Q: A Jerusalem synagogue crowded with Judaism worshippers was assaulted on November 18, leaving many people dead and hurt. What is China's comment on that?
A: There have been several incidents of violence against both Palestinians and Israelis in Jerusalem and the West Bank over the recent period of time, which the Chinese side strongly condemns. We once again urge the Israeli and Palestinian sides to exercise restraint and avoid taking actions that escalate the tension.
It has been proved again and again that to meet violence with violence will only make violence repeat itself in endless cycles and flare up the hatred between the two sides. The only right way out for the Palestine-Israel issue is to hold the peace talks. We hope that the two sides will work with each other in the same direction and strive to resume the peace talks at an early date, so as to realize common security and lasting peace.
Q: In response to the resolution on the DPRK human rights issue recently adopted by the UN, the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK issued a statement, saying that the resolution and the aggression by the US leave the DPRK unable to further refrain from staging a new nuclear test, and that the DPRK will beef up its military deterrence unlimitedly. What is China's comment on that?
A: The Chinese side always maintains that all countries should handle differences in the field of human rights through constructive dialogue and cooperation.
The Chinese side holds a clear and firm position on the Korean nuclear issue, that is, we should stay committed to realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, safeguarding peace and stability of the Peninsula and peacefully resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation. All parties concerned should work with joint efforts to reduce the tension through dialogue and contact and create conditions for an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
Q: The US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) put forward a bill last week calling for renewed US commitment to the democratic and constitutional development of Hong Kong. What is China's response?
A: The constitutional and democratic development of Hong Kong falls within Hong Kong's internal affairs and China's domestic affairs, which allows no interference by any foreign government, institution or personnel.