On 16th December of 2003, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao held the regular press conference.

Liu Jianchao: good afternoon, everybody. I'll be happy to take your questions.

Q: The officials of the U.S. and some other countries have stated recently that it is impossible to hold the second round of the Six-Party talks within this year. Do you have any further information? What's the reason behind that?
A: For a certain period of time, China has been working with relevant parties on the preparation of an early second round of the six-party talks. A significant amount of work has been done with progress being made. China's efforts of encouraging peace and promoting talks have gained understanding and support. However there remain differences among the parties. It's now difficult to set a specific date for the talks.
China has always held that it's in conformity with the interests of relevant parties to solve the Korean nuclear question peacefully through dialogue, which is the sole correct choice. At the moment, relevant parties are maintaining consultation on the second round of talks. We hope to see further flexibility from various parties with an aim to continue the preparation work and to hold the talks at an early date.

Q: The year of 2003 is coming to an end. Can you describe to us the largest success and setback of the Chinese diplomacy in the year?
A: It's a very general question. In the exclusive interview with the People's Daily, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing made a comprehensive summary of our diplomacy and the international situation this year.
I'd like to add that the Chinese Government continues to pursue the independent foreign policy of peace this year. We have maintained the stability and continuity of the policy, meanwhile keeping up pace with the times, pressing ahead with innovation and actively opening up new vistas for diplomacy.
We continue to develop good-neighbourly and friendly relations with our neighbouring countries, enhance our cooperation with the developed countries and gain new progress in strengthening cooperation and solidarity with the vast number of the developing countries. China has earnest fulfilled its international responsibilities, sticking to the position to properly handle international disputes through dialogue and consultation and has played a constructive role in handling hot spot issues, combating terrorism, safeguarding international peace and stability.
On the whole, Chinese diplomacy has been active, constructive and effective in the passing year.
Peace and development remain to be the main theme of our times. But non-traditional security problems have become more visible in recent years, including terrorism, environmental protection, cross-border crimes, AIDS and SARS, which have severely affected the tranquility and development of the human society. It's the common challenge confronting the international community. China stands ready to enhance coordination with other countries to meet the challenges and create a more beautiful world.

Q: Reports suggested that from 2002 to early 2003, Chinese air defense experts secretly helped Iraq in planning resistance against the air attacks of the US-British coalition forces, which violates the UN's decision to impose sanctions upon Iraq. Please confirm and comment.
A: The reports are groundless and irresponsible. The Chinese Government has all along strictly implemented relevant UN Security Council's resolutions on Iraq. After the Gulf Crisis in the 1990s, China has never had any military contact or exchanges with the Saddam government.

Q: Premier Wen is now in Africa attending the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, he stated that there would be another eight African countries authorized as tourist destinations for the Chinese citizens, please share with us some more details. Besides, it's reported that China is considering authorizing some more European states as tourist destinations as well, can you tell us more about it ?
A: Premier Wen attended the opening ceremony of the second Ministerial Meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum on the 15th and delivered an important speech, titled "to promote China-Africa friendly cooperation by carrying forward the tradition and looking into the future". In his speech, he made four proposals, which contain seven very specific measures. They are as follows: to gradually increase its assistance to Africa within the framework of China-Africa Cooperation Forum; open its market wider  so that some exports from the least developed African countries to China will enjoy duty-free treatment. To increase investment to the African human resources development fund by 33% and help train 10,000 personnel for Africa in the coming three years. To encourage and promote the mutually beneficiary cooperation between the Chinese and African enterprises, encouraging more Chinese investment in Africa. And to enhance tourism cooperation between China and Africa. There will be another eight authorized tourist destinations in Africa, which are, Kenya, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, adding to the original three, Egypt, South Africa and Morocco. It definitely will be good news for Chinese tourists and relevant countries. Besides, Premier Wen also proposed to host the China-Africa Youth Festival and large-scale cultural exchanges in China next year with Africa as the main theme; to press ahead with the cooperation with African countries in the prevention and treatment of AIDS, malaria, TB and other infectious disease as well as the cooperation on the prevention of natural disaster and environmental protection. We believe that these measures will play a positive role on enhancing cooperation and opening up new prospect for friendship and cooperation between the two.
On your second question, not long ago, leaders of China and Europe discussed the issue of authorizing some European countries as Chinese tourists' destination. Both sides are positive towards cooperation in the field and signed a memo of understanding on authorized tourist destinations. There've been very detailed reports and I have nothing new to add at this point.

Q: Premier Wen stated in an interview with the US media that new economic measures would be adopted by both China and the US to address the existing problems between the two. I have three questions I'd like you to confirm. First, will the JCCT be upgraded to the ministerial level? Second, is the postponed purchase group going to leave for the US shortly? Third, with respect to the IPR protection, is China going to readjust the articles prosecuting the pirates for their criminal liabilities?
A: Premier Wen put forth an important suggestion in his meeting with President Bush on the development of China-US economic relations and trade, which is to improve the coordinating mechanism for trade and commerce between the two countries. They agreed to upgrade the level of the JCCT for which Vice Premier Wu Yi will be the chair for China, Secretary of Commerce Evans and Trade Representative Zoellick will be the co-chairs for the US. The Committee will hold its meeting next spring.
On your second question, I've read reports about another economic and trade delegation going to visit the US. Some purchase contracts will be struck during their visit.
With respect to the IPR, Premier Wen noted in meeting with President Bush that the Chinese Government has made strenuous efforts in IPR protection. Although there remains a lot of work to do, the Chinese Government has a clear-cut policy regarding IPR protection. China has promulgated the Contract Law and Law on Copy Rights and etc., and will further improve relating laws and regulations. At the same time, he also stressed that China will press ahead with stronger law enforcement.

Q: Regarding the list of the East Turkistan terrorist organizations and terrorists publicized yesterday, in the press conference held by the anti-terrorism bureau of the Public Security Ministry, China said it's willing to strengthen cooperation with relevant countries in fighting against terrorism. Can you be more specific on which are the relevant countries?
A: China holds that terrorism must be fought in all its forms and the international community should enhance cooperation in the area. We've been having all-directional anti-terrorism cooperation with countries in the world. We have had and will continue to have effective cooperation with large countries including the US and Russia as well as fruitful cooperation with our neighbouring countries, SCO members in particular. Our cooperation covers diplomacy, information sharing, military and finance, which I believe will be continued.

Q: China announced the list of four East Turkistan terrorist groups and eleven terrorists. Some of the groups are based in Europe, with one of the individuals in the list based in Munich. Is China going to formally request relevant countries to extradite them?
A: Deputy Director-General Zhao Yongchen of the anti-terrorism bureau of the Public Security Ministry made it very clear on yesterday's press conference. The Chinese Government stands ready to cooperate with the international community in combating terrorism, hoping the latter to support China's efforts in this regard. China strongly appeals to various governments, their law enforcement department in particular, to outlaw the four terrorist groups in the list, prohibit their activities, freeze their assets instead of supporting, financing and harbouring them. Criminal investigation will be conducted upon the eleven terrorists in accordance with law. We'll find out their whereabouts and bring them to justice. We call on relevant countries to transfer them to China so that they will be prosecuted in accordance with the criminal law.

After the press conference, a question was asked on where China believes Saddam should be tried and whether he should be sentenced to death. Liu Jianchao answered, it's up to the Iraqi people to decide.

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