Q: Will Premier Zhu mediate between India and Pakistan during his visit to India?

A: Sino-Indian relations have maintained a good momentum of development in recent years. Politically, the two countries have established constructive partnership and reached important consensus on non-threatening each other. There are frequent exchanges of high-level visits and personnel. Their economic and trade cooperation has been deepened. Bilateral trade has grown continuously. Exchange in the field of science, technology and culture is very active too. Tranquility and stability along the border areas has been maintained in recent years. The two countries have identical or similar views on many major international and regional issues and maintained sound communication and coordination.

The goal of Premier Zhu’s visit is to enhance the friendly relations and cooperation between China and India. China is actively encouraging India and Pakistan to make peace out of the tensions and has been working on the two sides. President Musharraf visited China last month, paying a transit visit again only recently during which Premier Zhu met with him. China has expressed the same wish to both sides, which is, South Asia can maintain peace and stability.



Q: During Premier Zhu’s visit, is there any special message or proposal to be passed to India so as to reduce tensions between India and Pakistan?

A: I’ve made it clear on various occasions regarding this question. China actively encourages the two sides to take measures to reduce tensions between them. We believe that it will not only serve the interests of the two countries but also benefit peace and safety of the region and the world at large. It is of vital importance to international community's anti-terrorism combat too.



Q: President Musharraf is going to deliver a speech on his major policies this week. Has the Pakistan side briefed China on that?

A: We have taken note that Pakistan has enhanced its cooperation with the international community on anti-terrorism and taken some measures regarding that. We hope that these measures can benefit the anti-terrorism combat of the international community and help to reduce tensions in South Asia.



Q: It’s reported that Chinese ships have transported weapons to Pakistan. What’s your comment on that? In China’s view, are fighters in Kashmir freedom fighters or terrorists?

A: In the first place, I’d like to emphasize, China has normal military and trade relations with countries including Pakistan. China has always pursued a prudent and responsible attitude on that matter.

China is deeply concerned over the present tensions between India and Pakistan, hoping that the two sides exercise restraints and handle the question properly through dialogue and consultations so as to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

China has had military and trade relations with Pakistan for a long time, which has nothing to do with the present tensions between India and Pakistan. With regard to the question of Kashmir, I’ve made it clear that it’s a question left over from history, which requires a negotiated settlement between India and Pakistan. China is firmly opposed to terrorism no matter where it is staged, by whom and in what name. But I have always emphasized that anti-terrorism should have a clear goal and adequate proof. Terrorism cannot be mixed up with particular religious and regional issues.



Q: The two Foreign Ministers of China and Russia have issued a joint declaration on Kashmir this week. Is this an initiative of China or of Russia? Does it mean that similar declarations will be issued between the two sides on other international hot spots?

A: I believe that the present tensions in South Asia have aroused common concern of the international community. The joint declaration of the two Foreign Ministers represents the common concern of the two counties over that question. China and Russia are strategic cooperative partners. They are countries of major impact in international and regional affairs. Being members of the P5, they have important responsibilities. The two sides have expressed their common concern over the tensions between India and Pakistan. We call for dialogue between the two sides, hoping to see relaxation of tensions and settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultations.



Q: Please brief us on China’s working group for Afghanistan? When will China restart the work of its Embassy there?

A: The working group for Afghanistan from the Foreign Ministry of China attended the handover ceremony of the interim government of Afghanistan, met with Chairman Karzai, Foreign Minister Abudullah and other major officials of the interim government. It has also made some contact with U.N. Secretary General's Special Representative on Afghanistan and officials of other countries in Afghanistan.

The Chinese government plans to restart the work of its Embassy in Afghanistan shortly. The working group is making necessary preparations.



Q: The Conference on Reconstruction and Assistance to Afghanistan will be held in Tokyo this month. What expectations does China have? Is China going to send delegations there?

