On the afternoon of February 9, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Ma Zhaoxu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to today's press conference. Let's start directly with your questions.

Q: It is reported that relevant parties have expressed concerns over Iran's recent announcement of its plan to produce enriched uranium of 20% purity by itself and proposed to impose sanctions on Iran. How does China comment?

A: China has taken note of relevant reports. We hope and support all parties concerned to reach early agreement on the draft deal proposed by the IAEA on the fuel supply of Tehran's research reactor, which will help properly resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.

Q: On the recent Munich Security Conference, Secretary General of NATO Rasmussen noted that NATO should be the center of consultations on international security affairs and called for closer relations with such countries as China, Russia, India and Brazil. How does China comment?

A: We have noticed that in recent years, NATO has been in transformation and formulating new strategic visions. We hope the transformation and adjustment of NATO will benefit international and regional peace and stability. In recent years, China has had some contact with NATO and is ready to continue relevant engagement with it based on the new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination.

Q: Minister Wang Jiarui of the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC recently visited the DPRK. Kim Kye Gwan, head of the DPRK delegation to the Six-Party Talks visited China today and Pascoe, the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General visited the DPRK. Do these moves signal that the Six-Party Talks will resume soon?

A: You may have seen relevant reports. Minister Wang Jiarui of the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC recently visited the DPRK. Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the DPRK, met with him and his delegation. Minister Wang conveyed to Kim Jong Il the message of President Hu Jintao that the CPC and the Chinese Government attach great importance to China-DPRK relations and are ready to work with the DPRK for deeper traditional friendship, stronger pragmatic cooperation and proper settlement of the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue as well as to make joint efforts for peace, stability and common development on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.

Kim Jong Il stressed that it is the DPRK's consistent position to realize denuclearization on the Peninsula and it's imperative for all parties concerned to invest sincere efforts for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. To this end, the DPRK side is ready to step up consultation and coordination with China.

As for the Six-Party Talks, the situation of the Korean Peninsula has eased recently, bringing opportunities to the resumption of the Talks and the denuclearization of the Peninsula. The Korean Peninsular nuclear issue is complicated and sensitive, bearing on the interests of all parties. Only a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation as well as political and diplomatic means is the correct option in the common interest of all parties. Parties concerned should make concerted efforts to continue engagement and dialogue, display flexibility and create conditions and atmosphere for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. China is ready to work unremittingly with other parties concerned and the international community for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the normalization of relations between relevant countries and the lasting peace and tranquility of Northeast Asia.

Just now you mentioned the special envoy of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited Beijing. I can confirm that Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with him this morning. They exchanged views on the situation of the Korean Peninsula and issues of mutual interest. Under Secretary General Pascoe has left Beijing for the DPRK.

Q: The US court has sentenced a Chinese American engineer to jail for economic espionage. How does China comment? President-elect of Costa Rica said she would enhance trade and investment relations with China after taking office. How does China react?

A: The so-called "espionage activities" of China in the US is groundless and out of ulterior motives. Some people are keen on fabricating and playing up the so-called stories of Chinese spies. This is nothing new.

We have noticed the smooth presidential election of Costa Rica. President Hu Jintao has sent a message of congratulations to President-elect Laura Chinchilla.

Over the past two years of diplomatic relations, great progress has been made in bilateral relations. In recent years, under the joint efforts of both sides, there has been growing political mutual trust, expanding trade and economic cooperation, dynamic culture and people-to-people relations and sound cooperation in international affairs. The Chinese Government highly values its friendly and cooperative relations with Costa Rica and stands ready to work with Costa Rica for deeper mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation and all-round development of bilateral relations.

Q: Preliminary results of the second round of the Ukraine's presidential election revealed today that Tymoshenko the current Prime Minister may lose. How do you comment?

A: China has noted Ukraine's presidential election and its latest developments. As a friendly country of Ukraine, China sincerely hopes to see it achieve political stability, economic development with its people leading peaceful and prosperous life. We also hope China-Ukraine relations continue to maintain a momentum of friendly development.

Q: First, some international critics say China's recent tough reactions to the US arms sales to Taiwan is a manifestation of its growing national strength which makes it more assertive internationally in seeking a leading role in world affairs. This serves as another proof of the power politics theory that a big power is bound to seek hegemony. How do you comment? Second, it is known that the medical team dispatched by the Chinese Government is heading back. Please brief us on their work and cooperation with the international organizations in Haiti.

