Jiang Yu started the press conference with the following announcement:
At the invitation of State Councilor Meng Jianzhu, First Deputy Prime Minister Azimov of Uzbekistan will be in China from October 25 to 26 for the first meeting of China-Uzbekistan inter-governmental cooperation committee.
Q: Please update us on the investigation of the killing of Chinese crewmen on the Mekong River.
A: Chinese and Thai police are conducting evidential investigation. We maintain that we should first and foremost, earnestly handle the follow-up matters related to the Chinese victims and probe into the case for truth as soon as possible so as to apprehend and punish the perpetrators according to law. We also hope to launch law enforcement cooperation along the Mekong River in a bid to ensure the safety of the waterway.
Q: Former Libyan leader Gaddafi was captured and killed. How does China look at the current situation in Libya?
A: We hope that Libya will launch the inclusive political process of transition as soon as possible and safeguard national unity and ethnic solidarity. China will continue to support the Libyan people's efforts to restore stability and conduct reconstruction.
Q: In terms of Libya's political process of transition, what does China specifically mean by saying that it should be "inclusive"?
A: We believe that all parties should be involved in launching the inclusive political process, reach reconciliation and heed different voices from all factions, tribes and regions so as to maintain national stability and ethnic solidarity to the utmost.
Q: Has China contacted the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) following the capture and death of Gaddafi?
A: The Chinese Embassy in Libya is operating normally. Our communication channel with relevant party in Libya remains open.
Q: What is China's stance on the UN Security Council's draft resolution on Yemen? Has China issued safety alert to Chinese institutions there?
A: We have participated in the Security Council's discussions on the situation in Yemen with a constructive attitude.
China follows closely the developments in Yemen and hopes all parties exercise restraint and avoid the escalation of violence. China maintains that the current problems should be solved politically by all parties through dialogue and consultation and an inclusive, peaceful, orderly and Yemen-led political transitional process should be kick-started as soon as possible.
China believes that the Security Council's actions should be conducive to easing the situation in Yemen, bridging differences among all Yemeni parties through dialogue and maintaining regional peace and stability, while fully respecting the Yemeni people's will.
China watches closely the security situation in some Middle East countries and advises Chinese enterprises and nationals there to be on alert, enhance safety awareness and take practical measures to ensure safety.
Q: Will China's stance on the Security Council's draft resolution on Libya impact China-NTC relations?
A: First, instead of seeking private interests on the Libyan issue, China always upholds an objective and just position. We call for the cessation of military conflicts and the resolution of problems through dialogue and other peaceful means.
Second, when the Security Council deliberates the Libyan issue, China respects Libya's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and pays full attention to the voice and concerns of the Arab and African countries.
Third, China always respects the independent choice of the Libyan people as well as the Libyan NTC's important role and status in resolving the Libyan issue. The NTC also respects and appreciates China's responsible stance.
Fourth, China keeps close communication with countries and organizations in this region, playing a constructive role in the appropriate settlement of the Libyan issue.
Q: Is China concerned about the external forces' constant intervention in the Arab internal affairs? Does China wish the UN rather than the NATO to play a bigger role in handling the Yemeni issue?
A: I have made clear China's principled position on the Security Council's discussion on issues concerning West Asian and North African countries. China will stick to its objective and just position. We take a constructive part in relevant discussions of the Security Council and play an active role. We hope the norms governing international relations and principles of international law are fully respected and observed.
Q: Spain's ETA group announced yesterday a permanent end to its armed struggle yesterday. What is China's comment?
A: The successive governments of Spain have made unremitting efforts for domestic peace. We believe that the Spanish Government has the capacity to deal with relevant issue appropriately.
Q: China enjoyed friendly relations with Libya during Gaddafi's reign. Has China's attitude towards Gaddafi changed over the past two months?
A: In the past, China maintained normal state-to-state relations with Libya like many other countries did and conducted cooperation with Libya on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. We always respect the Libyan people's choice and believe that China-Libya relations will move steadily forward on a new basis.
Jiang Yu ended the press conference with the announcement of several important activities to be held next week.
First, Chairman Jia Qinglin of the CPPCC will visit Greece, the Netherlands and Germany from October 23 to November 4.
Second, at the invitation of the WPK Central Committee and the DPRK Government, Vice Premier Li Keqiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee will pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK from October 23 to 25.
At the invitation of the ROK Government, Vice Premier Li Keqiang will pay an official visit to the ROK from October 26 to 27.
Third, the fourth Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption will be convened in Morocco on October 24. Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and Director of the National Bureau of Corruption Prevention will lead the Chinese delegation to the conference.
Fourth, Director-General Tokayev of the United Nations Office in Geneva will start his visit to China on October 23.
Fifth, the third session of the fifth China-Japan Friendship Committee for the 21st Century will be held in Beijing and Changsha from October 22 to 26.
Sixth, commemorative activities will be held on October 25 which marks the 40th anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat in the UN.
Seventh, the eighth Senior Officials Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province from October 26 to 27.