Q: The ruling Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) yesterday reshuffled the cabinet and its leadership. Sadakazu Tanigaki was appointed to the post of secretary-general and Toshihiro Nikai chairman of the LDP General Council. These two people are believed to have friendly ties with China. Their appointment may affect Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy toward China. What is China's comment on this?
A: The reshuffle of the Japanese cabinet and the LDP leadership rejig are Japan's internal affairs. We will not comment on that. As for China-Japan relations, I believe you have noticed that President Xi Jinping has fully expounded China's principles and positions in explicit terms while attending a symposium held to mark the 69th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. If the inclusion of these two people into the LDP executives can exert any influence on Abe administration's policy towards China, we hope the influence is positive. We hope people from all circles of Japan can safeguard and promote China-Japan relations.
Q: Russian President Vladimir Putin recently proposed a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. What is China's comment on this?
A: China has been calling on the conflicting parties in Ukraine to realize a ceasefire as soon as possible, launch inclusive dialogues, and resolve the current crisis through political means. We have noted the proposal put forward by President Putin on resolving the current Ukrainian issue through political means. We hope this proposal can create favorable conditions for achieving that end.
Q: There are reports that President Xi Jinping will not attend this month's UN Climate Summit. Can you confirm that? What is the thinking behind this decision which some say this may undermine the summit?
A: As for who will attend the UN Climate Summit, we will release relevant information in due course. Please wait in patience.
I want to stress that China has always been an active supporter and participant of international cooperation on climate change. That is what we have been doing before and we will continue to work with the international community to make our contributions to addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
In fact, I think it is partial to predict how the summit will turn out based on who will participate. Be it at home and abroad, China has been working vigorously to promote energy conservation and emission reduction and make important contributions to the global efforts of combating climate change.
Q: After President Xi Jinping visited Mongolia, Russian President Putin also went there. Is China concerned that Mongolia is rebalancing back to Russia?
A: Mongolia is located between China and Russia. Both China and Russia are Mongolia's neighbors and partners bonded by mountains and rivers. We hope the development of Russia-Mongolia relations can be conducive to regional peace and stability. We are also willing to work with the two sides to ensure regional stability and development. During President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Mongolia, China and Mongolia have reached consensus to hold a meeting of Chinese, Russian and Mongolian heads of state. At present, the three sides are in close communication on this.