activities of Chinese banks.
Q: It is reported that Hong Kong has checked a DPRK cargo ship. Have any forbidden substances been found?
A: I have no additional information concerning the specific issue you raised. What I would tell you is that the Chinese Government strictly and responsibly abides by and carries out its obligations under Resolution 1718. If there is any conduct violating Resolution 1718 in China, the Chinese Government will take necessary measures to fulfill its obligations.
Q: It is reported by the ROK media that the China-DPRK border has been closed, please brief us on that. How is the border trade situation between China and the DPRK like?
A: I have told you before that the border between China and the DPRK is normal. Some of the rumors may be contributed to the fact that the border between the two countries was closed on October 10, a day marking an anniversary of the founding of the WPK. As a usual practice, the border is always closed for that specific occasion. And after that day, the border has remained open normally.
Q: It is reported that China is considering reducing its oil supply to the DPRK. Please confirm. It is also reported that the Indonesian president will be visiting China soon, please brief us on that.
A: I have not heard that China is considering reducing certain assistance to the DPRK.
On your third question, the Commemorative Summit Marking the 15th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations will be held in Nanning, Guangxi Province, at the end of this month. Leaders of ten ASEAN countries and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the Summit. Leaders of several states will also pay visits to China. As for other specifics, I will keep you updated promptly.
Q: A UN official said on Monday that the DPRK is faced with serious food shortage. Does China have the plan to increase its food assistance to the DPRK? Besides, it is reported that China is reducing the oil supply to the DPRK, can you confirm?
A: It is the consistent policy of the Chinese government to provide some assistance to the people in the DPRK so as to help them overcome some difficulties, improve their livelihood and raise their living standard. It is conducive to stability of the peninsula and the Korean people. At present, I have not heard about reduction of oil supply to the DPRK. To develop normal economic exchanges and trade with the DPRK and provide economic assistance to them are not banned by Resolution 1718.
Q: Can you confirm that the control on the China-DPRK border is tightened, for example the barbed-wire fence has been built, and has the PLA sent more troops to the border? Second, a DPRK cargo is detained in Hong Kong. It this a measure to implement the UN Resolution? Third, China once said that the DPRK had no nuclear weapons. However, it turns out that the DPRK does possess nuclear weapons, how do you explain? Fourth, Will the Oil Minister of Iraq come to Beijing this evening for a visit? What is your expectation for his visit and what agreements will be signed? Fifth, does the iron ore trade between China and the DPRK violate Resolution 1718? Is it a reason why China is not in full support of tough sanctions against the DPRK?
A: It seems that you have been absent here for a long time, and some of your information is not accurate.
On the first question, I have introduced the measures of the management and control on China-DPRK border at the last press conferences. These measures are to maintain the tranquility and stability in the border area and began in the 1990s rather than new practice. Please don't link it with the current situation on the Peninsula. I have not heard that more troops are sent to the border. I would like to reiterate that the border between China and the DPRK is normal.
On your second question, China will implement its obligations in Resolution 1718 in a strict and responsible way. If we find any violation of Resolution 1718 inside China, we will take effective and necessary action.
On the third question, the Chinese government has never made such declaration. We are not aware of the specifics of the DPRK's nuclear programme. The DPRK made a nuclear test on October 9, and the Chinese government has expressed resolute opposition to it.
On your fourth question, please refer yourself to the spokesman of the NDRC and he will give you more detailed information.
On the fifth question, it is a false and groundless judgment that China does not fully support the implementation of Resolution 1718 out of the concern of iron ore import from the DPRK. China implements Resolution 1718 firmly and comprehensively because it is in compliance with the interest of China. Besides, sanction itself is not the purpose. It should serve the goal of settling the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula by diplomacy through dialogue and consultation and be conducive to peace and stability on the Peninsula.
The last question, China and the DPRK have normal economic exchanges and trade including import and export of goods. Normal trade is not restricted by Resolution 1718. I think the enterprises will have their own judgment on their future normal trade cooperation with the DPRK. The Chinese government will not interfere with their decisions.
Q: Who will Ban Ki-Moon meet with during his visit to China? Is there any kind of contact between China and the ROK on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula?
