At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius of the Republic of France will pay a working visit to China from October 18 to 20.
Q: Is it true that the P5+1 and Iran will hold a new round of talks on October 16? Will the Chinese side send a delegation to attend? What is China's expectation for the talks?
A: As agreed by the P5+1 and Iran, a new round of talks on a comprehensive agreement will be held in Vienna on October 16. Director-General Wang Qun of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will lead the Chinese delegation to the talks.
November 24 is the deadline for a comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear program. In spite of all the difficulties and obstacles lying ahead, we shall not downplay the results that have already been achieved in the course of negotiation. The Chinese side hopes that all parties will work in concert, seize the hard-won opportunity, think out of the box, meet each other halfway, seek a package of solutions that accommodate each party's concerns and strive to strike a comprehensive deal as scheduled.
Q: Indian and Pakistani troops traded fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kashmir region and at the border between the two countries, causing the death of at least 18 people. Both sides accused each other of breaking the ceasefire agreement first and stirring up conflicts. What is China's comment on that?
A: China follows closely the situation. As the neighbor and friend of both India and Pakistan, the Chinese side calls on the two countries to exercise restraint, stop the exchange of fire, bring the situation under control through dialogue and consultation, properly deal with differences and work side by side to safeguard peace, stability and development of South Asia.
Q: Hugo Swire, the Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK submitted on October 13 a written statement to Parliament on recent events in Hong Kong. How does China respond?
A: As we have repeatedly stated, the affairs of Hong Kong fall totally within China's domestic affairs. No foreign governments nor individuals have the right to interfere. The constitutional reform in Hong Kong should follow the Basic Law and relevant decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. We urge the British side to be discreet with words and deeds, refrain from any form of interference in Hong Kong's affairs and avoid sending out wrong signals.
Q: It is reported that Japan's Minister of Internal Affairs Sanae Takaichi suggested yesterday that she would pay homage to the Yasukuni Shrine during its upcoming autumn festival. A cross-party group of Japan's national lawmakers and some cabinet ministers are poised to visit the Shrine on October 17. What is China's comment on that?
A: China's position on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine is consistent and clear.
I would like to reiterate that only when Japan faces up to and earnestly reflects upon its history of aggression, and makes a clean break with militarism, can China-Japan relations achieve sound and steady growth. We urge the Japanese side to honor its statement and commitment on historical issues, properly deal with relevant issues, and take concrete actions to win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.
Q: Did Premier Li Keqiang and Russian President Vladimir Putin discuss the fight against the Islamic State during their meeting yesterday? Do they see eye to eye on this issue?
A: Yesterday afternoon, Premier Li Keqiang met with Russian President Putin at the Kremlin, Moscow. They had in-depth discussions and reached broad consensus on issues such as bilateral relations and China-Russia cooperation on major projects. We have already issued the news release.
Terrorism is the enemy of all mankind. The Chinese side is ready to combat all forms of terrorism with the international community and jointly uphold security and stability of the region and beyond.
Q: India announced the plan of building roads along the eastern section of the China-India boundary. What is China's comment on that?
A: We will check on that. The China-India boundary question is an issue left over by the western colonists and should be properly resolved with the concerted efforts of China and India. There exist disputes in the eastern section of the China-India boundary. Pending the final settlement of the boundary question, we hope that the Indian side will refrain from taking actions in disputed areas that may complicate the question, safeguard peace and tranquility of the border areas and create conditions for the settlement of the boundary question and the development of China-India relations.