On the afternoon of April 2, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions over the situation on the Korean Peninsula, G20 Summit, the meeting between Chinese and US leaders, China-France relations and etc.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. To start with, I'd like to extend warm welcome to friends from the Malawi press delegation and wish you a pleasant stay in China which will help you better understand China and China-Malawi relations.

Now, I have several announcements to make.

At the invitation of the US Government and the Singaporean Government, State Councilor Liu Yandong will pay official visits to the US and Singapore and have extensive exchanges on bilateral relations and issues of common interest with the two governments and people from all circles.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mr. Kadyrbek Sarbayev, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, will pay an official visit to China from April 5 to 7.

At the invitation of the Chinese Government, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will visit China from April 3 to 10.

Now the floor is open.

Q: I wonder whether or not China believes that any rocket launch by the DPRK should be a matter of discussion at the UN Security Council? If so, will China support a resolution or will only support a statement from the Security Council?

A: I'd rather not comment on things that yet to happen. China is closely following the relevant developments. Under the current circumstances, parties concerned should exercise calmness, restraint and caution and refrain from taking any action that may further complicate the situation. It is an obligation of all parties to safeguard peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia and to press ahead with the Six-Party Talks.

Q: Parties at the G20 Summit will discuss financial regulation and counter-tax-evasion. Mr. Sarkozy said that China is likely to oppose the blacklist of "tax havens" at the Summit because of Hong Kong and Macao. It is reported that China could be the main obstacle of a consensus on this. What is your position?

A: I haven't seen the remarks you refer to as made by French President Sarkozy. But I can tell you responsibly that China is a responsible country. Since the beginning of the financial crisis, China has upheld that the international community strength cooperation and pull together in times of trouble, tackle and overcome the crisis. China has kept its words. We are taking an active part and have played a constructive role in the international discussion on handling the international financial crisis, reforming the international financial and monetary system and strengthening financial regulation. We can not accept that "China is an obstacle". Instead, China is a constructive partner and an active facilitator. We have made our positions and propositions clear on many occasions.

On the issue of "tax havens", China actively supports the concerted international efforts to strengthen financial regulation, combat tax evasion and support international cooperation in this regard. We resolutely oppose listing China's Hong Kong and Macau SARs as "tax havens", which is an unfounded accusation.

Q: Do you have any information about the possible visit of President Chavez of Venezuela to China? Can you also confirm if there is going to be a meeting between the presidents of China and France in London?

A: On President Chavez's visit to China, I don't have further information right now. We welcome him and are in contact with Venezuela on the visit.

On the meeting between the presidents of China and France, President Hu Jintao has already met with President Sarkozy in London.

Q: I have two questions. First, Chinese and US leaders reached consensus on holding the Strategic and Economic Dialogue during their meeting. Have they discussed military contacts between the two countries? When can China-US military relations return to normal? Second, the foreign ministries of China and France issued a Press Communiqué yesterday. Is a press communiqué a rather informal text? Will China and France issue a more formal text?

A: During President Hu Jintao's meeting with President Obama, the two heads of state agreed to be committed to developing military-to-military relationship and promoting its continuous improvement and growth.

The Press Communiqué between China and France is a very formal and serious document reached after rounds of conscientious consultations. I think you probably have noted that earlier today Beijing time, President Hu Jintao held a bilateral meeting with President Sarkozy, during which the two sides exchanged views on further improvement and development of bilateral relations. President Hu also expounded China's principled position on Tibet-related issues and others.

Q: You announced the other day that Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the China-ASEAN Summit in Thailand this April. Could you provide more details? What will China bring to this summit? And I was wondering how far is the relationship between China and ASEAN?

A: Premier Wen Jiabao will attend meetings to be held in Thailand from April 10 to 12, including the 12th China-ASEAN Summit, the 12th ASEAN plus 3 Summit, the 4th East Asia Summit and China-Japan-ROK Breakfast Meeting.

The meetings of great importance will be held under the severe circumstances of the escalating and spreading international financial crisis. China is looking forward to the meetings, which will further enhance East Asia cooperation and boost the confidence of East Asian countries in responding to the financial crisis. We also hope that East Asian countries can join their hands in tiding over the crisis and the difficulties.

At the meetings, Premier Wen will fully affirm the new progress in 10+1 cooperation, speak positively of 10+3 cooperation, especially in the financial field, expound China's views on recent developments in East Asia as well as China's policies on East Asia Cooperation, and put forward a number of pragmatic initiatives on how to strengthen cooperation among 10+3, 10+1, in East Asia and between China, Japan and the ROK.

Enjoying good relations, China and ASEAN have established a strategic partnership oriented towards peace and prosperity. The two parties have agreed upon 11 major areas of cooperation and maintained sound communication and coordination in regional and international affairs. Both as important trade partners, the two countries have conducted smooth exchanges and cooperation in political, economic, trade, cultural and social fields. Under the current circumstances, China, ASEAN and ASEAN countries all face the common challenge of the international financial crisis. China stands ready to work together with ASEAN and ASEAN countries to tide over the financial crisis, strengthen cooperation in economic, trade, financial and other fields, push forward China-ASEAN relations and regional cooperation, and build a peaceful, stable, and win-win regional environment of equality, mutual benefit and cooperation.

Q: What is the difference between the new mechanism of "China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue" and the "China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue" during the Bush Administration? Why the framework of the China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue is changed?

A: You asked about the differences between the "China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue" and the "China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue". First of all, there is one more word. But it is not a mere increase in number of words. It reflected the deepened understanding of China and the U.S. on enhancing cooperation and the growing importance of bilateral cooperation.

