On September 1, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First, I have an announcement to make.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Argentine Minister Taiana of Foreign Relations, International Trade and Worship will pay an official visit to China from September 5 to 8.

Now the floor is open.

Q: Could you give us more details about the visit by the Argentine Minister? Secondly, President Uribe of Columbia has been diagnosed with swine flu, I wonder if China has sent any message to him? Also the Foreign Minister of Columbia is in Beijing now, will his visit be affected because of this? Thirdly, today is the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War, is the Chinese Government remembering this with any activities?

A: Foreign Minister Taiana will be visiting China from September 5 to 8. During the visit, he will meet with Vice President Xi Jinping and talk with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Besides his trip to Beijing, he will also visit Tianjin Municipality.

In the past 37 years since the establishment of our diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have been developing smoothly with sustained high-level exchanges and enhanced political mutual trust. In 2008, the bilateral trade volume reached 14.4 billion US dollars, up by 45.4% over the same period of the previous year. The two countries have also kept good communication and cooperation in international affairs. We believe Mr. Taiana's visit will further promote China-Argentina strategic partnership.

On your second question, Chinese Ambassador Gao Zhengyue to Columbia has conveyed cordial greetings and consolations from Chinese leaders to President Uribe of Columbia, wishing him an early recovery. Foreign Minister Bermudez of Columbia has arrived in Beijing for his visit. After his arrival, he took a medical examination which proved him to be in good health. His visit in China will continue as normal. Apart from meeting with Vice President Xi Jinping and talking with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mr. Bermudez will also meet with officials from the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Chinese Academy of Science.

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II. To remember history is to build a better future. We hope the international community could establish a new security concept characterized by mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation so as to jointly create a peaceful international environment of enduring stability, security and reliability.

Q: Regarding the situation occurred on the border between China and Myanmar. What concerns China continues to have regarding border security in that area? How long will the tents stay open? Will China force people to return if they don't want to?

A: China and Myanmar are good neighbors. We hope to see a peaceful, stable and developing Myanmar. Out of humanitarian consideration, China has taken active measures to properly settle people crossing the Chinese border, and provided them with humanitarian assistance. At present, some of these people have returned home. We hope our border with Myanmar could soon regain peace so that people from Myanmar could go home at an early date.

Q: Just now you said that China had provided those people from Myanmar with necessary assistance. Could you give us some figures on the amount of money and materials you provide?

A: The Yunnan Provincial Government has taken active measures and settled over 10,000 people from Myanmar. We have provided necessary humanitarian assistance to guarantee their safety and daily life and make sure they are emotionally stable. At present, some of these people have returned home. As for specific measures, you can refer to the information released by the Yunnan Provincial Government.

I'd like to stress that to safeguard border stability is in the vital interest of people from the two countries. It is also the common responsibility of the two governments. We hope Myanmar could properly handle its domestic issues and take every measure necessary to restore stability along the border and guarantee the safety and property of Chinese citizens in Myanmar.

Q: Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong-il of the DPRK arrived in Beijing today for visit. Please brief us on his purpose and itinerary. Secondly, some Chinese citizens in Myanmar were forced to leave due to the domestic conflict in the country, and they claim compensation for their loss. Will the Chinese Government ask Myanmar to pay?

A: This year marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations and a Year of Friendship between China and the DPRK. It's of great importance in the history of the bilateral relations. Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong-il of the DPRK is visiting China according to the plan for exchanges between the two foreign ministries as well as the arrangement for the Year of Friendship between the two countries. During his visit, Mr. Kim Yong-il will meet with officials from the Foreign Ministry. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

We hope Myanmar could protect the properties of Chinese citizens in Myanmar and properly handle relevant issues.

Q: The political director-generals from the foreign ministries of P5+1 countries are to hold a meeting on the Iran nuclear issue shortly. Which Chinese official will attend the meeting?

A: Like you said, the political director-generals from the foreign ministries of the P5+1 countries will have a meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue in Frankfurt, Germany on September 2. Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei will head the Chinese delegation at the meeting. China is ready to work with the other parties to promote an early resumption of talks and negotiation so as to seek for a comprehensive, enduring and proper settlement.

Q: There've been reports in India recently about a number of border incidents between China and India. One report said that a Chinese helicopter entered into Indian air space, and another said there was exchange of fire between border patrols. Could you comment?

A: On the Indian report, I'd like to say that China's border patrol is always conducted in strict accordance with rules. We would never cross border into other countries' space or territory.

Certain Indian media's report is totally groundless in saying that there was military conflict at the frontier between China and India. When it comes to China-India boundary issue, the two countries have reached consensus that before its final settlement, the two sides should make joint efforts to safeguard peace and tranquility along the border.

Q: Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei's recent visit to the DPRK did not make much breakthrough. Does China plan to send special envoy to the DPRK to push forward the Six-Party Talks?

A: You have all taken note of Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei's recent visit to the DPRK. Brief news has been released, and I don't have any more to add. I'd like to emphasize, China maintains that the DPRK nuclear issue can only be peacefully solved through dialogue and consultation and via political and diplomatic means. Recently, the situation in Northeast Asia is less tense. We hope relevant parties could seize this opportunity, continue to improve the situation and play a constructive role in realizing denuclearization on the Peninsular and safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Q: How do you comment on the outcome of Japan's parliamentary election? What's your expectation of the new Japanese Government?

A: We have taken note of the outcome of the Japanese parliamentary election. China and Japan are important neighbors to each other, and both are major countries in Asia. We are ready to work with Japan to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, keep up the sound momentum of high-level exchanges and push forward bilateral relations so as to jointly contribute to peace and development in Asia.

Q: The new ruling party in Japan has also said that Japan should build an armed force of its own. How does China react to this? Do you think this will cause an atmosphere which is not favorable to regional security?

A: To follow a path of peaceful development is not only in Japan's own interest, but conducive to regional peace and stability.

Q: Did the Myanmar Government give China any indication that it was about to move on the Kokang area? Was there any indication from Myanmar that they had anticipated in advance that this might cause problems and difficulties on the Chinese side?

A: China pursues the principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs. After what happened, China and Myanmar have kept close communication. Myanmar has apologized for the collateral casualties on the Chinese side, and thanked China for taking care of its citizens crossing the border. Myanmar pledged to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Myanmar and promised to restore peace and stability along the border as soon as possible.

Q: The Afghan election has concluded, and people are waiting for the result. Do you have any comment on the election?

A: We are glad to note that the Presidential election in Afghanistan has been generally smooth. The election is Afghanistan's internal affair. We respect the choice by the Afghan people. As a neighbor and friend, China sincerely wishes Afghanistan to realize peace, stability and development at an early date.

Q: About Columbian Foreign Minister who is currently in China. Will you confirm his official meetings with Vice President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi would take place on Friday and Saturday and not earlier this week as planned?

A: I'll have to check the schedule, and then contact you by phone.

Q: The parliamentary election in Japan has concluded. The DPJ, which has won the election seems to take a different stance compared with the LDP on the historical issue. Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, the leader of the DPJ pledged not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine, and will tell his Cabinet to avoid doing so. Do you have any comment?

A: China's position on the historical issue is very clear. To view and treat historical issue with an earnest and responsible attitude is in Japan's own interest, and also good for improving relations with other Asian countries.

Q: When do you expect a summit between Chinese and Japanese leaders?

A: I think your question is a bit pre-mature. Like I said, we wish to maintain a sound momentum of high-level exchanges with Japan.

Thank you for your attendance. See you next time!