On the afternoon of July 6, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to start with.

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, President of the Republic of Argentina will pay a state visit to China from July 11 to 15.

Now the floor is open.

Q: On July 3, Otunbayeva took office as President of the Kyrgyz Interim Government. How does China comment?

A: China and Kyrgyzstan are friendly neighbors. We congratulate on the successful conclusion of the Kyrgyz referendum and Madam Otunbayeva's taking office as President of the Kyrgyz Interim Government. China respects the choice of the Kyrgyz people and supports their efforts to restore domestic stability and develop national economy. Based on the principles and spirit set in the China-Kyrgyzstan Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, China is ready to work with the Kyrgyz side to further promote political mutual trust and traditional friendship, deepen cooperation in political, economic, trade, transportation, culture, security and other fields, step up cooperation in international and regional affairs and push forward the long-term, sound and steady development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations.

Q: Please give us more details about Argentine President's visit to China. What issues will be discussed? What agreements will be signed? Second, Google yesterday posted its ICP license number on its front page. Does it mean that the Chinese Government and Google have come to an agreement?

A: The Chinese Government attaches great importance to President Cristina's first state visit to China since taking office. During the visit, President Hu Jintao will have talks with her and Premier Wen Jiabao will meet with her. Leaders of the two countries will have broad and in-depth exchange of views on deepening bilateral strategic partnership, expanding practical cooperation in various fields and international and regional issues of mutual interest. The two sides will also sign multiple cooperation documents. We believe, with the joint efforts of both sides, this visit will be a great success and promote the further development of China-Argentina strategic partnership.

On the Google question, Chinese competent authorities handle the applications of Internet operators according to China's laws and regulations. Internet companies doing business in China should abide by China's laws and regulations.

Q: It is said that China will host in October the working group meetings of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. Please give us more details.

A: The 12th Session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the UNFCCC and the 14th Session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex 1 Parties under the Kyoto Protocol will be held in mid-October in Tianjin this year. It will be the final negotiation before the Cancun Meeting in Mexico at the end of this year and also the first time that China hosts negotiations under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. The purpose of China holding this meeting is to cement the UNFCCC and the Protocol as the major channel of negotiations and push for progress of international negotiations on climate change on the dual track of the UNFCCC and the Protocol. At present, the Chinese side has launched prepare work and stayed in communication and coordination with the Secretariat of the UNFCCC over specific arrangements. As the host, China will provide necessary logistics support, convenience and security environment for the success of the meeting according to relevant UN regulations and requirements. China will continue to play an active and constructive role to work in concert with other parties for comprehensive, balanced and positive outcomes of the Cancun Meeting at year's end based on the mandate of the "Bali Roadmap" and push for the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC and the Protocol.

Q: Please brief us on the specific itinerary of President Zardari's visit to China. Moreover, China and Pakistan recently have been staging joint anti-terrorism military exercise, among which many Pakistani soldiers used to participate in operations against al-Qaeda. During President Zardari's visit, will the two sides discuss counter-terrorism and joint fight against al-Qaeda? Will China consider taking part in the military actions in Pakistan aimed at fighting al-Qaeda?

A: President Zardari will arrive at Beijing today and begin his working visit to China. President Hu Jintao will have talks with him tomorrow. Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman Jia Qinglin will meet with him respectively. The two sides will exchange views on further expanding cooperation across the board and deepening traditional friendship. Cooperative documents in such areas as agriculture, health and economic technologies will be signed. We will release information of the visit in due course.

As neighbors and countries of this same region, China and Pakistan have stayed in close communication and cooperation in anti-terrorism and fighting the "three forces". The two sides will continue to work together to maintain peace, security and tranquility of the region to the benefit of both peoples and people of the whole region.

Q: Since last week, the US has begun to impose unilateral sanctions against Iran, including restrictions over Iran's gasoline import. Is China concerned? Compared with unilateral sanctions, does China feel more supportive of sanctions under the UN framework?

A: China has noticed the unilateral sanctions announced by the US and others over Iran. The Security Council not long ago adopted the 1929 Resolution on the Iranian issue. China believes that the resolution should be earnestly, accurately and fully implemented, instead of being arbitrarily interpreted and expanded.