A: As a friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, China has always followed and attached importance to its post-war rehabilitation. China stands ready to make its own effort for it. China has already sent delegations to attend the international conferences on humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and its post-war rehabilitation. The above-mentioned conference will be held in Tokyo this month. China will send its delegations to attend as usual. China will participate actively in the restoration and rehabilitation of Afghanistan.



Q: What kind of assistance is China going to provide for Afghanistan’s post-war rehabilitation?

A: We have announced officially that China will grant commodity assistance of 30 million RMB yuan to Afghanistan. It’s the first stage of its kind. We’ll provide more assistance later within our capability. It will be conducted in accordance with the progress of peace restoration and post-war rehabilitation of Afghanistan.



Q: It’s reported that Israeli officials will conduct consultations with China in Beijing on its canceling of falcon sales to China. When will the consultations begin? Who will attend from the Chinese side? How many compensations China wants to have? How much the Israeli side plans to compensate?

A: I am not aware of the specifics of your question. We have reaffirmed our position on the matter on various occasions.



Q: The Defense Minister of the U.S. said yesterday that the U.S. will resume the underground nuclear-test. What's China’s comment on it?

A: We have taken note of the relevant report. We hope that all the countries can abide by CTBT, sign and ratify it as soon as possible.



Q: According to CIA's report, China will increase its missiles targeting the U.S. from 20 to 75 or 100 in the next 15 years. Please confirm. If it is true, what impact will it have on Sino-U.S. relations? Does China’s move have any connection with the missile defense plan of the U.S.?

A: China and the U.S. have reached an agreement on nuclear“non-targeting” against each other. Besides, the five nuclear states issued a joint statement in 2000, declaring that their nuclear weapons will not target at any other country. China will strictly abide by its commitment.



Q: Is the repayment of debt issue discussed by China and Yugoslavia during President Kostunica’s visit to China?

A: President Kostunica is paying a visit to China. During his visit, the two countries have signed a Joint Declaration, an Inter-governmental Agreement on Economic and Technological Cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding on Engineering Technology between the Engineering Academies. In light of the practical situation, we will help the Yugoslavian people in their efforts to rebuild their home. To support its nation building endeavor, the Chinese Government decides to grant assistance of 30 million RMB yuan to Yugoslavia. I am not aware of other specific issues.



Q: You mentioned here last time that the Hongkong businessman carried to the mainland cult materials instead of Bibles. What kind of materials? Are the “Shouters”being defined as a cult in China?

A: Concerning the Li Guangqiang Case, according to the investigations of the Public Security organs, the 16,000 booklets he brought from Hongkong to the mainland are all cult propaganda materials.



Q: If the Hongkong businessman is carrying Bibles, does China regard them as cult propaganda materials? Are these materials attached to Bibles or interpretations of the Book?

A: I would like to make a clarification here that the Constitution of China protects the freedom of religious belief of the Chinese Citizen. There are a lot of people believing in Christianity and Catholics. There is no such case as prohibition of the Bible. We have compelling evidence that Li has smuggled and attempted to sell and distribute cult materials in the mainland and was captured at sight by the local Public Security organs.



Q: Are these materials Bibles or cult materials?

A: I have made it clear that he was carrying cult propaganda materials.



Q: Is Mr. Li’s case under trial in China? When will he be tried? Does the Chinese Government hold that unauthorized Bibles are cult materials, for instance, no interpretations are allowed to be attached to them and should be authorized by governmental departments beforehand?

A: First of all, I'd like to point out that Li Guangqiang's activities have severely violated Article 300 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China. He was arrested by the Procuratorial organs of the Fuzhou city in accordance with law on 5 July 2001. On 10 December the same year, public prosecutions were initiated against him. At present, the case is under investigation. I am not aware of the specific date of the trial. But if you are interested in it I can make inquiries accordingly. Secondly, he broke the law and we have compelling evidence that the articles he brought with him are illegal cult propaganda materials.