3月6日上午10时，外交部长李肇星在人民大会堂向中外记者介绍国际形势和我国外交政策，并回答记者的提问。本网对记者会进行实时报道。

　　 [人民网]:今天的外长记者招待会直播到此结束。谢谢！[11:34]
　　
　　 [姜恩柱]:现在时间到了，我们非常感谢各位的光临，非常感谢李肇星外长。现在我宣布记者招待会到此结束。谢谢。[11:33]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:我感谢各位今天来参加这次记者招待会，我愿意和各位共同努力，让我们的世界变得更加美好。谢谢。[11:33]

　　 [李肇星]:我们非常愿意和新加坡朋友进一步加强我们在联合国和其他国际组织当中以及在地区领域的合作，包括在10＋1、10＋3框架领域内的合作。[11:32]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:我们感谢新加坡政府坚持一个中国的原则和坚持反对“台独”的立场。[11:32]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:我们高度重视同新加坡的友好合作关系，我们愿意同新方共同努力，进一步加深和扩大我们之间的友好合作。[11:31]

　　[李肇星]:同样，在这次灾难中，中国也有来自我们的香港、台湾和大陆的一共13位公民遇难，24位公民受伤，我们的友好邻国的政府和人民群众也给了他们很好的关照，我也愿意利用这个机会向我们友好邻国的朋友们表示诚挚的感谢。[11:30]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:不久前我曾经有机会前往亚洲邻国的灾区慰问受灾的当地群众，发现中国的医疗队员、中国的年轻的DNA专家在那里工作得非常刻苦、非常有效，深受当地人民的欢迎和尊敬。[11:30]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:我们还一共派出了两支国际救援队，四支卫生医疗队和一支DNA鉴定专家组。[11:29]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:截止这个月1号，也就是3月1日，中国政府的援助一共约6.86亿人民币。民间援助一共达到5.76亿元人民币。超过50％的政府捐助的物资和现款都已经送达受灾国。[11:28]

　　[李肇星]:所以尽管我们也是一个发展中国家，我们自己的经济社会发展中也有困难，但是我们还是尽了最大的努力，向我们的受灾的朋友邻国提供了帮助。[11:28]

　　[李肇星]:去年印度洋地震海啸发生之后，我们真是急我们的邻居所急，提供了力所能及的帮助。中国也是一个经常遭受自然灾害的国家，我们完全能够理解受灾的邻国人民所遇到的困难，真正是感同身受。[11:27]

　　[李肇星]:中国和东盟外交全面启动了自由贸易区的进程，去年双方贸易总额达到1058亿美元，提前实现了预定的目标。[11:26]

　　[李肇星]:中国同包括新加坡在内的同盟国家关系非常友好，我们是在平等合作互利双赢的基础之上，积极的发展着面向和平繁荣的战略伙伴关系。[11:26]

　　[新加坡记者]:我是新加坡联合早报的记者。去年底的海啸发生之后，中国对南亚东南亚受灾国的援助广泛地受到好评，请问李部长，中国作为这个地区的一个大国，接下来准备怎样和其它大国一起在这个地区扮演比较积极的领导的角色？第二个问题，新加坡和中国是在老一代领导人在任的时候建立了外交关系，今年是新中建交的15周年，请李部长评价一下目前新中关系。[11:25]

　　[李肇星]:我相信，所有尊重事实的人都会看到中国是世界上一支维护和平的坚定力量。谢谢。[11:23]

　　[李肇星]:更不用说中国走的是和平发展之路，中国外交的出发点和归宿都是维护和平。[11:23]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:还有一组数字是前年的。2003年美国军费占全球军费总额的47％，超过除美国以外的25个军费大国当年军费开支的总和，还是联合国安理会其他四个常任理事国军费之和的3.5倍。[11:22]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:同样是去年，美国人均国防开支1540美元，中国人均国防开支大约20美元，美国是中国的77倍。[11:22]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:2004年美国的国防开支是4559亿美元，占美国国内生产总值的3.9％；而中国的国防费去年是2117亿元人民币，占中国国内生产总值总额的1.6％。就是说，美国的国防开支是中国的17.8倍。[11:21]

　　[李肇星]:我最近从西方的报刊上看到一组数字，我把它提供给你，咱们一块看看中国威胁论到底有什么道理，还是非常荒唐可笑。[11:20]

　　[李肇星]:的确，你所说的那种人也有，极个别的人，他们人已经到了新的世纪、新的时代，但是思想还留在冷战时期，就是这极少数人在宣扬所谓“中国威胁论”。这种人所散布的这种所谓的理论没有任何根据，也十分不科学。[11:19]

　　[李肇星]:我们现在双方正在共同努力，进一步落实胡锦涛主席和布什总统达成的关于加强和发展两国建设性合作伙伴关系的重要共识。[11:18]

　　[李肇星]:我认为中美两国人民有许许多多的理由应该友好相处、和平相处，共同为世界的和平和发展作出贡献。[11:18]

　　[李肇星]:我至今依然怀念在美国工作的那些日日夜夜。的确，我和一些美国人发生过争论，但是我在美国的朋友更多。[11:17]

　　[人民日报记者]:李部长，您刚才提到了中美关系取得的积极进展，但是另一方面我们也看到最近在华盛顿出现了新一波的“中国威胁论”，您认为所谓“中国威胁论”的实质是什么？会对未来的中美关系造成什么样的影响？我知道您在担任驻美大使的时候曾和“中国威胁论”进行过斗争，您今后会怎么做？谢谢。[11:17]

　　[李肇星]:你是来自西半球最大的发展中国家——巴西，请替我转达中国人民对巴西人民的友好情谊，我们愿意和巴西共同努力，继续深化和发展我们两国之间的战略伙伴关系。谢谢。[11:15]

　　[李肇星]:我们会全力争取实现祖国的和平统一，同时我们绝不允许任何人以任何借口任何形式把我们祖国的一部分台湾从我们伟大祖国分割出去，这是不可能允许的。[11:15]

　　[李肇星]:实际上我已经回答了你所有的问题，朝鲜问题应该从大局出发，大局就是朝鲜半岛应该是一个无核化的半岛，是一个和平稳定的半岛。另外一个大局是对我们来讲，祖国的主权高于一切，全中国人民，包括台湾同胞希望祖国和平统一的愿望高于一切。[11:14]