A: During Mr. Ban Ki-Moon's working visit to China from October 27 to 28, President Hu Jintao, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will meet with him and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will hold talks with him. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon is now the UN Secretary-General-elect and Foreign Minister of the ROK. I believe the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula will be an important question during his talks with Chinese leaders.
Q: How do you assess Kim Jong Il's comment?
A: During State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan's visit to the DPRK, both sides had in-depth discussions on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. We believe there is some positive information turning up. After that, the DPRK side expressed their willingness to return to the Six-party Talks through other channel which is also positive information worth noting. At present there are two key aspects for the settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, first, parties concerned shall continue to maintain calm in handling the issue to prevent the situation from going out of control or causing turbulence. Second, it is imperative for all parties to make joint efforts to resume the Six-party Talks as soon as possible. Parties involved can sit around the negotiating table to have indepth discussions on the handling of the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the realization of the denuclearization of the peninsula. This is in the common interest of all parties.
If there are no more questions, thank you for your presence.
翻译稿：
2006年10月24日外交部发言人刘建超在例行记者会上答记者问
2006年10月24日下午，外交部发言人刘建超主持例行记者会。
刘建超：各位下午好！首先我有几条消息提供给大家。
应国务院总理温家宝邀请，俄罗斯联邦政府总理米哈伊尔·叶菲莫维奇·弗拉德科夫将于11月9日至10日对中国进行正式访问，同温家宝总理举行中俄总理第十一次定期会晤，并共同出席“俄罗斯年”闭幕式有关活动。
此前，国务院副总理吴仪将于11月7日同俄罗斯联邦政府副总理茹科夫举行中俄总理定期会晤委员会第十次会议，国务委员陈至立将于11月6日同茹科夫副总理举行中俄教文卫体合作委员会第七次会议。
