Q: Yesterday, the spokesperson of the US Department of State made some comments on the constitutional development issue in Hong Kong, saying that if the Hong Kong people can make a genuine choice of the candidates representative of their will, the legitimacy of the chief executive will be greatly enhanced. How does China comment on this?
A: The constitutional development is interior affairs of Hong Kong and China, which allows no interference of other countries. The Chinese government is firmly opposed to any form of intervention from any foreign country.
Q: Given the current situation in Iraq, will China consider a large-scale evacuation of Chinese citizens in Iraq? What measures will be taken and when will the operation start?
A: After the fighting started in Iraq, the Chinese government has been paying great attention to the security of Chinese personnel and companies in Iraq. The Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in Iraq immediately initiated the contingency mechanism and have been carrying out intensive work, making an assessment of the security situation Chinese personnel and companies in Iraq are in and preparing for the evacuation of companies and personnel who are stuck in areas facing a grave security situation. Over the past days, the Chinese embassy in Iraq has maintained close and frequent communications with relevant departments in Iraq, and required the Iraqi side to create conditions and provide reliable protection for China's evacuation efforts and ensure Chinese citizens' safety. The Chinese embassy in Iraq is proceeding with the close cooperation with the Iraqi government and the army on a precise assessment of the security situation so as to guarantee a swift, secure and orderly evacuation of Chinese personnel. For security reasons, I am afraid there is only limited information concerning specific arrangement that I can offer to you. However, I want to reiterate that the Chinese government pays high attention to the security of Chinese personnel and companies in Iraq, and we will make all-out efforts as we always do to take measures in accordance with the security situation there to ensure a timely, safe and orderly evacuation.
Q: The US Ambassador to China Max Baucus made a speech yesterday saying that Sino-US relations are one of the most significant bilateral ties, and that enhanced cooperation between the two countries is helpful to further build mutual trust and resolve disputes. Baucus also said that China's cyber theft of trade secrets is a threat to the national security of the US. What is China's comment on this?
A: We have noted the report. The stable and sound development of Sino-US relations is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, as well as peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific and the whole world. We hope that China and the US can act in accordance with the important consensus reached by the two heads of state in the Sunny Land last June, promote dialogue, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, resolve the disputes in a constructive way and continuously push forward the new model of major country relationship between China and the US.
As two major countries differing in social systems, historical culture and national realities, it is only natural for China and the US to differ from each other on certain issues. The key is how to properly view and address these differences. We hope that the American side can respect China's interests and concerns, do more things that are conducive to bilateral mutual trust and cooperation and take concrete moves to maintain the general picture of bilateral relations.
China's principles and positions on cyber security have been reiterated before, to which you may refer.
Q: According to media report, the UN Security Council passed a resolution on June 25 which extended for one year the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) in Mali. How does China comment on the role played by the Mission? Please brief us on China's participation in the Mission.
A: Since the deployment in last April, the Mission has actively performed its duty in compliance with the mandate of the UN resolution and played a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in Mali. Given the current fragile situation in Mali, China supports the extension of MINUSMA which will continue to play its due role in maintaining peace and stability in Mali and push forward the political process and national reconciliation in Mali.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China consistently stands for the use of peaceful means in properly handling regional hot-spot issues, actively participates in the UN peacekeeping missions and supports the efforts to safeguard African peace and stability. China sent a peacekeeping force consisting of 395 personnel to the Mission, of which there is a 170-person police unit, a 155-person engineering unit and a 70-person medical unit. Their conscientious and rigorous performance in the mission has won unanimous acclaim from the United Nations and the Malian government.
Q: Can you confirm President Xi Jinping's visit to the ROK and give us more details about the visit?
A: Relevant information will be released in due course.
Q: The Rim of the Pacific exercise kicks off today. Does China believe that its participation in this drill will help ease the tension between China and America as well as other countries in Asia?
A: China's military has released relevant information for your reference. You can check with the Ministry of Defense.
As I just said, Sino-US relations are of great significance, of which military-to-military relationship constitutes an important part. Strengthened exchanges and cooperation in the military field between China and the US contribute to mutual trust and the sound and stable development of Sino-US relations.
Q: Will China stage a large-scale evacuation operation in Iraq as it did in Libya in 2011? A Chinese citizen was kidnapped in Iraq before, and how does that kidnapping case end?
A: I will get to your second question first. Early in June, an engineer working for a Chinese enterprise in Iraq was kidnapped there. I have briefed you on that during the press conference. Thanks to the concerted efforts from all sides, this engineer was released safely.
The Chinese embassy in Iraq has been in close communication with the Iraqi government and military for some time, asking the Iraqi side to provide the necessary conditions and security guarantees for the evacuation of Chinese personnel there and ensure their safety. The collaboration and communication between the Chinese embassy in Iraq and the Iraqi government and military is running smoothly. They are working together to get an accurate assessment of the security situation on the ground and ensure the timely, secure and smooth evacuation of Chinese employees.
We are still monitoring the situation in Iraq and will update our assessment of its security situation timely and accurately. Given how the situation on the ground evolves, we will react accordingly and do our best to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and companies in Iraq.
Q: There are reports that around 1,000 Chinese workers are trapped in the middle of Iraq. Can you confirm that? Which enterprise are they working for and what is their specific location?
A: We have briefed relevant information to you on many occasions. There are more than 10,000 Chinese employees working in Iraq, most of whom are in relatively safe areas.
A small number of them face relatively grave security situation. We are now in close cooperation with the Iraqi side so as to provide security guarantee for their evacuation and ensure a smooth and orderly running of the evacuation. Our top priority is that these employees can be evacuated timely while their safety is guaranteed. Out of some safety concerns, it is better for us not to disclose too many details at the current stage.