As for the level of the dialogues, the former "China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue" is chaired by the special representatives of the head of state from each side respectively, namely Mr. Wang Qishan, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, and Mr. Henry Paulson, the then U.S. Treasury Secretary. In the new mechanism of "China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue", the head of state of each side nominates two special representatives to preside over the Strategic Dialogue and the Economic Dialogue respectively, which means the Strategic Dialogue and the Economic Dialogue have been raised to the same height. China's representative to host the Economic Dialogue is Mr. Wang Qishan, Vice Premier of the State Council, whose counterpart is Mr. Timothy Geithner, the current U.S. Treasury Secretary. China's representative to host the Strategic Dialogue is Mr. Dai Bingguo, State Councilor, whose counterpart is Ms. Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State. What has been changed here is that the former China-U.S. Strategic Dialogue is not at the level of special representative of the head of state, but now it has been raised to a new level, which will be co-hosted by the special representatives of the heads of state of two countries respectively.

As for the frequency of the dialogue, the former "China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue" was held twice annually, and the "China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue" will be held once annually in principle.

I talked about some differences, but there is something in common as well. No matter it is "China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue" or "China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue", both China and the U.S. attach great importance to them. Both are important mechanisms and platforms to promote mutual trust and cooperation through dialogue and communication. The two sides are able to have an in-depth exchange of views on global issues, especially those concerning the overall, strategic and long-term interest of Sino-U.S. relations with a view to promoting bilateral dialogue and cooperation in various areas. The two mechanisms of Strategic Economic Dialogue and Strategic Dialogue during the Bush Administration have laid a sound foundation for today's Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which are well connected. We are willing to work with the U.S. side to further maintain and promote the "China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue" for more substantive achievements.

Follow-up: Given the regular exchanges through diplomatic channels, why is it necessary for China and the US to include the strategic dialogue into the Strategic and Economic Dialogue? Since the Dialogue will only be held once a year, does that indicate it is less important?

Q: The questions you have raised are technical. First, no matter once or twice a year, the importance of the Dialogue lies in its substance. I believe you could tell the significance attached to the Strategic and Economic Dialogue when you compare the previous two mechanisms, namely the strategic dialogue and the Strategic Economic Dialogue, with the just-established one or have a look at the level of the Special Representatives responsible for the two tracks.

Surely, a new administration will take new moves. As I just said, the new mechanism, to certain extent a successor of the previous ones is decided by the two sides in light of the developments of the situation and the requirement of dialogue and cooperation. It fully demonstrates the shared aspiration of China and the US to build positive, comprehensive and cooperative ties for the 21st century.

Q: Has China made any technical preparation for the eventualities after the DPRK's rocket launch? Does China have any backup plan if the launch is misfired? My second question is about China-France relations. Is the Tibet issue the main divergence between the two sides?

A: On your first question, at the current stage, the main task for China is to call on relevant parties to exercise restraint, calmness and caution so as to refrain from taking any action that might further complicate the situation. We hope all parties proceed from the overall situation and long-term interest and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability and the Six-Party Talks.

Over the past period, the China-France relations have witnessed some twists and turns, or severe difficulties caused by reason known to all. We are glad to see the bilateral ties have overcome the difficulties and thus improved. In the press release issued by the two Foreign Ministries yesterday, France made solemn commitment to the one-China policy and the position that Tibet is an integral part of the Chinese territory and it refuses to support any form of "Tibet independence", which is appreciated by China. China has always placed emphasis on its ties with France, and stood ready to work with France to boost exchanges and cooperation in light of the fundamental norms governing international relations including mutual respect, equal treatment and non-interference in each other's internal affairs so that the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership can press ahead in a sound and stable way.

Q: Did President Hu Jintao or President Obama discuss the confrontation between the Chinese and US vessels on the South China Sea? Have they reached any consensus on how to prevent similar incidents?

A: As far as I know, they touched upon relevant issues whereas China has expounded on its position.

Q: You just said that China appreciates France's position of refusing to support any form of "Tibet independence", does it mean that the Chinese Government is satisfied with that? Besides, does China view meeting with Dalai a form of supporting "Tibet independence"?

A: I'll leave it to you to find out the meaning of "appreciation" and "satisfaction".

I want to point out that in the press release, the position of France on Tibet-related issues is clear-cut and the meaning is explicit. We hope France follow the principle and spirit of the communiqué, work together with China to safeguard and promote sound, stable and smooth development of bilateral ties.

Q: Do you mean that French leaders should never meet with Dalai or grant him visas? Is it China that decides the meaning of "Tibet independence" activities?

A: The Chinese Government's position on Tibet-related issues is consistent, clear-cut and resolute. We firmly oppose Dalai engaging in separatist activities abroad in whatever name or form, firmly oppose any official contact with Dalai by any country. We are resolutely against any country using Tibet-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs. In the press release, France has made solemn commitment in the clear and explicit expression on Tibet-related issues. We hope that France honor the principle and spirit of the communiqué so as to jointly ensure sound development of China-France relations.

What I have to emphasize is, not a single country in the world recognizes the "Tibet independence" or the so-called "Tibetan Government in exile", which is a proof of the consensus in the international community. The activities aimed to split China and undermine China's relations with other countries by a handful of "Tibet independence" forces are increasingly evident to countries and people worldwide. This is not labeled by China, rather, it is an international consensus. It is an issue of compliance with international laws and universally-recognized norms, a matter of respect for core interest and major concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. The Chinese Government never obliges any country to do anything beyond this. We only ask all other countries, including France, to follow international laws and norms governing international relations.

If there are no more questions, thank you for coming!