On the afternoon of May 31, 2011, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference.

Jiang Yu started the press conference with the following announcements.

At the invitation of Ashton, Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Martonyi, Hungarian Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will attend the 10th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Godollő, Hungary. The meeting will focus on global and regional hotspots, climate change, food, energy and water security, terrorism and other non-traditional security issues and fully review ASEM progress in political, economic and trade, social and cultural cooperation.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Basile Ikouebe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Congo will pay an official visit to China from June 3 to 12.

Q: Please brief us on the ongoing visit to China by Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister. Separately, some countries circulated a draft resolution on Syria in the Security Council. What is China's position on those countries pushing for the adoption of a resolution on Syria in the Security Council?

A: Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun held talks with visiting Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Mekdad. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will also meet with him.

Syria is an important country in the Middle East and its stability has a bearing on security and stability of the whole region. China supports Syria's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and stability and hopes it restores stability and order as soon as possible. Under the current circumstances, China believes that passing relevant resolution in the Security Council is not conducive to easing and stabilizing the situation in Syria.

Q: China is the only permanent member of the UN Security Council that has not got in contact with the Libyan National Transitional Council. Does China have plans to contact the council?

A: China's position on the Libyan issue is explicit. We call on all relevant parties to cease fire immediately so as to solve the current crisis through political means. China respects the choice of the Libyan people and supports all efforts conducive to the political settlement of the Libyan issue. It is hoped that all parties in Libya set store by the interests of the country and the people and fully consider the international community's mediation plans so as to ease the situation as soon as possible. We are ready to stay in contact with all parties and play our role in the political settlement of the Libyan issue.

Q: Myanmar and DPRK leaders were warmly received by the Chinese side during their visits to China last week. How do you view China's relations with Myanmar and the DPRK?

A: Upholding an independent foreign policy of peace and a foreign policy of good-neighborly friendship with surrounding countries, China maintains sound cooperative relations with neighboring countries. Detailed information has been released on the recent visits by DPRK General Secretary Kim Jong Il and Myanmar President U Thein Sein. We hope these visits further consolidate bilateral good-neighborly friendship and expand practical cooperation across the board so as to deliver benefits to the peoples and contribute to safeguarding and promoting regional peace and development.

Q: How do you respond to the accusations made by Vietnamese Foreign Ministry officials at a May 29th press conference concerning China's remarks on the South China Sea issue?

A: China holds a clear and consistent position on the South China Sea issue. The law enforcement activities by Chinese maritime surveillance ships against Vietnam's illegally operating ships are completely justified. We urge Vietnam to immediately stop infringement activities and refrain from creating new troubles.

Q: How do you comment on the statement by the spokesperson of the DPRK National Defense Commission yesterday that the DPRK military and people would never deal with the Lee Myung Bak administration? Besides, DPRK leader Kim Jong Il called for an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks during his visit to China last week. Does Special Representative Wu Dawei have any plans to visit the ROK or the DPRK soon?

A: Thanks to the concerted efforts of relevant parties, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has been easing in general since the start of the year. It is hoped that all relevant parties continue to stay in contact and dialogue and address each party's concerns through consultation in a joint effort to safeguard the overall interests of peace and stability on the Peninsula. China always plays a positive and constructive role in this regard. If there is any specific news, we will share with you.

The north and the south are owners of the Peninsula. Peace and stability on the Peninsula cannot do without the concerted efforts and cooperation of the two. To promote the denuclearization process on the Peninsula and safeguard peace and stability of Northeast Asia serves their common interests and requires unswerving and constructive efforts.

Q: You talked about China staying in contact with all parties in Libya. Do they include the Libyan National Transitional Council? Separately, how do you view the deteriorating situation in Yemen? Are you worried about the safety of Chinese nationals in Yemen and do you have plans to evacuate them?

A: We hope to stay in contact with all relevant parties of the Libyan issue so as to play an active role in pushing for a political settlement of the issue.

On the situation in Yemen, we pay attention to the recent unrest there and hope Yemen properly resolves the current issue and restores national stability and normal order as soon as possible. We remind Chinese institutions and nationals in tumultuous areas to watch the local security situation, increase awareness and ensure safety in all aspects. We will make judgments based on the developments of the situation.