　　[巴西记者]:我有两个问题，第一个是您刚才提到朝鲜的领导人对胡主席口信的回应是朝鲜方面愿意重返六方会谈，但是我想知道他们要重返会谈是要在什么条件之下？而且您认为他们的条件是可以满足吗？第二个问题是假如出现台湾从中国独立的情况，中国又该如何来维持世界的和平？[11:14]

　　[姜恩柱]:本次记者会到现在进行了72分钟。刚才我和李外长商量，我们再延长一些时间，现在提最后三个问题。[11:11]

　　[李肇星]:现在我回答你提的具体问题，我们外交为人民服务就是致力于为祖国的发展和人民的福利创造稳定和平的国际环境和周边环境，维护中国公民和法人的合法权益，加强制度建设。我们已经建立起驻外使领馆、驻外机构和代表处相配合、协调的机制，我们还注重从人民群众的建议和意见中吸取营养，使我们的外交工作更好的体现人民的意志。[11:10]

　　[李肇星]:看到在座的记者多数都这么年轻，我非常羡慕，我也想到在中国的外交队伍当中，35岁以下的干部占将近一半。再过不到两个月就是“五四”青年节了，我也祝青年朋友们节日好。[11:09]

　　[李肇星]:后天就是“三.八”妇女节了，我也愿意借这个机会，向在座的女记者、向中国外交战线上的女同志、向全国所有支持中国外交事业的妇女同志、向全世界一切致力于维护和平和促进共同发展的女士们表示节日的祝贺。[11:08]

　　[李肇星]:在外交部将近4700名公务员当中，我顺便告诉你，有女干部1354人。[11:07]

　　[李肇星]:最近被评为“感动中国”人物的孙必干大使，就是外交部工作人员当中的优秀代表。[11:07]

　　[李肇星]:当然外交部的职工也做着大量的工作，现在在中国一共向全世界其他国家派出了235个驻外国家机构，派出了5600多人，其中外交部派出的是3200人。[11:06]

　　[李肇星]:更不用说，我们全国各部门、各行业都在进行着外交活动，为祖国交朋友，为人民办实事，包括我们非常活跃的议会外交、政党外交、军队外交，还有中国大量的非政府组织，也都活跃在国际舞台上，包括我们的青年团、妇联、工会以及通过各种民间渠道进行的活动，包括我们和国外许多城市建立了友好合作关系。[11:05]

　　[李肇星]:我们还在一年的时间内接待了29位国家元首、23位政府首脑、42位外交部长。[11:04]

　　[李肇星]:我再顺便告诉你这样一个数字，去年，我们的胡锦涛主席、吴邦国委员长、温家宝总理、政协主席贾庆林一共出访34个国家，他们往往访问时间很短，但是活动非常紧张、非常繁忙。[11:03]

　　[李肇星]:而在国际上，要给人民群众做一些好事、实事，就要靠朋友，而我们的领导人在这方面是带了好头，他们在国际上为祖国交了好多朋友。[11:02]

　　[李肇星]:的确，我们是在努力地实践外交为民的理念。[11:01]

　　[中国国际广播电台记者]:李外长您好，感谢您接受中国国际广播电台记者的提问。我们注意到维护中国公民在海外的生命安全和合法权益，昨天被写入了中国的《政府工作报告》，很多舆论都认为，这是中国政府执政为民、外交为民外交宗旨的体现，请问今年中国外交部在外交为民方面有哪些设想？有哪些举措？谢谢您。[11:01]

　　[李肇星]:还有一个更简便的办法消除你的疑虑，那就是稍微耐心地等几天，当你看到了全国人大通过的这部《反分裂国家法》的全文，我相信你会倾向于同意我刚才的看法，谢谢。[11:00]

　　[李肇星]:说得更简单一点，我们所反对的是政治歧视。[11:00]

　　[李肇星]:我们只是认为维持这样一个早就过时了的毫无用处、毫无益处的武器禁令，和中国和欧盟之间的全面战略合作伙伴关系很不相称。[10:59]

　　[李肇星]:实际上，你知道中国是在坚定地走和平发展的道路，我们不希望从你们那里买多少先进武器，中国也是个发展中国家，实际上也没有钱从你们那里买那么多价格也很高、我们也没什么用的武器。[10:59]

　　[李肇星]:你由我们全国人大这一立法程序联想到了会不会影响欧盟解除对华军事禁令，我看你是过虑了。[10:58]

　　[李肇星]:这部法律符合中国人民、中华民族的根本利益，有利于两岸关系的稳定和发展，有利于亚太地区的和平与稳定，乃至于有利于全世界的和平、稳定与繁荣，一定会得到国际社会越来越多的理解和支持。[10:58]

　　[李肇星]:全国人大制定反分裂国家法，是防止和遏制“台独”分裂势力采取冒险行动，破坏台海地区和平，维护大陆与台湾同属一个中国的现状不被改变，再次体现了我们要以最大的诚意，尽最大的努力，争取和平统一的前景和一贯立场，这部法律也将表明全中国人民捍卫祖国主权和领土完整，绝不容忍“台独”势力以任何名义、任何方式把台湾从中国分割出去的共同意志。[10:57]

　　[德国记者]:我想说的是现在很多的欧洲人认为中国要制定的《反分裂国家法》可能会造成战争的后果，考虑到现在海峡两岸紧张的局势，关于这种战争的说法，是不是会影响欧盟要解禁的做法？有没有可能欧盟解除对华的武器禁运会进一步被推迟？[10:56]

　　[李肇星]:我也和你一起共同重温一下邓小平先生多年以前说过的一段话，那就是我们坚持独立自主的和平外交政策，不参加任何集团，同谁都来往，同谁都交朋友。谁搞霸权主义，我们就反对谁，谁侵略别人，我们就反对谁，我们讲公道话，办公道事。谢谢你。[10:53]

　　[李肇星]:全世界人民都不喜欢霸权主义，都反对霸权主义，而提倡多边主义，提倡国际关系的民主化。[10:53]

　　[李肇星]:的确，当代世界的主题是和平与发展，但是霸权主义威胁着和平与发展。[10:52]

　　[李肇星]:你刚才提到霸权主义问题，我对你提这个问题表现出来的你对世界形势认识的深刻性表示钦佩。[10:51]

