On the afternoon of September 14, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to start with.

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President John Evans Atta Mills of the Republic of Ghana will pay a state visit to China from September 19 to 24.

This morning, we released information that Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the UN High-Level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals and the General Debate of the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York from September 21 to 23. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Commerce will have a briefing here this afternoon on relevant activities and take your questions.

Now the floor is open.

Q: Naoto Kan was reelected as leader of the Democratic Party of Japan in the election held today. What expectations does China have on the new administration of Japan? On the collision near the Diaoyu Islands, what steps does China hope Japan to take?

A: We will not comment on the election as it is an internal affair of Japan.

On Japan's illegal detention of Chinese fishermen and the boat in the Diaoyu Island waters, it is imperative that Japan should immediately stop the so-called judicial process and let the captain return safely as soon as possible.

Q: According to Japanese media reports, China postponed the visit by Vice Chairman of the standing committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) to Japan. Can you confirm? Is it related to the Diaoyu Island collision? Japan said China's postponement of the visit was regrettable. How do you comment?

A: Taking into consideration of various elements, China has decided to postpone the NPC delegation's visit to Japan.

Japan has provoked the current situation and should take all the responsibilities.

Q: What measures will China take should Japan refuse to release the Chinese captain?

A: Japan has provoked the serious situation and should take all the responsibilities. We urge Japan to immediately stop the so-called judicial process on the captain, and let him return safely as soon as possible.

Q: The Sudanese Foreign Minister is visiting China. What are the purposes of his visit? What has he discussed with the Chinese side? Sudan is preparing for a referendum. As China's investment in Sudan is largely in the South, if the referendum divides Sudan into two countries, will China continue to make investment in the South?

A: Sudanese Foreign Minister Karti is visiting Beijing from 13 to 14. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with him this mooring, and Vice President Xi Jinping will meet with him this afternoon. The two sides will exchange views on developing bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest. Relevant information will be released.

China and Sudan have enjoyed more than five decades of steady and sound bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties. We cherish the traditional friendship with Sudan and hope the visit will further enhance bilateral traditional friendly relations and mutually-beneficial cooperation, with a view to promoting comprehensive and in-depth development of bilateral relations.

On China's cooperation with Sudan, I would like to emphasize that China has always conducted friendly exchanges and cooperation with Sudan in various fields on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, which are beneficial to the two peoples and conducive to regional peace, stability and development.

At present, certain positive progress has been scored in the South-North Peace Process in Sudan, which is at a critical stage. The international community should create a sound atmosphere for the proper settlement of the Sudan issue so as to push for early realization of peace and stability in Sudan and the region. The Chinese Government respects the choice of the Sudanese people.

Q: Some activists in Xiamen hope to sail out to the Diaoyu Islands at present. Is China unwilling to let them do so? If the Chinese captain undergoes "judicial process", how will the Foreign Ministry respond?

A: The Chinese people across the country have recently expressed great indignation over Japan's illegal detention of the Chinese fishermen and fishing boat, which fully demonstrates their will and resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China's position is clear on the Diaoyu Island issue. The Diaoyu Islands have been China's inherent territory since ancient times, which is a fact nobody can change. China enjoys indisputable sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands. The Chinese Government is also unswerving in its will and resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Your second question is a hypothetical one, which I cannot answer.

Q: You said the Diaoyu Islands have been China's territory since ancient times. Can you specify the time? What is the foundation of your claim?

A: It's not hard to have the answer if you check on the historical documents. China is the first to find the Diaoyu Islands and exerts effective jurisdiction over them. I suggest you refer to the book In Historical Facts of Diaoyu Islands by Kiyoshi Inoue, professor of Kyoto University, which I believe will give you some enlightenment.

Q: On the Six-Party Talks. During Kim Jong-il's recent visit to China, the two sides achieved principled consensus on early resumption of the Talks. Bosworth, the US Special Representative for DPRK Policy, said during his visit to the ROK that he is not hurrying for the early resumption of the Talks. Are you confident that China and the US will reach agreements in this regard during Bosworth's visit to China?

A: As you said, The US Special Representative for DPRK Policy Bosworth will arrive in Beijing tomorrow. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will meet with him and Wu Dawei, the Chinese Government's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs, will also hold talks with him. I would like to emphasize that it is conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability as well as in the common interest of all parties to proceed with the Talks and fully implement the goals set in the September 19 Joint Statement. We are willing to work with all parties so as to create conditions for the resumption of the Talks.

Q: You mentioned China and Sudan enjoy sound traditional relations. Will China continue its cooperation and investment in southern Sudan where flows most of China's investment if the referendum separated the country into two?

A: How can I give a clear and definite answer to your question which is based on an "if"? I also want to tell you that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South emphasizes making the unification attractive and relevant parties should not set the results of the referendum. China respects the development path chosen by the Sudanese people and is willing to advance friendly cooperation of mutual benefits on the basis of equality and win-win outcome.

Q: A Japanese school in Tianjin was damaged by stones the day before yesterday. How do you comment?

A: The Chinese Government always protects the safety of foreign missions and their personnel including those of Japan in accordance with law. We will keep doing so. We do not agree to individual overreactions. I believe the Chinese people will express themselves in a rational manner.

If there are no more questions, thanks! See you!

When asked about the current situation of the Chinese fishing boat illegally detained by Japan after the press conference, Jiang Yu said the boat was on its way back escorted by two Chinese fishery law enforcement ships.