On the afternoon of September 16, 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.

Vice Premier Wang Qishan will hold the 6th round of China-Russia Energy Negotiators' Meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sechin in Tianjin on September 21. They will also attend the foundation-laying ceremony of China-Russia Eastern Petrochemical (Tianjin) Oil Refinery.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: Japanese media reported that considering the collision off the Diaoyu Island, Premier Wen Jiabao will not meet Japanese Prime Minister on the margin of UN General Assembly meetings. Please confirm.

A: As to whether there will be a meeting between Chinese and Japanese leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, I have not heard of such arrangement by far. By the way, I would like to brief you on Premier Wen Jiabao's major activities there. Premier Wen has a very tight schedule in New York including attending the UN High-Level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), a discussion panel on the MDG and HIV/AIDS, the General Debate of the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council Summit, and meeting with people from various circles in the US. Moreover, he will have bilateral meetings with foreign leaders attending the UN conferences and these arrangements are still under discussions.

Q: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has warned Japanese nationals in China against strong anti-Japan sentiments. How do you respond?

A: Our position is consistent and clear on the Diaoyu Island issue. The Chinese Government and people are unswerving in their resolve and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, I believe that the Chinese public will express themselves in a rational and lawful manner.

On the safety of Japanese missions in China, I believe that relevant authorities will continue to protect the safety of foreign missions and personnel in China including Japan's in accordance with law.

At present, Japan is still illegally detaining the Chinese captain, which is the major obstacle in current bilateral ties. Japan should take concrete steps to remove this obstacle.

Q: US Treasury Secretary Geithner will testify later today in the Congress. He recently said that the RMB is not appreciating fast enough against the US Dollar. Do you have any comment?

A: The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce already made a response to this issue yesterday. I would like to emphasize that the appreciation of the RMB cannot solve US trade deficit against China, or the unemployment issue in the US. China-US cooperation in trade and economy are mutually beneficial and win-win. We always hold that issues existing in bilateral trade and economic relations should be resolved properly through consultations on an equal footing. I believe that exerting pressure cannot solve the problem but rather may lead to the contrary.

Q: It is reported that leaders of some countries and organizations condemn a US pastor's plan to burn Koran copies on the anniversary of September 11. How do you view the plan of the pastor?

A: China always holds that different civilizations and religions should respect each other and live in harmony.

Q: Will there be meetings between Chinese Foreign Minister and his counterparts of African countries on the sidelines of the General Assembly? Please give us some relevant information.

A: The second round of political consultation between Chinese and African Foreign Ministers at the General Assembly will be held in New York on September 23. The two sides will have in-depth discussions on enhancing China-Africa cooperation in international affairs, pushing for the implementation of MDG and promoting peace and security in Africa. A joint communiqué will be issued afterwards. The consultation will be another important exchange and dialogue between China and Africa since the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and is of great significance in boosting new China-Africa strategic partnership and enhancing bilateral coordination over international and regional issues. At present, the two sides are actively preparing for the consultation which is believed to be a complete success.

Q: There seem to be some tensions between India and China recently due to the visa issuance to an Indian military officer and other things. However, Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways visited China lately to discuss China's investment in India, and Indian Minister of Human Resource Development announced introducing Chinese language education in mainstream Indian schools while meeting with Chinese Minister of Education. Do you think China-India relations are back on track now?

A: The issues you referred to were raised here lately, some due to misunderstanding or miscommunication. From the Chinese point of view, we attach importance to developing relations with India, believing that as neighbors and major developing countries, China and India should strengthen cooperation and enhance mutual trust, which not only benefits the two peoples, but also conduces to regional and world peace, stability and development. In fact, China and India are enjoying smooth communication at all levels in various areas. We hope that the larger interest of the bilateral ties will not be affected by individual incidents.

Q: Please update us on US Special Representative for DPRK Policy Bosworth's talks with the Chinese side.

A: Ambassador Bosworth, US Special Representative for DPRK Policy is in Beijing these two days. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with him and Special Representative Wu Dawei held talks with him. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the Six-Party Talks. The two sides agreed that relevant parties should enhance contact and dialogue to create conditions for an early resumption of the Talks. We are ready to stay in communication and coordination with all parties on relevant issues.

Q: There are reports that former US Deputy Secretary of State Armitage said in an interview that China was testing Japan's tolerance with the Diaoyu Island incident. How do you understand his remarks? Japanese media reports indicate that China may approve anti-Japan activities on September 18. Does it mean that China feels it should express dissatisfaction to Japan on the issue?

A: The current situation was caused completely by the acts of Japan over the Diaoyu Island issue, thus Japan should take all the responsibilities for that. The Japanese side should let the Chinese captain return immediately so as to refrain from further damage to bilateral relations.

I'll leave your second question to competent authorities.

On the September 18 Incident, I would like to stress that we have to remember history, take history as a mirror and face up to the future on that basis. We hope Japan can view and treat history correctly and stick to the road of peaceful development with concrete actions.

Q: Is China optimistic about the resumption of the Six-Party Talks in the near future after Bosworth's visit to China?

A: China hopes relevant parties work together to push for further easing of the situation on the Peninsula, with an aim to creating conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

Q: The United States asked the World Trade Organization to investigate China's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on US electrical steel. How do you respond?

A: I suggest you refer to the Ministry of Commerce.

Q: There have been noticeable fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate against the US Dollar in recent weeks after China announced in June that it would further the reform of the RMB exchange rate formation mechanism. Is it a coincidence or are there other reasons?

A: I suggest you refer to financial authorities for more details.

Since June, China has furthered the RMB exchange rate regime reform to enhance the RMB exchange rate flexibility, in view of the recent economic situation and financial market developments at home and abroad and the balance of payments situation in China. The RMB exchange rate floating bands remain the same as previously announced in the inter-bank foreign exchange market. Our direction to further the RMB exchange rate regime reform will not change.

Q: Former US Deputy Secretary of State Armitage said that Japan should increase defense budgets and joint military exercises to prevent similar incidents. How do you respond? Second, Japanese media reported that Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya also summoned Japanese ambassador to China last week. Has China summoned the Japanese ambassador six times over the Diaoyu Island collision?

A: On your first question, I would like to emphasize the Diaoyu Islands are China's inherent territory and China enjoys indisputable sovereignty over them. The Chinese Government is unswerving in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. As for other country's military presence in this region, we believe any bilateral arrangement should not hurt the interest of third parties including that of China's.

On representations with Japan, we have repeatedly expressed our solemn position to Japan through various channels.

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