　　[李肇星]:中国不只是一个能源消费大国，也是世界上主要的能源生产国之一。中国的能源需求主要立足于国内解决，发展空间还很大，在节能和提高能源效率方面大有潜力，中国进口石油不会对国际油价产生大的影响。[10:50]

　　[李肇星]:中国的石油进口近一两年有所增长，但是进口量仅占全世界石油贸易总量的大约6％。[10:50]

　　[李肇星]:关于能源我有一些话要说。近年来随着中国经济持续发展、快速发展，能源消费在中国也有所增长，同时国际原油价格经过大幅度的波动，尤其是去年，油价持续攀升。在这种情况下，有些媒体将油价上升的原因说成是中国需要的增长，这缺乏根据。[10:49]

　　[半岛电视台记者]:请问中东地区在经过快速的或者比较大的变化，大国对这些地区的一些政策作出了调整，中国作为在这个地区有利益的国家，特别是在能源问题上，会不会对这个地区的政策做一些调整？这些调整会不会影响中国与其他大国关系？第二，单边主义越来越单边，霸权主义也越来越霸权，中国离实现多极化的目标还有多大希望？[10:49]

　　[李肇星]:有一条消息可以提示一下，那就是朝鲜最高领导人在接到胡锦涛主席的有关口信之后，朝方曾经表示，朝鲜仍然坚持半岛无核化的目标，朝鲜仍然愿意继续参加六方会谈，朝鲜希望有关各方能显示出足够的或者更多的诚意来。[10:45]

　　[李肇星]:关于朝鲜是否已经有了核武器，还有在浓缩铀问题上有什么事情，我想这方面你可能知道的比我更多。换句话说，我不比你知道的更多。[10:45]

　　[李肇星]:中日两国人民应该世世代代友好下去。最近一两年来，中日两国领导人不断地在多边场合见面，都进行过很好的交谈。我们希望中日双方能从两国人民根本利益的大局出发，按照“以史为鉴，面向未来”的精神，努力为两国高层互访创造适当的条件和气氛。[10:44]

　　[日本记者]:您好，日本东京广播公司TBS的记者。有些问题可能您谈过了，我想重新提出来，一个是关于中日两国总理和首相的互访，已经停顿了很长时间了，什么时候这个互访的势头可以恢复。第二是朝鲜的核问题，朝鲜声称已经拥有了核武器，您怎么看？中方有什么分析？朝鲜方面铀浓缩的问题，朝鲜方面有没有这种的浓缩铀呢？[10:43]

　　[李肇星]:谈到腐败，我想讲另外一点情况，那就是很值得我们警惕的是，台湾分裂势力为了搞他的所谓“台独”，不惜进行所谓“美元外交”，实际上也就是一种行贿外交。好多有识之士认为，这也是一种腐败行为。谢谢。[10:40]

　　[李肇星]:中国政府执政为民，正在不断加强反腐倡廉的工作。我们愿意同包括美国在内的各国在反腐败斗争方面加强合作。[10:39]

　　[李肇星]:胡锦涛主席和布什总统在智利会晤的时候已就在今年之内两国元首互访达成了共识，我们愿意同美方保持密切的接触，来维持和加强两国高层互访的势头。[10:39]

　　[李肇星]:就是说应该恪守两国之间三个联合公报的原则，平等相待，求同存异，扩大两国人民利益的交汇点。[10:38]

　　[李肇星]:确保中美关系健康发展应该有长远的战略眼光，首先用这种眼光来看待和处理两国关系当中最敏感的问题，那就是台湾问题。[10:37]

　　[李肇星]:中美关系不断取得进展。因为两国有着广泛的共同利益，我们可以在众多的领域开展互利合作，来造福于两国人民。[10:36]

　　[李肇星]:的确，今年联合国就快过60岁的生日了，在纽约联合国总部会有盛大的纪念活动，我相信中国国家主席胡锦涛很可能去参加这次纪念活动，联合国秘书长安南已经多次邀请胡锦涛到访和参加有关的纪念活动。[10:36]

　　[新华社记者]:我们知道今年是联合国成立60周年，请问届时胡锦涛主席会不会去美国参加有关的庆祝活动？他会不会顺便访问美国？请问您怎么看待当前的中美关系以及中美关系未来的前景？第二，有关反腐败的国际合作问题。我们注意到2004年4月，中国银行广东开平支行的前行长余振东被遣送回国，就在前几天美国联邦调查局的官员讲，对余振东这样的腐败官员我们会来一个、查一个、遣返一个，外交部在促进中国与国际社会共同反腐败方面今年会有哪些新的动作？[10:35]

　　[李肇星]:我们两国在经济、贸易、文化、教育、军事等各领域的合作，也都在稳步地向前发展，向新的高度和深度发展。在包括联合国在内的全世界100多个政府间国际组织当中，以及在上海合作组织等区域国际组织当中，我们两国也进行着富有成效的、实质性的合作。谢谢。[10:33]

　　[李肇星]:我们两国去年在普京总统，应胡锦涛主席对中国进行国事访问期间，双方已经彻底解决了历史上遗留下来的边界问题，从那儿以后，两国边界就是一条和平的边界，友好的边界，合作的边界，这对我们两国人民有好处，对地区乃至世界的和平稳定也有好处。[10:32]

　　[李肇星]:我们非常高兴我们和我们的友好邻邦俄罗斯关系发展得非常顺利，也非常富有成效。[10:32]

　　[俄罗斯国际文传电讯社记者]:请问俄罗斯和中国战略合作伙伴合作关系在国际事务中是怎样的表现？[10:32]

　　[李肇星]:这对我们两国人民有好处，对我们地区的发展、稳定也有好处。对话也会发生调整作用，把亚洲国家凝聚在一起，加强团结和合作，我们预祝亚洲合作对话第四次外长会议取得成果，谢谢。[10:30]
　　
　　 [李肇星]:我们还记忆犹新，上次亚洲外长合作会议是在中国青岛举行的，会议开得很好。下次会议将在巴基斯坦召开。中国和巴基斯坦是“全天候”的朋友，我相信我们会进一步加强我们的双边关系，也加强我们在多边领域、在地区组织当中的友好合作。[10:29]