A: On your first question, I think the viewpoint holds no water. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made comprehensive elaboration on this issue at the recent Munich Security Conference.

I'd like to stress that China always pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and is committed to developing friendly cooperation with countries around the world on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. We always hold that countries, big or small, weak or strong, poor or rich, are equal members of the international community. China has never bullied other countries or intervened in their internal affairs. Nor will it allow other countries to meddle with China's internal affairs or undermine China's sovereignty and security. We have been thus doing and will continue to do so.

We are sober-minded about the fact that China remains to be a developing country and has a long way to go before it can achieve modernization. With its growing national strength, China will keep playing a constructive role in international affairs and meanwhile shoulder due international responsibilities and obligations.

I want to emphasize that China follows the path of peaceful development. It does not seek hegemony. Nor will it do so when it is developed in the future.

On your second question, though the Foreign Ministry is not the competent authorities, I still would like to share with you the information I've got.

Upon arriving at Port-Au-Prince, Haiti on January 25 local time, the medical team dispatched by the Chinese Government immediately launched the post-disaster medical work. By February 5, the team had treated 3,260 local patients, handed out 20,000 fliers on water sanitation and epidemic prevention. The team members carried out disinfection in shelters for the victims and achieve good results.

The team also strengthened communication and coordination with international institutions including World Health Organization. The Chinese team is the only medical team that made comprehensive efforts in epidemic supervision, treatment and prevention. Mulet, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and acting head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, appreciated China's support to the UN and highly praised the team's excellent performance.

According to what I've learnt, the team will be back in Beijing on February 10.

Besides, relief supplies worth of 30 million RMB provided by the Chinese Government has all arrived at Haiti.

Q: China has planned to impose anti-dumping duties on US chicken products. Is this related to US arms sales to Taiwan?

A: I can't see any connection between the two. I have elaborated many times on China's position on US arms sales to Taiwan from this podium. As for the dumping of chicken, I'll leave it to the competent authorities, the Ministry of Commerce for more information.

Q: According to recent reports, melamine tainted milk powder is found in China again. Will it hurt the reputation of Chinese products again?

A: You know that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not in charge. You may check it with the competent authorities. I hope and believe that you will get an authoritative and accurate answer. If you have difficulties in contacting them, we would like to help you.

Q: India recently made a successfully tested an Agni-III middle-range ballistic missile. An official from Indian Defense Ministry said it is targeted at its major enemies in the north. Experts say the missile could cover half of China. How do you comment?

A: I do not want to make too much interpretation or comment on this specific report. I want to point out that China-India relations have maintained a good momentum of development. The two countries have kept frequent exchanges of high-level visits and extensive and in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Friendly cooperation is the mainstream of the relationship between the two countries. China is not a threat to India and vice versa. I believe that with our joint efforts, China-India relationship will continue to move forward.

Q: Firstly, could you make specific comments on Iran's plan to produce 20% enriched uranium? Secondly, France and the US vowed to step up sanctions against Iran, including its banks and companies. What's your specific comment?

A: I have made accurate and specific answer to your first question and have no more to add.

As for sanctions against Iran, the P5 plus one have recently exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue. We hope relevant parties will intensify diplomatic efforts and press ahead with the dialogue and negotiation process.

Q: Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan of the DPRK arrived in Beijing today. What is the purpose of his visit? Have officials from the Chinese Foreign Ministry met with him?

A: I do not have information to provide.

Q: China has informed the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of its domestic voluntary mitigation actions, but did not specify whether it will sign on the Copenhagen Accord. Please brief us on China's position on this issue.

A: China has notified the Secretariat of the UNFCCC of its domestic voluntary mitigation actions and released the information. The National Development and Reform Commission has also elaborated on it.

Q: Will Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei continue to act as head of the Chinese delegation to the Six-Party Talks or a newly-appointed Vice Foreign Minister will take over?

A: Firstly, the Six-Party Talks is yet to be resumed, so it may be too early to talk about who will head the delegation. Secondly, the principal official of the Foreign Ministry in charge of Asian affairs will also cover Korean Peninsular affairs. As for who will be head of the Chinese delegation, you will get the answer when the Six-Party Talks resume.

Q: Iran said that the enriched uranium will be used for its research reactor. Is China satisfied with this explanation? If China opposes sanctions against Iran, what measures do you think relevant parties should take at the next stage?

A: I have expounded on China's position in detail and have nothing more to add.

Thank you and see you next time!