At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Barack Obama of the United States of America will attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and pay a state visit to China from November 10 to 12. Leaders of the two countries will have an in-depth exchange of views on Sino-American relations as well as major international and regional issues of common interest.
At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Enrique Peña Nieto of the United Mexican States will attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and pay a state visit to China from November 10 to 13.
Q: The Independent High Electoral Commission of Tunisia announced the preliminary result of its legislative election on October 30. What is China's comment on that?
A: China congratulates Tunisia on holding a successful election of the Assembly of People's Representatives. This is another positive step forward in the course of political transition in Tunisia. As a friend of Tunisia, the Chinese side wishes with all sincerity that Tunisia could realize lasting peace and security, prosperity and development.
Q: The University of Toronto is said to issue a report that says there has been persistent China-based hacking attacks on civil society organizations. Do you have a response to that?
A: I have not seen the report. The position held by the Chinese government on issues concerning hacking attacks is clear and consistent. The Chinese side firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyber attacks. We are ready to enhance cooperation with the international community to jointly safeguard peace, security, openness and cooperation of the cyber space.
Q: Donetsk and Lugansk, the eastern part of Ukraine, held their own elections yesterday. What is China's stance? Does China recognize the results of these elections? Will the elections, in your opinion, ease the situation or escalate the tension?
A: China upholds the principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs and respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We hope that all parties will hold dear the ceasefire that is not easily achieved, keep calm, exercise restraint, properly resolve relevant differences through dialogue and consultation and work in concert to push for the political settlement of the crisis.
Q: A devastating suicide bombing at Wagah near the Pakistani city of Lahore on November 2 killed over 60 people and injured more than 100. What is China's comment on that?
A: We are shocked at the incident. The Chinese side opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns the aforementioned attack in Pakistan. We express deep condolences to the victims and convey our sincere sympathy to the injured and the bereaved families. The Chinese side will always stand firmly behind the Pakistani government and people in their persistent pursuit of national security and stability.
Q: How will the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) proposed by China and the New Development Bank of BRICS established in July coordinate and communicate with each other? What significance do they hold to China's international strategy?
A: 21 Asian countries including China signed a memorandum on establishing the AIIB on October 24. The Chinese side proposes to establish the AIIB with the aim of fully leveraging the potential of the Asia-Pacific in infrastructure development and satisfying the enormous demands of relevant countries in infrastructure investment and financing. We hope to see an early start and conclusion of negotiations on relevant regulations of the AIIB and the formulation of management rules with the concerted efforts of all parties, so as to make the AIIB a professional and efficient platform for infrastructure investment and financing that benefits all.
The establishment of the New Development Bank of BRICS is to underpin the infrastructure development and sustainable development of BRICS countries and other developing countries. Running in parallel, the AIIB and existing multilateral development banks such as the New Development of BRICS can complement each other, boost the development of infrastructure and connectivity of relevant countries and the region and instill lasting impetus to the long-term economic growth of the region.
Q: Is there any particular reason that leads to China's recent adoption of the Anti-espionage Law?
A: The question is not a diplomatic one. I would like to suggest that you read closely the speech recently given by Chairman Zhang Dejiang on the deliberation and adoption of the Anti-espionage Law by the 11th meeting of the 12th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. It is an important measure taken by China for the all-round progress of governing the state in accordance with law.
Q: We have seen an increase of the illegal harvest of red coral by Chinese fishermen in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Japan. The Japanese Coast Guard arrested some Chinese fishermen. What is China's comment on that?
A: The Chinese side always attaches importance to the protection of endangered marine living resources. We ask the fishermen to carry out production and operation at sea in accordance with law. We prohibit the illegal harvest of red coral. Competent authorities of the Chinese side will keep enhancing supervision and law enforcement. We also hope that the Japanese side will deal with relevant issues in a civil, sensible, law-abiding, just and proper way.