At the invitation of the US government, State Councillor Yang Jiechi will visit the US in mid-to-late October. He will have an in-depth exchange of views with the American side on China-US relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest.
Q: It is reported that the incumbent President of Bolivia Juan Evo Morales Ayma was re-elected. What is China's comment on that?
A: The Chinese side congratulates President Morales on his successful re-election.
Bolivia is a major country in Latin America. Relations between China and Bolivia have run smoothly over the past 29 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The two sides have maintained close high-level interactions, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation across the board and carried out sound communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs. President Morales attaches great importance to relations with China, and has paid three visits to China, which vigorously boosted the growth of China-Bolivia relations.
The Chinese side values its friendly and cooperative relations with Bolivia, and stands ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Bolivia in various fields to elevate bilateral relations to a new high.
Q: Chinese media criticized some countries for encouraging and supporting the protests in Hong Kong. What is China's comment on that?
A: We have been stressing that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. The affairs of Hong Kong fall within China's domestic affairs. No countries have the right to interfere. Each and every country should be discreet with its words and deeds and refrain from sending out wrong signals of supporting "Occupy Central".
Q: The Australian government has unveiled new visa rules which will make it easier for rich foreigners to get Australian visas. Does the Chinese government believe that it could lead to more corrupt officials or businessmen fleeing to Australia? Has the Chinese side talked to the Australian side about this issue to ensure that these visa rules are not abused?
A: We have been encouraging normal personnel exchanges between China and Australia. I have to check on the new visa rules of Australia.
I want to point out that China is ramping up its campaign against corruption. To trace fugitives and retrieve embezzlement from overseas constitutes an important part of the campaign. The Chinese government has recently set up corresponding mechanisms to scale up efforts to fight against corruption. We hope that we can work together with the Australian side and have Australia's cooperation in this regard. The corrupt should find no safe haven in foreign countries.
Q: Please brief us on Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Russia and agreements signed there. Will the growing trade ties between China and Russia make it more difficult for the US and the EU to impose sanctions on Russia because of the Ukrainian issue?
A: Premier Li Keqiang kicked off his official visit to Russia yesterday, and co-hosted the 19th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. They had thorough and substantive talks, heard work reports from bilateral cooperative committees on investment, energy, culture and the committee responsible for regular meetings between Chinese and Russian prime ministers, and mapped out the blueprint of all-round bilateral cooperation in the next step. After the meeting, prime ministers of the two countries signed the joint communiqué on the 19th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers and witnessed the signing of nearly 40 cooperation documents covering trade, investment, energy, finance, high-tech, culture and other fields. Premier Li Keqiang will also meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin today.
Cooperation between China and Russia is based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and equality without targeting a third party. It not only benefits the two peoples but also contributes to world peace and development.
China's position on the Ukrainian issue is crystal clear. We always respect Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. On the other hand, we believe that there is a complex history and context behind this issue, and that all parties should properly resolve this issue through dialogue and consultation. We hope to see an early recovery of peace and stability in Ukraine, which serves the common interests of all parties. We are opposed to the recourse to sanction at every turn in international affairs.