Q: When taking questions in the upper house committee on diplomacy and defense on November 13, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said that the four-point principled agreement is a result of quiet negotiations between Japan and China at various levels towards improving bilateral relations which summarizes the consensus reached by the two sides. Although the agreement is not legally binding, it is the final outcome of the consultation between the two countries and should be respected. What is China's comment on this?
A: The four-point principled agreement is an important prerequisite for the improvement of China-Japan relations. It should be earnestly followed so that China-Japan relations can move gradually towards improvement.
Q: It is reported that the Chinese side has confirmed that the Uighur stowaways arrested by Thailand in March this year are from Xinjiang. Has the Chinese side asked the Thai side to repatriate these people?
A: The Chinese and Thai sides maintain communication and cooperation. The Chinese side opposes illegal immigration and believes that this kind of criminal activity disorders normal immigration and personnel exchanges among countries and violates the common interests of the international community. We are ready to enhance cooperation with the international community, including Thailand, to jointly crack down on the criminal activity of illegal immigration and safeguard security and stability of all countries and the region.
Q: First, why does the Chinese side repatriate illegal border crossers from the DPRK? Second, what is China's comment on the report submitted by the UN Human Rights Council to the UN General Assembly on the human rights issue of the DPRK?
A: On your first question, the Chinese side always deals with the issue of illegal border crossers from the DPRK in accordance with the domestic law of China, the international law and the principle of humanitarianism.
On your second question, the Chinese side always maintains that differences in the field of human rights should be addressed through constructive dialogue and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. We are opposed to politicizing the issue of human rights or putting pressure on other countries under the pretext of the issue of human rights. We hope that all relevant parties can enhance dialogue and cooperation, work in concert to promote and protect human rights and uphold peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.
Q: ROK President Park Geun-hye reportedly said at the Leaders' Meeting between ASEAN, China, Japan and the ROK that she looks forward to a China-Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the near future, which could be followed by a trilateral leaders' meeting. What is China's response to that?
A: The Chinese side attaches importance to cooperation with the ROK and Japan and maintains close communication with the ROK and other relevant parties. We hope that the Japanese side can demonstrate sincerity, make earnest efforts to improve relations with its neighboring countries and create favorable atmosphere for the sound and steady growth of cooperation between China, Japan and the ROK.
Q: It is reported by the DPRK media that Choe Ryong-hae, a member of the Politburo Presidium and the Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, will visit Russia as the special envoy of Kim Jong-un. Analysts say that it shows that the DPRK is endeavoring to multi-polarize its diplomatic relations. What is China's comment on that?
A: We have noted relevant reports. China and the DPRK maintain friendly interactions at all levels. The Chinese side always supports the DPRK in carrying out interactions and cooperation with other countries.
