At the invitation of Olga Golodets, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Chairman from the Russian side of China-Russia People-to-People Cooperation Committee, as well as Laurent Fabius, Foreign Minister of France and Chairman from the French side of the China-France High-Level Mechanism of Dialogue on People-to-People Exchanges, Vice Premier of the State Council Liu Yandong will visit Russia for the 15th meeting of China-Russia People-to-People Cooperation Committee and then France for the inauguration ceremony which is also the first meeting of China-France High-Level Mechanism of Dialogue on People-to-People Exchanges from September 13 to 19.
Q: American President Obama delivered a television speech today saying that the US will lead a broad coalition against terrorism and hunt down the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). What is China's comment on this? Will China join the anti-terrorism coalition led by the US?
A: The world is facing complex and severe anti-terrorism situation with the breeding ground for international terrorism yet to be eradicated and some regions still suffering from continuous instability. The international terrorist forces exploit this opportunity to carry out terrorist activities, bringing new threats to international security and stability and new challenges to international cooperation in anti-terrorism.
China firmly opposes any form of terrorism. The international community should jointly combat terrorism, including supporting certain countries' efforts to safeguard domestic security and stability. We stand for respecting international laws and relevant countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the international fight against terrorism. We hope that with concerted efforts of the international community, countries concerned can restore stability and order as early as possible and realize reconciliation, peace and development. These will all contribute to removing the local hotbed of terrorism and realizing enduring peace and stability of the region.
Acting under the principles of mutual respect and equally-footed cooperation, China is willing to step up anti-terrorism communication and cooperation with the world and safeguard international peace and stability.
China is willing to work with the international community to enhance exchanges and cooperation in counter-terrorism, and uphold international peace and stability on the principles of mutual respect and equal cooperation.
Q: The Australian government today issued travel warning for China because of China's trial of some foreigners who are guilty of trafficking drugs. The Australian media and some officials said that several Australian citizens have been sentenced to death because of drug offenses. Can China confirm this?
A: I have seen the statement published on the website of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which requires Australian citizens in China to abide by Chinese laws in full. According to my understanding, several Australians who are guilty of drug trafficking are detained in China, and relevant cases are being processed in accordance with law.
I'd like to reiterate that drug crime is a felony recognized by the world with enormous social harm. China's judicial authorities treat all drug traffickers of different nationalities in China in an equal way and execute punishment according to law. We expect all countries to strengthen education of their citizens. No one shall defy the law.
Q: Two years ago, several Algerian diplomats were kidnapped in Mali. Recently two of them were released and another two were dead. How does China comment on this?
A: China welcomes the release of two Algerian diplomats and mourns for the loss of another two Algerian diplomats. China supports the efforts made by regional countries to safeguard peace, stability and security, and recognizes the positive role Algeria plays in pushing for national stability and reconciliation in Mali.
Q: Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Japan's illegal "nationalization" of the Diaoyu Islands, and the Japanese side would build security troops of the Diaoyu Islands. How does China respond to this?
A: Diaoyu Islands and the affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. The Chinese government has the confidence and the capability to safeguard territorial sovereignty. We urge the Japanese side to stop all acts that undermine China's territory sovereignty and correct mistakes with concrete actions.
As for the security troops of the Diaoyu Islands you mentioned, I'd like to say that Japan's muscle-flexing can neither bluff anyone nor help solve the problem. We expect Japan to show sincerity and take practical actions to properly resolve the problem.
Q: There is a review saying that countries like Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam have been increasing their military spending in recent years in response to China's growing military expenditure and expansion. Does China agree with this? Or are there any other reasons?
A: You mentioned that those countries expand their military in response to China's military expansion. There are several loopholes in this logic. First, China has reiterated that China is committed to a path of peaceful development and adopts a national defense policy that is defensive in its nature. Our national defense expenditure is transparent and moderate and meets our need to safeguard national security. Second, taking a look back at what happened in the East China Sea and South China Sea in the last two years, you may find that it is not China who takes provocative and aggressive actions, but those countries you mentioned. In order to safeguard our territory sovereignty, China has to take necessary counter measures. Third, I want to reiterate that China will continue to firmly pursue the path of peaceful development. We hope that relevant countries can view China's development with a correct attitude, work together with China and contribute positive energy to maintaining and promoting peace and stability in Asia.