As a responsible country, China will implement relevant resolution of the Security Council in earnest. We always maintain that only through diplomatic channels such as dialogue and negotiation can the Iranian nuclear issue reach a comprehensive, long-term and proper settlement. Parties concerned should grasp the current opportunities, step up diplomatic efforts and create favorable conditions for the resumption of negotiations at an early date.

Q: Last week, 50 US parliamentarians of the Congressional Steel Caucus sent a letter to US Treasury Secretary Geithner, demanding investigation into a joint venture between China's Anshan Iron and a US Steel company on the grounds that it may threaten US national security and lead to unfair competition. How does China comment? Second, the Japanese Ministry of Finance today disclosed that China has increased its holding of Japanese bonds. Does this reflect China's confidence in the Japanese economy and Japanese Yen?

A: I am not aware of the issue you mentioned. Please refer to competent economic and commercial authorities. I want to stress in principle that China-US trade and economic cooperation is mutually beneficial. The Chinese Government encourages Chinese companies to invest and engage in business cooperation in the US and request them to abide by local laws. At the same time we believe that the US market should be open and give Chinese companies fair treatment.

On your second question, China always follows the principle of ensuring safety, liquidity and good value in managing its foreign exchange reserve and is gradually implementing the strategy of diversification in this regard. As to whether China has increased its holding of Japanese bonds, please refer to competent authorities.

Q: Indian National Security Advisor Menon visited China recently and met with Premier Wen Jiabao and senior Chinese officials. What issues were discussed in the talks? Have they made any progress in advancing China-India relations?

A: The Indian Prime Minister's special envoy Menon just concluded his visit to China. During his visit, Premier Wen Jiabao, State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with him respectively. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation and international and regional issues of common interest. We have already released information about the meetings. The two sides agreed to seize opportunities and make joint efforts to promote mutual understanding and trust, deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields and enhance communication and coordination on major international and regional issues with a view to moving forward China-India strategic partnership.

Q: Yesterday, a court in Beijing sentenced American geologist Xue Feng to eight years in prison for stealing China's state secrets. U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman called for release of Xue Feng. How do you comment?

A: China's judicial authorities handle the case strictly according to law. It is China's internal affair and China's judicial sovereignty brooks no foreign interference.

Q: China Daily published an article today saying that China is seeking a balance between India and Pakistan by developing "coordinated relations" with the two countries. What's your reaction?

A: Both India and Pakistan are China's neighbors. We hope to develop good-neighborly, friendly and cooperative relationship with both countries and we are happy to see an improved relationship between India and Pakistan. We are ready to join hands with India and Pakistan to advance bilateral relations to the benefit of our peoples as well as common development and prosperity of the region.

Q: There is media commentary that the case on Xue Feng exposes a lack of transparency in China's judicial system and may discourage foreign investment to China. How do you comment?

A: Do you mean if Xue Feng is released without charge, they will say China's judicial system is open and transparent? China's judicial authorities are the one to comment on the case. During the hearing of the case, the defendant's legitimate rights and interests were guaranteed.

Q: Regarding Pakistani President Zardari's visit to China, you just said that China and Pakistan will announce deals on cooperation in trade, economic, public health and other fields. Will they also announce deals on nuclear cooperation?

A: I have said that during President Zardari's visit to China, the two sides will discuss and explore ways to move forward China-Pakistan strategic and cooperative partnership and deepen traditional friendship. We will release relevant information in due course.

Q: Deputy Chief of General Staff Ma Xiaotian of the People's Liberation Army told the media last week that he opposes the US-ROK joint military exercise in the Yellow Sea. Is this China's official position or his personal view?

A: I have answered this question at an earlier press conference. We have taken note of the remarks of Deputy Chief of General Staff Ma Xiaotian. We are of the view that under the current circumstances, parties concerned should stay calm, exercise restraint and refrain from doing things that will escalate tension and hurt the security interests of countries in the region. We are concerned over relevant reports and have expressed our serious concern to relevant parties. We will follow closely the situation and make further statements accordingly.

Q: It is reported that three female "defectors" were recently kidnapped in China and executed after being sent back to the DPRK. Are you aware of the incident? How do you comment?

A: I haven't heard of the incident. In recent years, China has always handled issues of illegal border crossing by North Koreans according to international and domestic laws based on the humanitarian principle.

If there are no more questions, thanks for coming. See you!