Kong: Good afternoon. I shall begin with an announcement.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Lassana Traore of the Republic of Mali will pay an official visit to China from July 15th to 20th.

With that, I’m happy to take your questions.

Q: A ROK photographer was arrested in Shandong this January. Sources say that it was discussed between China and ROK this week. Can you confirm? What’s your comment?

A: The question wasn’t discussed in the talks that I participated. We have briefed you on the case. China will handle it in accordance with law. Our position has been stated on different occasions, which is, China is against the political activities of some so-called NGOs to make use of the DPRK people who entered China illegally. I’ll update you if I have anything new about the case.

Q: It’s reported that DPRK conducted the explosive test that could ignite nuclear devices. The question relating to that is, a Vice Premier of China is reported to be visiting DPRK at the end of this month. Can you confirm that and tell us, which Vice Premier will pay the visit? During his talks with China, did the Spanish Foreign Minister bring up the issue of the submarine the US proposed to be made by Spain? What’s your position on that?

A: I am not aware of the situation there in DPRK, which you described in your first question. But our position has been stated on various occasions, which is, we should ensure the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and we are opposed to a Korean Peninsula with nuclear weapons. We believe that under the current situation, the rational security concerns of DPRK must be addressed. The ultimate goal is to maintain peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, East Asia and the whole of Asia at large.

The answer to your second question can be found in my response to the question raised by your Japanese colleague two days ago. Up to now, I have nothing new to add. But China has been working on various parties, promoting communication and dialogue between them. We hope to press ahead to find the best and most effective way to break the stalemate and dissolve disputes. We have never ceased efforts of the kind and we will continue to work on it.

You asked about whether the sale of submarine to Taiwan was brought up during the Spanish Foreign Minister’s visit. The position and attitude of the Chinese Government is very clear. We are resolutely opposed to any country providing or selling weapons or weaponries of whatever form to Taiwan. During the talks, the Spanish Foreign Minister expressed its respect of China’s position. China gave credit to that, noting that the proper handling of the Taiwan question serves as the political basis for sound relationship between China and those having diplomatic ties with China.

Q: The intelligence department of ROK noted yesterday that North Korea reprocessed some nuclear fuel rods in Nyongbyong and had the test of explosives that could ignite nuclear devices. Was that discussed during the summit meeting between China and ROK? Does China agree with what the ROK intelligence department said?

A: I am not aware of the things you said. I deem it necessary to reiterate our position, which is, China is opposed to a Korean Peninsula with nuclear weapons. Denuclearization is of key importance to a peaceful and stable Peninsula. I didn’t hear any discussion over the details of the question during the talks between President Hu Jintao and President Roh Moo-hyun. But I do note the consensus reached between them. First, to keep the Peninsula nuclear free; second, to maintain its peace and stability; third, to settle the nuclear question peacefully through dialogue.
  
Q: In the China-ROK joint statement, China hopes to see ROK playing a role as the party concerned. Can you be more specific in explaining what does the “party concerned” mean? Does that mean that China agrees to include ROK to the multilateral talks? How about Japan and Russia? Are they parties concerned too?

A: ROK is definitely a party concerned in the Korean Peninsula, which has only two countries in there, namely ROK and DPRK. We have stressed on many occasions that China has no problem with regard to how many participants we should have in the talks. We welcome and endorse the contribution of various parties to the endeavor of seeking a peaceful settlement of the Korean nuclear question through dialogue. The key at the moment is to dissolve conflicts and enhance communication. It takes some time. Beijing talks in April have been a sound start, which various parties give credit. Japan, ROK and Russia all recognize the progress and significance of the talks. As a good start to solve the nuclear question peacefully, Beijing talks must be continued.

Things happened in the Korean Peninsula; the nuclear issue in particular, bears upon East Asia and the whole of Asia at large. Various parties are very much concerned about it. In that sense, all the countries in the region are parties concerned. Because peace and stability of the region bears on all in the region.

Q: The ROK Yonhap News Agency reported couple of days ago that Beijing wanted to add, “Taiwan question belongs to China’s internal affairs” to the joint statement. But ROK has some worries and declined to do so. What’s your comment to that?

A: In the joint statement, China reiterated that there’s but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, which ROK expressed full understanding and respect. It reaffirmed that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. ROK will continue to stick to the “one China” stand. I think that your question was clearly answered in the stand.

If you don’t have any other questions, I’d like to read you a brief notice. As we usually do, our press conference will adjourn through July 22 to August 28. During the break, you can still dial the number of the Spokesperson’s Office to ask questions. Besides, the International Press Center of our department will arrange tours inside and outside Beijing to help you understand China fully and deeply.