　　[巴基斯坦记者]:您好，我是巴基斯坦联合通讯社记者。在上个月早些时候，在巴基斯坦首都将召开亚洲合作对话的第四次外长会，您如何看望亚洲合作的未来，尤其是它对地区的和平发展会发挥如何的作用？巴基斯坦和中国有没有可能进行更为密切的合作来解决亚洲面临的问题，这可以通过亚洲合作对话也可以通过双边的渠道。[10:27]

　　[李肇星]:你一口气提了好多问题，我并不有把握是否已经全部回答了你的问题，谢谢。[10:26]

　　[李肇星]:台湾是中国的一部分，台湾问题是中国内政，直接或间接把台湾纳入日美合作范畴的做法都是对中国主权的侵犯和对中国内政的干涉。中国政府和人民坚决反对。[10:25]

　　[李肇星]:你还提到了最近美国和日本一块干的一些事情，我想说日美军事同盟是冷战时期特定背景下的双边安排，理应严格限制在双边范畴之内。超出双边范畴势必引起亚洲国家的不安，给地区形势带来复杂因素。[10:24]

　　[李肇星]:中日双方在钓鱼岛的归属上存在着分歧，我们主张应该在尊重事实的基础之上，通过谈判寻求解决。希望双方能以大局为重，避免这一问题给中日关系的健康发展带来干扰。[10:23]

　　[李肇星]:你提到了钓鱼岛问题，这个问题其实很简单，钓鱼岛及其附属岛屿自古以来就是中国的领土，中国对此拥有无可争辩的历史根据和法律依据。任何巧言令色、任何外国单方面的行动都不能改变这一基本事实。[10:22]

　　[李肇星]:同日本发展长期稳定的睦邻友好关系是我们的既定政策，历史告诉我们，中日应该世世代代友好下去。保证两国关系的健康发展，就必须从战略高度和长远的角度来把握中日关系的方向，正确认识和妥善处理历史和台湾问题，不断加强和深化各领域的互利合作。[10:22]

　　[李肇星]:关于中日关系，我想说两国关系正常化30多年来，合作成果丰硕，这是中日两国领导人，几代领导人，两国政府和人民长期努力的结果，来之不易，值得我们珍惜。[10:21]

　　[香港记者]:我想问中国、日本和美国的问题。最近日本和美国做了一连串有关的动作，包括钓鱼岛等，我想问如果“台独”发生了，你怎么样去评估日本会和美国有什么样的反应？中国又会怎么样反应？您怎么评估日本和美国这么紧的关系是怎么样？[10:20]

　　[李肇星]:和平最可贵，我所希望的是通过各方的共同努力，使六方会谈重新恢复，也有利于实现半岛无核化的目标，维护半岛的和平和稳定，谢谢。[10:18]

　　[李肇星]:你刚才提到了一个假设的问题，你说假如如何如何，我一般不回答假设性的问题。[10:17]

　　[李肇星]:我可以简单的告诉你，美国是主权国家，朝鲜民主共和国也是一个主权国家。在半岛核问题上，恰恰这两个国家是主要当事方，当务之急是这两个当事方逐渐增加相互了解和相互信任。[10:17]

　　[美联社记者]:您好，我是美联社的记者。还是想问一个关于朝鲜核对话的问题，现在已经有几个月的时间，各个方面在进行相关安排，希望可以重开朝核问题的对话，显然没有取得成功。中国对朝鲜是有着密切的关系，假如朝鲜仍然不愿意参加有关解决核问题的对话，中国将会采取什么样的步骤使得朝鲜重新回到谈判桌前，中国是否愿意利用其他的一些步骤，使朝鲜回到对话中来？[10:16]

　　[李肇星]:对于胡锦涛主席的具体出访活动，将按惯例由外交部发言人届时公布，谢谢。[10:14]

　　[李肇星]:今年的亚太经合作组织领导人非正式会议将在韩国举行，中国领导人将出席会议。中韩两国全面合作伙伴关系发展得很顺利，中国和朝鲜民主主义人民共和国的传统友好关系也在继续发展。[10:13]

　　[李肇星]:核问题相当复杂，它的进程自然会遇到一些困难，但是无论多么困难，我们还是本着客观公正的态度来劝和促谈，我们也希望有关各方，特别是主要的当事方能够承担起责任，显示诚意和耐心，为尽早复谈取得进展做出努力。[10:12]

　　[李肇星]:中国坚持朝鲜半岛无核化，半岛和平与稳定的目标。同时主张朝方的合理问题应该得到照顾，六方会谈是通过对话解决半岛核问题的现实选择，符合各方的利益，应该继续下去。[10:11]

　　[韩国记者]:我是韩国电视台的记者，我有两个问题。第一，为了重开解决朝鲜核问题的六方会谈，有关国家正在努力磋商，请问中国认为什么时候能够重开六方会谈？第二，有报道说，胡锦涛主席今年下半年出席韩国釜山APEC会议之前上半年将会访问朝鲜，请问胡锦涛主席会访问朝鲜吗？如果访问的话主题将会是什么呢？[10:10]

　　[孔泉]:下一个问题。[10:09]

　　[李肇星]:在国际事务中，我们从中国人民的利益和各国人民的利益出发，从事情本身的是非曲直确定自己的立场，今后我们继续和国际社会共同努力，让世界少一些战火，多一些安宁，少一些贫困，多一些富足，少一些麻烦，多一些合作。谢谢。[10:08]

　　[李肇星]:我们坚持推动和参与南南合作和南北对话。我们主张各种文明在竞争中平等相处，相互借鉴。[10:07]

　　[李肇星]:我们深切理解世界人民要和平不要战争，要繁荣不要贫困，要和谐不要对抗的强烈愿望，坚持通过和平手段解决国际争端，认真参与地球热点问题的解决。[10:06]

　　[李肇星]:我们坚持独立自主的和平外交政策，致力于同世界各国发展平等互利的友好关系，推动区域合作，积极参与多边外交，我们在世界上的朋友和伙伴越来越多。[10:05]

　　[李肇星]:我们坚持外交为民，保护中国公民和法人在海外的合法权益，妥善的处理了中国公民遭遇袭击等突发事件。[10:05]

