Q: A Singapore-bound AirAsia jet lost contact after taking off from Surabaya, Indonesia on the morning of December 28. What is China's response to that? Was there any Chinese passenger on board?
A: We have learnt that AirAsia QZ8501 went missing. We express our concerns for the safety of all the passengers and crews on board, and sympathy to their families. The Foreign Ministry activated emergency response mechanism at the earliest time possible, and ordered Chinese embassies in Singapore and Indonesia and consulate general in Surabaya to separately check on and verify relevant situation. So far, no Chinese citizen was found to have boarded the plane. We will continue to keep close tabs on this incident, and timely arrange follow-up works as the situation evolves.