At the invitation of State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam will co-host the eighth meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation with State Councilor Yang Jiechi in China from June 17 to 19.
At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Bert Koenders, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands will pay an official visit to China from June 18 to 19.
Q: According to the British media, the UK had to remove some of its agents after China and Russia cracked top-secret files leaked by Edward Snowden. What is China's comment on that? Has China cracked those files?
A: I am not aware of that.
Q: The Chinese side has recently met with some of the other negotiators of the Six-Party Talks for discussions on resuming the Talks. Has China's position on the resumption of the Talks changed? Does China believe it is possible to restart the Talks without first neutralizing the nuclear facilities in the DPRK?
A: We have released information about the separate meetings of the Chinese side with nuclear negotiators from the US, Japan and the ROK. I have nothing more to add. China's stance on the Korean nuclear issue remains unchanged. We stay committed to realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, safeguarding peace and stability of the Peninsula and properly resolving relevant issues through political means such as dialogues and consultations of all parties.
Q: Media reports say that China and Venezuela signed an economic deal in 2007. How does China view the progress of relevant cooperation? Some people criticize that the relevant deal is more in China's favor to obtain energy resources. What is your comment on this?
A: Venezuela is a very important economic partner of China in Latin America. In recent years, following the principles of equality, mutual benefits and common development, the two countries have carried out extensive and pragmatic cooperation on energy, infrastructure, high technology, manufacturing and financing. A collection of projects on public housing, emergency power plants, building materials factories, automobile factories, cellphone manufacturing and others have been set up or put into operation, creating a total number of nearly 3 million jobs in Venezuela. The pragmatic cooperation between China and Venezuela is large-sized, wide-ranging and productive, creating good social and economic outcomes and bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. China is willing to work with Venezuela to extend the bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields and benefit the two peoples.
Q: US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that hackers linked to China have gained access to the sensitive background information submitted by intelligence and military personnel for security clearances. The Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid also said that the hack was carried out by the Chinese. What is China's comment on that?
A: There have been so many anonymous remarks spreading through the grapevine. We have no time to make comments on each of them. In response to what Senator Harry Reid said, I want to point out that what the international community has heard and seen the most over recent years are revelations about the engagement of the US in a large amount of illegal cyber activities. The US has long been conducting massive and organized cyber espionage, wiretapping and surveillance against foreign political figures, companies and individuals in defiance of the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, inviting criticism from countries around the world and denunciation of the public. Relevant people from the US should not forget that the US still owes the international community an explanation on issues concerning cyber attack and theft. It is impossible to muddle through by diverting people's attention. Maybe it is better to clarify one's own matters before rushing to make unfounded accusations against others, so as to make oneself sound more convincing.
Q: The DPRK reportedly test-fired three missiles yesterday. What is China's comment on the move taken by the DPRK?
A: The situation on the Korean Peninsula is still rather complex and sensitive. We hope that all parties concerned could refrain from actions that may further strain and complicate the situation, meet each other halfway, and take more actions that will help ease the tension and facilitate the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
Q: Tens of thousands of Japanese took to the streets the other day in Tokyo to protest the Abe administration's attempt to push through the security bills at the Diet in disregard of the constitution. What is China's comment on that?
A: The war of aggression launched by the Japanese militarism last century brought untold suffering to China and other Asian countries. The Japanese people were blindfolded in Japan's pursuit of militarism, falling victim to the war.
It is understandable that the ordinary Japanese and men of conscience and insight who do not want to see the country repeat its mistake stay on high alert against changes to the Japanese government's policy on military and security and ask the Japanese government to stick to the pacifist constitution.
Q: The European media said that China is willing to invest in the EU initiated infrastructure investment fund. Can you confirm that and give us more details?
A: The Chinese side is having discussions on the relevant issue.
Q: According to Chinese media reports, some Chinese airlines have cut the number of flights to the ROK in response to the outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome(MERS) in the country. Can you give us more details on what China has done to prevent the outbreak of MERS in China?
A: I haven't heard about the reduction of flights as you mentioned. Last week, my colleague has briefed you on the measures taken by China to cope with MERS . The Department of Consular Affairs of the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese diplomatic missions in the ROK have asked Chinese citizens in the ROK and those planning to visit the ROK to take necessary precautions. Meanwhile, we have also taken necessary steps at the border crossings with a responsible attitude to citizens of China and other countries.