　　[李肇星]:在过去的一年里，在以胡锦涛同志为总书记的党中央领导下，我们沉着应对国际局势的变化，扎实工作，尽心尽力地为国家发展和人民生活的改善营造和平稳定的国际环境。[10:04]

　　[李肇星]:中国外交致力于维护世界和平，促进共同发展，推动互利合作，是为中国人民服务的，由于中国人民和世界人民的根本利益是一致的，所以也可以说，应该说中国外交既为中国人民服务，也为世界人民服务。[10:03]

　　[中央电视台记者]:李部长您好，我是中央电视台记者。对于中国的外交政策，现在国际上有两种截然不同看法，有人说中国外交取得了很多成果，更加成熟了，但是也有人说中国外交是实用外交，作为外交部长您怎么看待这些看法？谢谢。[10:03]

　　[李肇星]:如果大家还有什么具体问题，现在欢迎提问。[10:02]

　　[李肇星]:关于当前国际形势和中国的外交政策，温家宝总理昨天在《政府工作报告》当中已经做了深刻阐述。[10:02]

　　[李肇星]:很高兴和大家见面。[10:01]

　　[姜恩柱]:女士们，先生们，今天我们很高兴邀请外交部长李肇星就国际形势和我国的外交政策回答大家问题。现在我先请李部长说几句话。[10:01]

　　外交部长李肇星走进会场。[10:01]

　　[韩晓武]:四、提问记者每次组最多问两个问题。[10:00]

　　[韩晓武]:三、摄影摄像记者不要在场内通道长期逗留。[09:58]

　　[韩晓武]:二、在会议期间尽量减少在场内的走动。[09:57]

　　[韩晓武]:一、开始后请关闭手机、呼机或改为振动状态。[09:56]

　　现在全国人大常委会办公厅新闻局局长韩晓武上台宣布招待会注意事项。[09:55]

　　９时４０分一过，大厅里所有的灯都亮了起来。可以预见的是，一场新闻大战即将开始。[09:48]
　　
　　 半岛电视台的记者伊扎特说，令他印象深刻的是，在重大国际问题上，中国发挥着越来越重要的作用。他今天准备了问题，并且坐在正面第三排位置，但仍然不能肯定是否可以得到发问机会，至于是什么问题，他笑而不答。[09:48]

　　招待会将由大会新闻发言人姜恩柱主持。外交部新闻发言人孔泉、人大常委会办公厅新闻局有关负责人也将出席招待会。翻译是外交部翻译司的秦敏。[09:47]
　　
　　 凤凰卫视评论员曹景行也出现在现场。他表示，希望了解“中国今年出现的新变化”。一些海外记者成了境内媒体提前关注的对象。据了解，中日关系、中美关系、中俄关系、中国外交政策方针、《反分裂国家法》都有可能成为记者在招待会上提问的主题。[09:47]

　　今天的会场设置了将近600个座位，目前已经有3/4的座位被老记们占领。[09:41]

　　李肇星外长简历：1940年生，山东人，1964年毕业于北京大学，之后到北京外国语大学进修。现任外交部部长、党组书记。曾在中国驻肯尼亚大使馆工作7年，并担任驻莱索托大使馆的一秘。1985年至1995年担任中国外交部新闻司副司长、司长、外交部发言人，之后升为部长助理、中国常驻联合国代表、大使等要职。1995年至1998年担任外交部副部长。随后受命出使美国3年。2001年至2003年3月任外交部副部长，主管美洲、大洋洲和拉美洲事务。2003年3月起任外交部部长。[09:30]
　　
　　 人民大会堂三楼大厅被红的杜鹃、绿的松柏装点得春意融融。记者们在忙着抢占有利地形。[09:25]
　　
　　 外国媒体中，有大家熟悉的美联社，法新社，塔斯社，共同社，CNN等。[09:24]
　　
　　 新闻发布会还没开始，现场的采访却已经开始，外国记者成为同行们关注的焦点。[09:18]
　　
　　 这是李肇星就任外交部部长以来第二次在全国人民代表大会召开期间接受中外记者采访。本场招待会受到了中外记者的极大关注。[09:11]
　　
　　 今天上午，中央人民广播电台、中国国际广播电台、中央电视台将现场直播本次记者招待会实况。[09:08]
　　
　　 十届全国人大三次会议今天上午10时举行记者招待会，外交部长李肇星应大会新闻发言人姜恩柱的邀请，将就国际形势和中国的外交政策等问题回答中外记者的提问。[09:07]

On the morning of March 6, 2005, the Third Plenary Session of the Tenth National People's Congress held a press conference at the Great Hall of the People. At the invitation of Spokesman Jiang Enzhu of the Session, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing answered questions from the Chinese and foreign press on China's Diplomacy and International Affairs.

Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing: It is my great pleasure to see you all. Yesterday in his Report on the Work of the Government, Premier Wen Jiabao already gave a profound elaboration on the international situation and China's policies. If you have specific questions for me, they are more than welcome.

CCTV: With regard to China's foreign policy, some people say China has achieved a lot in its diplomacy and its foreign policy has become more mature, while others think that China's foreign policy has been too pragmatic. What's your comment on that?

Li Zhaoxing: China's diplomacy is aimed at maintaining world peace, promoting common development, boosting mutually beneficial cooperation and serving the Chinese people. Since the Chinese people share the fundamental interests of the people around the world, it is fair to say that China's diplomacy serves both the Chinese and other peoples in the world.

Over the past year, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Hu Jintao as the General Secretary, we have calmly coped with changes in the international situation and done our work earnestly and whole-heartedly to bring about a peaceful and stable international environment for the development of the country and improvement of people's livelihood. We adhere to the principle of doing diplomatic work for the people. We have protected the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and legal persons abroad and properly handled emergency incidents such as the attacks against Chinese citizens abroad. We pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, and remain committed to developing friendly relations of equality and mutual benefits with all the countries in the world, advancing regional cooperation and actively participating in multilateral diplomacy. We now find more and more friends and partners around the world.

We keenly appreciate the wish of people for peace, prosperity and harmony and their opposition to war, poverty and confrontation worldwide and stand for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. We have played our part conscientiously in the settlement of regional hot spot issues. We are committed to promoting and participating in South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue. We maintain that civilizations of different kinds should treat each other as equals and learn from each other amidst competition. In international affairs, we proceed from the interests of the Chinese people and the common interests of all the other people in the world and determine our positions independently in the light of the merits of matters. In the future, we will continue to work with the international community in bringing about a world with less conflict and more peace, less poverty and more prosperity, less trouble and more cooperation.

