On the afternoon of April 7, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions over the DPRK's announcement of a satellite launch, Venezuelan President Chavez's visit to China, a Taiwan-registered shipping boat seized in waters off Somalia and etc.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have no announcement to start with. I'd like to take your questions.

Q: A Taiwan-registered shipping boat was seized by Somali pirates recently. What rescue measures will the Chinese Government take?

A: April 6 Beijing time, a Taiwan fishing boat was seized during operation by pirates in waters off the north coast of the Seychelles and east coast of Somalia. Among the 30 crew members on board, five are from mainland, two from Taiwanand 23 from foreign countries.

The Foreign Ministry took the incident seriously, immediately contacted competent authorities and overseas Chinese agencies to double-check the information, informed relevant embassies in China and tried to ensure that the crew and the boat can be safely rescued.

Q: In the Chinese Government's view, has the DPRK sent the satellite into orbit?

A: We have taken note of the DPRK's announcement of the satellite launch, as well as the concerns voiced by relevant parties. Under the current circumstances, we hope parties involved exert calmness, restraint and caution so as to safeguard regional peace and stability. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

Q: Venezuelan President Chavez arrives in China today for a 3-day visit. Which agreements will be signed or discussed between China and Venezuela during his visit? My second question is about the Italian earthquake, will China provide humanitarian assistance or send experts to the quake zone for rescue operation?

A: On your first question, at the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President Chavez of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelawill arrive in Beijing this evening for a working visit. During his visit, President Hu Jintao and Vice-President Xi Jinping will meet with him respectively. So far, I have not heard of any agreement to be signed between the two sides.

Over the past 35 years of diplomatic ties, China and Venezuela have witnessed steady development of bilateral relations and friendly cooperation in various areas in the spirit of equality, mutual-benefit and win-win outcome. We are willing to, following the five principles of peaceful co-existence, develop friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation with Latin American countries including Venezuela.

On your second question, we follow closely the strong earthquake in mid-Italy and extend our solicitude to people there. As to the follow-up information and measures, there will be press release in due course.

Q: Does China condemn or approve the DPRK satellite launch? China has always called upon parties not to make provocative moves, how do you view DPRK's act?

A: As a close neighbor to the Korean Peninsula, China has always endeavored to safeguard peace and stability of the Peninsula and Northeast Asiaand resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation. We believe it serves the common interest of the international community to press ahead with the Six-Party Talks, achieve denuclearization and safeguard peace and stability on the Peninsula. We urge all parties proceed from the overall situation and long-term interest, maintain calmness, restraint and caution to ensure peace and stability of the Peninsula and the region as well as progress of the Six-Party Talks.

Q: Do you think the DPRK has launched a missile or a satellite? Does that violate UN Security Council resolutions?

A: I just answered your first question. We noted the announcement of the DPRK as well as reactions of various parties.

As to your second question, we believe the Security Council should act prudently in terms of issues related to Resolution 1718. In spite of the similarities, technologies of rockets and missiles are different. Launching a satellite is different in nature from a missile or a nuclear test. It involves countries' right of peaceful use of the outer space. We believe that the Security Council should make a cautious response.

Q: Do you have any comment on the forum of the Allianceof Civilizations held in Turkey?

A: Recently, the second forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations was held in Istanbul, Turkey. Chinese Ambassador to Turkey, Mr. Gong Xiaosheng attended the forum on behalf of the Chinese Government.

Chinasupports the UN's efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation among different civilizations, values and commends the significant role of the Alliance in enhancing dialogue and understanding between cultures and civilizations. We, actively supporting the initiative of Alliance of Civilizations set forth by Turkeyand Spain, stand ready to strengthen cultural exchanges with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect in order to promote progress and development of mankind.

Q: Has the Chinese Government contacted the DPRK over its satellite launch?

A: What I could tell you is, over the past days, China has stayed in close communication with relevant parties over the DPRK's launch of satellite.

Q: The China-Japan-ROK leaders' breakfast meeting will be held on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit and related meetings in Thailand. What will China say at the meetings about the DPRK satellite launch?

A: I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you, at 2:30p.m. tomorrow Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue will preside over a briefing on Premier Wen Jiabao attending the East Asia Summit and related meetings. I suggest you refer your questions to him.

During the China-Japan-ROK leaders' breakfast meeting, Premier Wen will elaborate on China's initiative on trilateral cooperation this year and commemoration of the 10th anniversary of cooperation, exchange views with his counterparts as well as make proposals on mutually-beneficial cooperation in economy, trade, finance, sustainable development and people-to-people exchanges. China is willing to have exchanges over international and regional issues of common interest.

As I mentioned, we believe the Security Council should respond in a prudent way to the DPRK satellite launch. Reactions of the Security Council should be conducive to peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia as well as the Six-Party Talks.

Q: How many ministers are accompanying Premier Wen Jiabao to the East Asia Summit?

A: I don't have the name list of the entourage at hand. I suggest you ask Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue tomorrow.

Q: Also on DPRK. Does China think this rocket launch by the DPRK negatively affects the Six-Party Talks? Is it a setback for the Talks?

A: It is in the interest of countries in the region as well as the international community to press ahead with the Six-Party talks, realize denuclearization through dialogue and consultation and ensure peace and stability of the Peninsula and Northeast Asia. Over the past years, the Six-Party Talks has overcome difficulties and made positive achievements in promoting denuclearization of the Peninsula, realizing normalization of relations between relevant countries and exploring the establishment of a peace and security mechanism in Northeast Asia, thus contributing to peace and stability of the region. We believe that these hard-earned achievements should be cherished by all parties. We hope relevant parties keep communication and coordination to jointly maintain the Six-Party Talks.

Q: U.S. Senator John McCain said recently that the Six-Party Talks process is actually holding up false hopes and it doesn't achieve what it intends to achieve. And also countries, possibly including China, have not vigorously enforced the measures taken, particularly the sanctions against the DPRK. Has the Foreign Ministry noticed these comments? My second question is that can you give us China's latest statements on the "cyber spying" accusations against China, and China's claims that it is also a target of cyber espionage?

A: I just answered your first question a moment ago. The Six-Party Talks is an on-going process with twists and turns. It has made great achievements which are witnessed by the whole world and should be cherished by relevant parties. We hope relevant parties value the overall interest of regional peace and stability, exercise calmness and caution, jointly maintain the Six-Party Talks so as to achieve the long-term goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as well as lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia through dialogue and consultation.

As for your second question regarding the "cyber spying" allegation against China, we have stated the position of the Chinese Government on various occasions. We resolutely oppose and combat any cyber crime including hacking according to law. The "cyber spying" accusations hyped up by a handful of people are completely groundless and irresponsible. Their attempt to defame China will get nowhere.

Q: As far as I know, some African nationals living in southern China seem to believe that the visa restrictions on foreigners are getting tighter. It that the case? If so, why?

A: I don't have the specific information regarding your question. I can tell you in principle that relevant authorities of the Chinese Government manage affairs of foreigners in China according to law, and you can turn to public security authorities for further information. We hope that foreigners in China comply with China's laws and regulations, and we will surely protect lawful rights and interests of foreigners in China according to law.

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