应中国政府邀请，候任联合国秘书长、韩国外长潘基文将于10月27日至28日来华进行工作访问。
中非合作论坛北京峰会即将在北京召开。为了大家能更好地了解有关的信息，除了在上星期请六部委司局级负责人向大家介绍了中非合作的基本情况之外，10月26日（星期四）上午10：00在新闻发布厅，外交部部长助理翟隽先生和商务部副部长魏建国先生将就论坛的有关情况和中非合作的各方面情况举行一个吹风会。他们会向大家更全面地介绍会议及中非合作有关情况，阐述中国对非合作的原则立场，他们也将回答大家的提问，欢迎大家届时出席吹风会。
下面我愿意回答大家的提问。
问：世界银行行长沃尔福威茨称，中国的银行向非洲国家发放贷款时忽视人权标准，你对此有何评论？据报道，金正日总书记在同唐家璇国务委员会见时为朝鲜进行核试验道歉，而且说不会再进行核试验。西方驻京外交官称相关报道不准确，请问他是否为核试道歉，是否谈到进行第二次核试验的问题？还有一些报道说，有几名中国人在中国兜售可用来制造核武器的铀被捕，请证实并介绍情况。
答：关于第一个问题，中国不能接受有关中国向非洲国家提供资金、经济方面的援助损害了非洲人权状况的说法。这样的指责是没有根据的。中国在对外交往中历来采取不干涉其他国家内政的原则。中国不接受别的国家把他们的价值观念、社会制度和意识形态强加于中国；同时，也不会把自己的价值观念、社会制度和意识形态强加给其他国家。中国同非洲各国在平等互利的基础上开展贸易合作，有利于改善非洲国家人民生活水平，有利于非洲经济和社会各项事业的发展。
关于第二个问题，你所援引的有关报道并不准确。我没有听说金正日总书记向中国进行道歉的说法。唐家璇国务委员访问朝鲜期间，同朝鲜领导人就当前半岛局势等问题非常深入、坦率地交换了意见。朝方重申了坚持六方会谈和实现半岛无核化的意愿。他也表示，朝方没有进行第二次核试验的计划，但是如果外界施加更大的不公正的压力，朝鲜有可能考虑采取进一步的措施。
关于第三个问题，我也是刚刚从报道中看到了有关的消息。在记者会之前，我也和相关部门联系，现在还没有得到准确信息。但是，中国在控制敏感物项方面的有关政策和措施都是明确的，不允许任何人通过非正当手段私下从事敏感品物项包括放射性物品的交易。
问：22日你谈到保钓人员登钓鱼岛问题的说法有所不同。中国政府对钓鱼岛问题的政策是否有变化？
答：中国在钓鱼岛问题上的立场没有任何变化。我在上星期日发表的谈话中已明确阐述了中国政府的立场。
问：中国政府对朝鲜的制裁是否已经开始？几号开始？具体措施是什么？
答：中国一如既往认真执行联合国安理会的有关决议。中国已经形成了一整套切实可行的机制和成熟的做法。我们认真履行中国在联合国决议中承担的各项义务，另一方面，我们认为制裁本身不是目的，有关举措应服务于通过对话协商、通过外交手段解决朝鲜半岛核问题，实现半岛无核化和东北亚和平稳定这个总目标。各方不应任意解释或扩大制裁，特别要防止对抗和局势恶化。
问：中国四个国有银行都停止了对朝鲜的外汇汇款业务，这被视为中国对朝鲜的制裁措施之一，但是联合国决议并不包括停止对朝汇款的内容。请问中国政府对有关报道有何反应？
答：在严格遵守联合国安理会决议的同时，中国政府不干预中国银行从事的正常商业活动。
问：据报道，香港搜查了一艘朝鲜的货船，是否发现了违规物项？
答：关于你提到的具体问题，我没有更多的消息。我想告诉你的是，中国政府严格负责任地遵守并履行1718决议所承担的各项义务。对在中国境内发生的任何违反1718号决议的行为，中国政府会采取必要的措施履行自己的义务。
问：韩国媒体报道称中朝边境已关闭。请介绍情况。中朝边境贸易的情况如何？
答：我在这里向大家介绍过了，中朝边境地区的情况是正常的。有些传闻的由来可能因为中朝边境曾于10月10日关闭过。10月10日是朝鲜劳动党的建党纪念日。根据惯例，中朝边境历年在这一天都是关闭的。10日之后，中朝边境正常开放。
问：请问唐家璇向朝鲜方面转达了什么信息？据报道，中国正在考虑减少对朝石油的供应量。请证实。据报道，印尼总统近期将访华，请介绍有关情况。
答：关于唐家璇国务委员访问朝鲜的问题，我没有更多的消息向大家提供了，请大家谅解。
关于第二个问题，我没有听说中国正在考虑减少对朝某方面的援助。
关于第三个问题，本月底在广西南宁将召开中国东盟确立正式对话关系15周年的纪念峰会。东盟十国领导人和中国国务院总理温家宝将出席会议。有几个国家的领导人还要顺访中国。至于访问的具体情况，我会适时向你介绍。
问：联合国官员周一称，朝鲜正面临严重的粮食短缺。请问中国是否有计划增加向朝鲜的粮食援助？另据报道，中国正在减少对朝石油供应，请证实。