KBS ,a TV of R.O.K: When do you think the six-Party talks will be reopened? And my second question is that it is reported that President Hu Jintao will make a visit to the DPRK before he attends the APEC meeting in the Republic of Korea in the latter half of this year. Would you please confirm this news for us? If he does go to the DPRK, what will be discussed?

Li Zhaoxing: China pursues the objective of a nuclear-weapon-free, peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula. At the same time, we also maintain that the legitimate concerns of the DPRK should be addressed. The six-party talks present a realistic choice for the resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue. It is in the interest of all the parties, and should be continued. The nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula is very complicated. Therefore naturally there will be difficulties in the process of the peace talks. No matter how difficult the process is, we in China always adhere to the position of working for peace and facilitating talks in an objective and impartial way. We hope the relevant parties, particularly those major parties concerned can undertake their responsibilities, demonstrate flexibility, sincerity and patience and work for an early reopening of the talks and for further progress in the talks.

This year the APEC informal economic leaders' meeting will take place in the Republic of Korea, which the Chinese leader will attend. The partnership of all-round cooperation between China and the Republic of Korea has been progressing steadily. And the traditional friendly relations between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have also been developing continuously. With regard to the specific overseas visit plans of President Hu Jintao, according to our common practice, the news will be announced by the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry in due time.

Associated Press: Various parties have been trying for several months to arrange a new round of talks with no apparent success. China has close ties with North Korea. If North Korea is still unwilling to take part in these talks, what steps would China be willing to take to compel North Korea to participate?

Li Zhaoxing: The United States of America is a sovereign state, and so is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. As to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, it is these two countries that are the major parties concerned. Therefore the pressing task is for these two parties directly concerned on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula to gradually increase their mutual trust and mutual understanding. Peace is the most valuable thing. My hope is that the six-party talks can be reopened as soon as possible through the concerted efforts of all the parties, which is conducive to achieving the objective of a nuclear-weapon-free Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability there.

Oriental Daily: Recently Japan and the US have taken a series of actions including those on the Diaoyudao Island and the security cooperation. My question is if Taiwan independence becomes a reality, what in your assessment will be the reactions of the US and Japan? And what will be the Chinese reaction? And how do you assess and evaluate the relations between Japan and the US?

Li Zhaoxing: It has been over 30 years since China and Japan normalized relations. Over that period, the cooperation between the two sides has been fruitful. That is the result of the long term and arduous efforts made by leaders of several generations, the governments and peoples of the two countries. It is a hard-won result and deserves to be cherished. To develop the good-neighborly and friendly relationship of long-term stability with Japan is an established policy of China. History has taught us that we must carry forward the friendship with Japan from generation to generation. In order to ensure the sound development of the relations between China and Japan, it is essential to set the direction for the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term point of view, to correctly understand and properly handle the issue of history and the Taiwan question, to continuously deepen and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and expand the common interests between China and Japan.

Since ancient times, the Diaoyudao Islands and the adjacent islands have been China's territory, about which China has indisputable historical and legal evidence. No glib words or tricky actions can change these basic facts, nor can it be changed by any unilateral action by any foreign country. China and Japan have differences over the sovereign entitlement of the Diaoyudao Islands. We maintain that the solution should be sought after on the basis of respecting the facts. It is hoped that the two sides can set store by their overall interests and prevent this issue from affecting the healthy development of China-Japan relations.

In my view, the military alliance between the US and Japan is a bilateral arrangement that occurred under special circumstances during the Cold War. Therefore it ought to be strictly restricted to a bilateral nature. If it goes beyond the bilateral scope, definitely it will arouse uneasiness of the rest of Asian countries and also bring about complicating factors to the regional security situation. Taiwan is a part of China and the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China. Any practice of putting Taiwan directly or indirectly into the scope of Japan-US security cooperation constitutes an encroachment on China's sovereignty and interference in China's internal affairs. The Chinese government and people are firmly against such activities.

Associated Press of Pakistan: As you know Pakistan is going to hold the Fourth Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) foreign ministers' conference in Islamabad early next month. How do you look at the future role of ACD in promoting peace and development in the region? And do you think Pakistan and China can work together more closely to address the problems faced by Asian countries?

Li Zhaoxing:The last ACD foreign ministers' meeting, which took place in Qingdao, China, was a great success. One of the important achievements of that meeting in Qingdao is that everybody is very pleased to have the next meeting held in Pakistan. China and Pakistan are friends enjoying all-weather friendship. I believe we will certainly further strengthen our bilateral relations and enhance our friendship and cooperation on multilateral occasions including regional organizations. This is not only good for our two peoples but also conducive to the development and stability in this region. During this process, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue will also play the role of a bridge which unites Asian countries together and further enhances their solidarity and cooperation. So here I wish the fourth foreign ministers' meeting of ACD a great success.

InterFax: My question is what are the major manifestations of the Russia-China strategic partnership on the international affairs?

Li Zhaoxing: We are very pleased to see that we have got a very smooth and successful development of relations with our friendly neighbor Russia. Last year, at the invitation of president Hu Jintao, President Putin of the Russian Federation paid a state visit to China. During that visit, our two countries completely resolved the boundary issue which had been left over from history. Ever since then, the boundary between China and Russia has become a boundary of peace, friendship and cooperation. This is beneficial to our two peoples and conducive to peace and stability in both this region and the world at large.

Our cooperation in a wider range of areas, including economy and trade, culture, education, military and other fields has also been moving forward steadily. China and Russia have also conducted effective and substantive cooperation in over 100 international organizations, including the UN, as well as regional inter-state organizations, such as the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization).

Xinhua News Agency: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. I want to ask whether President Hu Jingtao will attend the UN celebrations and take that opportunity to visit the US? Would you please comment on the current China-US relations and the future development of the relations? My second question concerns anti-corruption. We know that in 2004 Yu Zhendong, the former governor of the Kaiping branch of the Bank of China was repatriated to China. A few days ago, US officials indicated that the US side would assist the Chinese side in bringing similar corrupt officials to justice. Would you please comment on what new measures China will take in fighting corruption together with the international community?

