Q: The bodies of three Israeli teenagers, missing since June 12, were found near Hebron, a city in the West Bank on June 30 by the Israeli army. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency session of the security cabinet to discuss countermeasures and vowed to make Hamas pay for this. A senior Hamas official said that it was Israel who made up the murder. What is China's comment?
A: The Chinese side is deeply saddened by the death of three Israeli teenagers. We strongly condemn any violent act against civilians and call on the enhancement of cooperation between Palestine and Israel so as to find out the truth at an early date. In the meantime, we also ask all parties concerned to keep calm, exercise restraint and refrain from extreme actions.
Q: The Japanese government reinterprets the constitution with the adoption of a cabinet resolution on July 1, which allows Japan to partially lift the ban on the right to collective self defence. What is China's position on that?
A: Due to historical reasons, Japan's political moves in the military and security field have long been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. Recently, Japan's ruling authority has been stirring up troubles on historical issues on the one hand, and taking unprecedented measures in the military and security field on the other hand, bringing great changes to Japan's military and security policies. People cannot but question whether Japan is deviating from the path of peaceful development that it has been upholding since the end of WWII. We have noted that there are strong objections in Japan to the lifting of the ban on the collective self defence right.
It is the general public of Japan that should have the final say on which way Japan should follow in terms of national development. We are opposed to Japan's pursuit of its domestic political goal by deliberately making up the so-called "China threat". We urge the Japanese side to earnestly respect the legitimate security concerns of its Asian neighbors and prudently deal with relevant issues. It must not undermine China's sovereignty and security interests, nor shall it harm regional peace and stability.
Q: How will China's diplomatic and security strategy be affected as Japan lifts the ban on the right to collective self defence? Will the Chinese side adjust relevant policies?
A: As I have pointed out, the Japanese side should earnestly respect the legitimate security concerns of its Asian neighbors and prudently deal with relevant issues. It must not undermine China's sovereignty and security interests, nor shall it jeopardize regional peace and stability.
Q: Delegations from Japan and the DPRK are holding inter-governmental consultations at director-general level in Beijing. They will talk about Japanese abductees and other issues. What is China's comment?
A: As I said yesterday, we hope that relevant meeting between Japan and the DPRK can help resolve their problems, improve their relations and safeguard regional peace and stability.
Q: First, Indian Vice President Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari met with Chinese leaders on June 30. The two sides exchanged views on issues of common interest. Please give us more details. Second, India's Chief of the Army Staff is coming to visit China tomorrow. He will be the first Indian army chief to visit China after nine years. How does China view the visit?
A: On your first question, we think highly of Vice President Ansari's visit to China. During his visit, he met and held talks with Chinese leaders and participated in activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence jointly held by China, India and Myanmar.
During the meeting and talks with Vice President Ansari, President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Vice President Li Yuanchao pointed out that China and India are the largest developing countries and emerging markets that have great strategic convergence, as both of them are at the historical stage of realizing national revival. Both sides should foster the good-neighborly and friendly relationship with a strong sense of historical responsibility. It will not only benefit the two peoples, but also contribute to human development and progress. The Chinese side is ready to work together with the new Indian government to seize the opportunity for common development and bring China-India strategic partnership of cooperation to a new high.
Vice President Ansari said that India and China are neighbors and the most populous developing countries. Development of the good-neighborly and friendly relationship between India and China serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples and also sets a good example of harmonious co-existence and common development among counties. The Indian side pays high attention and stays firmly committed to developing relations with China. It is ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China, properly address differences and problems between the two countries and constantly advance bilateral relations.
Both sides agreed to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence in the new era and safeguard world peace and stability.
We believe that this visit will give a boost to the in-depth growth of friendly cooperation and peaceful co-existence between the two countries.
On your second question, China and India maintain communications via various channels at different levels. The visit you mentioned will be an important event in the military-to-military exchanges between the two countries. We wish the visit a success which will promote interactions, cooperation and mutual trust between the military of the two countries.
