In order to to further advance the friendly and cooperative relations between China and Somalia, the Chinese government has officially re-opened the Embassy in Somalia on October 12. China has nominated the new Chinese Ambassador to Somalia the other day.
Vice Chinese Foreign Minister Zhang Ming who is in Somalia for a goodwill visit, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somali Foreign Minister Abdirahman Duale Beyle and other officials attended the re-opening ceremony. On the same day, President Mohamud and Foreign Minister Beyle met with Vice Chinese Foreign Minister Zhang Ming on separate occasions. They had an in-depth exchange of views and reached broad consensus on the growth of bilateral ties under the new circumstances. People of all circles in Somalia highly appreciate and warmly welcome China's re-opening of the Embassy.
China's re-opening of the Embassy in Somalia represents a major step taken by the Chinese government in firm support of Somalia's pursuit of peace process and post-war reconstruction following years of chaos caused by war. We believe that it will open a new chapter of friendship and cooperative relations between China and Somalia. China values relations with Somalia, and will take the re-opening of the Embassy as an opportunity to enhance friendly exchanges and promote practical cooperation across the board together with Somalia so as to open up new dimensions of China-Somalia relations and deliver benefits to the two peoples.
Q: The presidential office of Cameroon reportedly announced on October 11 that 10 Chinese workers kidnapped in May have been released. What is China's comment on that? Will these workers receive medical treatment back in China or in Cameroon? Will Chinese companies continue with their business in Cameroon?
A: The Chinese side expresses heartfelt gratitude to relevant parties for their unremitting efforts that secured the safe release of 10 Chinese workers who have been held hostages in Cameroon since last May. These Chinese workers are in good condition. The Chinese Embassy in Cameroon and relevant companies have made proper arrangements for them.
The Chinese government attaches great importance to the security of overseas Chinese companies. We hope that governments of relevant countries can guarantee the safety of life and work of Chinese companies there. We also advice Chinese companies to improve mechanisms for and build up capability and awareness of self-protection.
Q: My question is about the counter-terrorism cooperation between China and Cameroon. What specific contributions has the Chinese side made?
A: As we have pointed out time and again, the Chinese side is opposed to all forms of terrorism, and any violent and terrorist attacks and kidnappings targeting innocent civilians.
Q: The Federal Foreign Office of Germany expressed concerns about the Chinese police's arrest of Zhang Miao, the Chinese "employee" of Die Zeit of Germany, because of her coverage of the protest in Hong Kong. How did the Chinese side explain to the German side? Will the Chinese side release her?
A: As far as I have learned, the person you mentioned is suspected of committing provocative activities and creating troubles. She did not acquire the post as the Chinese employee of the German press in Beijing in accordance with relevant regulation of China. Chinese authorities concerned are dealing with the case as what the law and regulation prescribe. The person in your question is a Chinese citizen. She should observe her obligations as a Chinese citizen and cooperate with relevant investigation by the Chinese public security organ.
Q: Some masked men collided with people involved in "occupy central" today in Hong Kong. What is China's comment on that?
A: I am not aware of that. Our position is that "occupy central" is completely illegal. We support the Hong Kong SAR government in dealing with that in accordance with the law.
Q: Arrest warrants against three Chinese fishermen were sought by the ROK coast guard authority on October 12 on charges of obstructing the performance of special duties and assaulting. How does China respond?
A: The Chinese side is deeply concerned about and strongly dissatisfied with the violent law-enforcement action by the ROK coast guard that led to the death of the Chinese fisherman. We have lodged solemn representations through various channels with the ROK side, requesting the ROK side to immediately carry out an earnest and thorough investigation into the case, bring those accountable to justice, inform the Chinese side of the findings and measures taken to handle the case, release the Chinese fishing boat and fishermen as soon as possible, and properly deal with follow-up matters. We hope that the ROK side will take concrete steps to improve its way of law enforcement, enhance communication with the Chinese side and resolve fishing disputes in a just and proper manner.