Li Zhaoxing: It is true that the UN will celebrate its 60th birthday, and there will be grand commemorations at the headquarters of the UN in New York. The UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has extended very warm invitation to President Hu Jintao for many times, so it is likely that President Hu Jintao will attend the celebration upon invitation.

The China-US relations have been making headway continuously. The two countries share extensive interests and engage in mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of areas to the benefits of the two peoples. In order to ensure a healthy development of the China-US relations, a long-term and strategic perspective should be adopted. First of all, it is essential to adopt that perspective to view and deal with the most sensitive issue in the China-US relations, i.e. the Taiwan question. In order words, it is essential to abide by the principles enshrined in the three China-US Joint Communiqu¨|s, treat each other as equals, seek common ground while putting aside differences and expand the converging points of the interests of the two countries. In the meeting held in Chile last November, President Hu Jintao and President Bush already reached agreement on exchanging visits in 2005. We would like to keep in close touch with the US side and continue to maintain and strengthen the momentum of exchanges of high level visits between the two countries.

The Chinese Government follows the principle of governing for the people and we have been making continuous efforts to fight against corruption and advocate a clean and honest government. We would like to step up our cooperation with all the countries in the world, including the US, in the fight against corruption.

Taking about corruption, what deserves our vigilance is that the Taiwan secessionists have done everything they can to achieve the goal of Taiwan independence, including the "dollar diplomacy", or in order words, the "bribery diplomacy". Many visionary people concur that this is also an act of corruption. Thank you.

TBS, Tokyo Broadcasting System, Japanese TV: When will the prime ministers of China and Japan restart mutual visit? The DPRK declares that it has nuclear weapons. What do you think of the information? Does the DPRK have uranium enrichment program or not?

Li Zhaoxing: It is imperative for the two countries and for the peoples of China and Japan to carry forward their friendship from generation to generation. In the past couple of years, the leaders of China and Japan have met for several times on multilateral occasions, where they had very good discussions. We hope China and Japan can proceed from the fundamental interests of the two peoples and work to create proper conditions and atmosphere for the high-level exchange of visits between the two countries in the spirit of taking history as a mirror and looking to the future.

With regard to whether the DPRK has already possessed nuclear weapons or whether it has uranium enrichment program, I believe maybe you know more than I do.

Let me tell you that after receiving the relevant verbal message from President Hu Jintao, the DPRK supreme leader indicated that the DPRK still pursues the objective of a nuclear-weapon-free Korean Peninsula and remains ready and willing to continue to participate in the six-party talks and that the DPRK hopes to see more sincerity to be displayed by the relevant parties.

Al-Jazeera:There have been very rapid changes in the Middle East situation. Given China's interest in the region, especially in terms of energy, would China make any readjustments to its policy. The second question is that there is a tendency for more rampant unilateralism and hegemony, so how far is reality from the goal of multi-polarizaiton that China pursues?

Li Zhaoxing: In recent years, with China's sustained and rapid development, its energy consumption has increased to a certain extent. And there have been substantial fluctuations in the prices of crude oil in the international market, particularly last year we saw a climbing up of the crude oil prices for quite a period of time. Therefore some media have blamed China and its growth of energy demand for the rising of oil prices. Such argument is unfounded. It is true that China's oil import has increased a little bit over the past one or two years. However the total of China's oil import only accounts for around 6% of the international oil trade volume. China is not only a big energy consumer, but also one of the major energy producers in the world. China's energy demand is mainly to be met by its domestic resources. We still have considerable space for the development of domestic energy supply, and we have big potential in selling energy and improving the efficiency of energy use. Therefore China's import of oil will not exert a big impact on the international oil prices.

Regarding the question about multi-polarization and unilateralism, I would say that the theme of our times is peace and development, however, hegemonism has been a threat to peace and development. Nobody in the world likes hegemonism, and everyone in the world opposes hegemonism and advocates multilateralism as well as democratic international relations. Let me invite you to revisit some remarks made by the late leader of China, Comrade Deng Xiaoping years ago. He said, "We adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace and do not join any block. We are prepared to maintain contacts and make friends with everyone. We are against any country that practices hegemonism. We are against any country that commits aggression against others. We are fair in our words and in our deeds".

DPH, a German press agency: Many Europeans fear that the "Anti-Secession Law" might lead to war in the Taiwan Straits. Would such a view affect the lifting of the European arms embargo? Is China concerned that this will probably further delay the lifting of the European arms embargo?

Li Zhaoxing: The purpose for China's National People's Congress to enact the "Anti-Secession Law" is to prevent and contain the "Taiwan Independence" secessionists' attempt to take reckless activities to sabotage the cross-Straits relations and peace in the Taiwan Straits. And it is also aimed at maintaining the status-quo of both the mainland and Taiwan belonging to one and the same China unchanged. Once again this law will embody the consistent position of China to do our utmost with the maximum sincerity to strive for the prospect of a peaceful reunification. It will also demonstrate the common will of all the Chinese people to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity and never allow the "Taiwan Independence" secessionists to make Taiwan secede from China under any name or by any means. Therefore this law is consistent with the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. It is conducive to the stability and development of the cross-Straits relations and to peace, stability and prosperity in both the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. Therefore this law will certainly get more understanding and support from the international community.

China is committed to peaceful development. As a developing country, we do not need, nor do we have the money to buy a lot of weapons that are both expensive and useless to us. We only believe the maintenance of such a long obsolete, useless and detrimental arms embargo against China is a jarring note in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union. To put it in a more simple way, what we are opposed to is political discrimination. There is an easier way for you to remove all your misconceptions or worries, that is, please wait for a few days longer until you see the text of the Anti-Secession Law. I believe by then you will agree to what I just said.

China Radio International: We have noticed that protecting the safety of life and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens abroad were written into the government work report delivered yesterday. Many people agree that it is a manifestation of the purpose of Chinese diplomacy to govern for the people and do diplomatic work for the people. My question is what will be the new initiatives or measures of the Foreign Ministry this year in the respect of doing the diplomatic work for the people.