答：向朝鲜人民提供一些援助，以帮助他们克服一些困难，改善他们的民生，提高生活水平，是中国政府的一贯政策，这是有利于半岛局势稳定和朝鲜人民的政策。目前，我没有听说减少向朝鲜提供石油供应。同朝鲜开展正常的经贸往来，提供经济援助，不是联合国安理会1718号决议所禁止的行为。
问：你能否证实中朝边境已加强管控，如架设铁丝网等障碍物，解放军是否已增派部队到中朝边境？第二，一朝鲜货船在香港被扣押，这是否与执行联合国安理会决议有关？第三，请介绍一下两名中国人涉嫌倒卖核材料案的具体情况。第四，中国曾表示，朝鲜没有任何核武器。而事实证明朝鲜的确拥有核武器，你对此有何评论？第五，伊拉克石油部长今晚是否到中国开始访问，中方对此访有何期待，双方将签署哪些协议？第六，有人看到朝鲜的铁矿石运送至中国的南平，中国是否非常需要铁矿石？这是否也是中国不全力支持对朝采取强硬制裁措施的原因？
答：你好像很久没有参加过我们的记者会了，你的有些信息似乎不太准确。
第一个问题，我在前几次记者会上介绍了中国加强边境管控的措施。这些措施是为了保证边境地区的安宁和稳定，从上世纪90年代就开始了，不是什么新做法，大家不要把它同朝鲜半岛目前的局势联系起来。我没有听说中国增派部队到中朝边境。我想再次重申，中朝边境情况是正常的。
第二个问题，中国将严格地、负责任地履行中国在联合国安理会1718号决议中所承担的各项义务。如果在中国境内发现违反1718号决议的事情，中国将采取有效的、必要的行动。
第三个问题，我也是从媒体上刚刚看到，我正在同有关部门进行联系，查清是怎么一回事。我刚才已表明了中国政府在有关问题上的立场。我们在管控放射性物质方面依法采取严格的措施，如果有人违法，中国有关部门将依法采取必要的措施。
第四个问题，中国政府从来没有进行过这样的表态。我们对朝鲜核计划的具体情况，并不知情。朝方在10月9日进行了核试验，中国政府已经对此表示了坚决反对的态度。
第五个问题，伊拉克石油部长访华的问题，请问发改委发言人，他会给你更详细的答复。
第六个问题，认为中国因担心减少从朝鲜铁矿石的进口，而不全力支持1718号决议的执行。这是一个错误的判断，不符合事实。中国坚决地、不折不扣地、全面履行联合国安理会1718号决议，因为这样做也符合中国的利益。另一方面，制裁不是目的，制裁要服务于通过对话、协商和外交途径解决朝鲜半岛核问题的目标，服务于维护朝鲜半岛和平稳定的目标。
追问：我的同事上星期看到有铁矿石从朝鲜运到中国，你是说中朝之间没有铁矿贸易吗？如果有，是否违反了联合国安理会的制裁决议？
答：中朝之间有着正常的经贸往来，也有货物的进出口贸易，正常的贸易不受联合国安理会1718号决议的限制。我相信有关的企业将根据他们的判断与朝方继续进行正常的贸易合作，中国政府对此不予干预。
问：潘基文访华会和中方的哪些领导人会面？关于朝鲜半岛核问题，中韩会有哪些接触？
答：潘基文先生27日至28日对华工作访问期间，胡锦涛主席、唐家璇国务委员将同他会见，李肇星外长将同他进行会谈。潘基文先生目前是候任的联合国秘书长，同时是韩国的外长。我相信朝鲜半岛核问题将是他与中方领导人讨论的一个重要问题。
问：中国政府如何评价金正日的表态？
答：唐家璇国务委员在朝鲜进行访问期间，双方就朝鲜半岛核问题进行了深入的讨论。我们也认为出现了一些积极的信息。在这之后，朝鲜方面也通过其他渠道表示，朝鲜愿意重新回到六方会谈。这也是值得我们注意的积极信息。目前解决朝鲜半岛核问题关键有两个方面，第一，各方要继续冷静应对，避免因对抗导致局势失控、动荡。第二，当务之急是要通过各方共同努力，尽快恢复六方会谈，使各方坐在一起，就下一步如何处理当前朝鲜半岛的局势、实现朝鲜半岛的无核化进行深入的讨论，这也是符合各方的共同利益的。
问：你说朝鲜愿意回到六方会谈，中方是否对六方会谈能在今年内恢复感到乐观？另外，你说朝鲜表示不会再进行第二次核试验，除非面临外部压力。中方如何理解外部压力？
答：第一个问题，中方同其他有关各方就朝鲜半岛核问题、恢复六方会谈进行了密集的磋商。大家从最近中方采取的一系列外交行动方面也能看到这一点。但是，在目前的情况下，尽快恢复六方会谈的道路并不是那么平坦，需要各方作出积极的、艰苦的努力。我们认为不管道路多么曲折，任务多么困难，只要有希望通过对话和谈判解决朝鲜半岛核问题，各方都应朝着这个方向作出共同努力。同时，我们也注意到各方一些积极的表态，比如目前六方都认为应该恢复六方会谈。当然如何恢复六方会谈，各方还存在分歧。现在需要各方进行密切沟通协商，找到一个大家能够接受的一个办法。
第二个问题，如果你有机会的话，建议你还是问一下朝鲜方面。
如果没有其他问题，谢谢大家出席。