Li Zhaoxing:: It is true that we have been making every effort to serve the purpose of doing the diplomatic work for the people. On the international stage, in order to do good and practical things for the people, we have to rely on our friends. In this regard, the Chinese leaders have played an exemplary role. They have made many good friends for China in the world. Last year, President Hu Jintao, Chairman Wu Bangguo of the National People's Congress, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman Jia Qinglin of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference visited a total of 34 countries. During their short yet tightly scheduled visits, they conducted extensive activities. Last year alone we received 29 visiting heads of state, 23 heads of government and 42 foreign ministers. In addition, different departments and industries across the country have been engaged in other diplomatic activities so as to make friends for the motherland and do practical things for the people. The inter-parliamentary, party-to-party and military-to-military diplomatic activities between China and other countries are fairly active, and a large number of Chinese NGOs are also active players on the international arena, such as the Chinese Youth League, All China Women's Federation and All China Federation of Trade Unions. Many Chinese cities have also established twin-city relations with their foreign counterparts.

At present, China has 235 diplomatic missions abroad staffed with over 5,600 people, of whom 3,200 are dispatched by the Foreign Ministry. Ambassador Sun Bigan, who was recently named as one of the top 10 figures inspiring China most in 2004, is one of the best representatives of the Foreign Ministry.

By doing the diplomatic work for the people, our purpose is to create a peaceful and stable international and surrounding environment for the development of the country and the welfare of the people and to strengthen the institutional construction to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and legal persons abroad. We have established a ministerial-level joint conference system for the protection of Chinese citizens and agencies abroad and a coordination mechanism led by the diplomatic and consular missions abroad and coordinated by Chinese agencies and representative offices abroad. We also pay attention to referring to the opinions and suggestions of our people so that our diplomatic work can better reflect their will.

Brazilian Newspaper: Are there conditions the DPRK has put to go back to the negotiations and can they be fulfilled? And how can China conciliate the principle of keeping world peace with the threat to invade Taiwan in case it declares independence?

Li Zhaoxing: Actually I have answered both of your questions. To solve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, it is important to proceed from the overall interests. Here, the overall interest is that the Korean peninsula should be nuclear-weapon-free, peaceful and stable.

On the Taiwan question, for us the sovereignty of China is paramount, and so is the wish of all Chinese people including the Taiwan compatriots for the peaceful reunification of China. We will do our utmost to strive for the peaceful reunification of the motherland. However, we will never allow any one to make Taiwan secede from China in whatever form and with whatever excuse. We will never permit that to happen.

You come from Brazil, which is the biggest developing country in the western hemisphere. Please convey the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards our Brazilian friends. We would like to work with Brazil to continue to deepen and develop the strategic partnership between our two countries.

People's Daily: Recently a new wave of China threat theory has emerged in Washington. What is the nature of such a theory? What impact will it have on the future of China-US relations? When you served as the Chinese Ambassador to the US, you once fought against the old similar theory. So what are you going to do this time?

Li Zhaoxing: I miss those days and nights in the US very much. It is true that I debated with some Americans, but I have made a bigger number of friends there. I believe that the Chinese and US peoples have good reasons to live in friendship and peace and work together to promote world peace and development. Both sides are working to implement the important common consensus reached between President Hu Jintao and President Bush on further strengthening and building the constructive and cooperative relationship. It is a fact that there do exist people as you described, but they are very tiny in number. Although they are living in the new century, their minds still linger in the Cold War era. It is there tiny number of people who are spreading the so-called "China threat theory", which is totally unfounded.

Recently I came across a group of figures from a western newspaper. Let's take a look at them together to see whether the theory makes sense or is nothing but ridiculous nonsense. In 2004, the defense expenditure of the US was US$455.9 billion, accounting for 3.9% of its GDP, while that of China in the same year was only RMB211.7 billion, making up 1.6% of China's GDP. The US defense expenditure was 17.8 times that of China. In 2004, the per capita defense expenditure in the US was US$1,540 while that of China was about US$20, with the US figure being 77 times that of China. In 2003, the US defense expenditure accounted for 47% of the global total, exceeding the add-up of the following top 25 countries in the world with the largest defense expenditure. The figure was also 3.5 times the total sum of the defense expenditure of the other four permanent members of the Security Council.

China follows the road of peaceful development. To maintain peace is both the starting point and the purpose of Chinese diplomacy. I believe that all those who respect truth will see China as a staunch force for peace in the world.

Lian He Zao Bao of Singapore: After the outbreak of the tsunami disaster at the end of last year, China has extended assistance to the disaster-stricken countries in south Asia, for which those countries appreciate very much. As a major country in the region, how will China cooperate with other major forces in the region to play an active leading role? This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China. Would you please comment on the Singapore-China relations?

Li Zhaoxing: China maintains friendly relations with ASEAN countries including Singapore. China and ASEAN have been working vigorously to develop the strategic partnership for peace and prosperity on the basis of cooperating on an equal footing and achieving a win-win result through mutually beneficial cooperation. China and ASEAN have fully launched the process of free trade area, and last year the bilateral trade volume reached US$105.8 billion, realizing the scheduled goal in advance.

After the tsunami disaster last year, we expressed sympathy and provided assistance to our neighbors within our own capacity. China is a country vulnerable to disasters and we fully understand the difficulties of our neighbors. We truly feel their pains and agony deeply. Although China itself is a developing country and has difficulties in its own economic and social development, we still do our best to provide assistance to our disaster-affected neighbors. By March 1 this year, the Chinese Government had delivered assistance worth RMB686 million and China's private donations reached RMB576 million. Over 50% of the governmental donations in kind and cash have arrived in those countries. We have also dispatched 2 international rescue teams, 4 medical teams and 1 expert team of DNA identification. Not long ago I had the opportunity to visit one of the disaster-hit countries and the local people. I found that the Chinese medical staffs and young DNA experts worked extremely hard with high efficiency. They have been highly welcomed and respected by the locals. Of course, during the disaster, there were 13 Chinese including those from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland who lost their lives and 24 injured. The government and people of our friendly neighbors also extended care for them, and here I would like to extend my sincere thanks to those government and people.

China attaches great importance to its friendly relations with Singapore. We would like to work with Singapore to further deepen and extend our friendly cooperation. We thank the Singaporean Government for adhering to the one-China principle and opposing Taiwan independence. We stand ready to further strengthen friendly cooperation with Singapore in international organizations like the UN, in regional affairs and under the frameworks of 10 + 1 and 10 +3.