On June 26, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference.
Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcement.
At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul of the Kingdom of Thailand will pay an official visit to China from July 1 to 5.
Q: An overseas organization issued a report today, saying that China forced some Myanmese refugees fleeing to Yunan Province for shelter back to the conflict zones of Myanmar and denied relevant international agencies access to the refugees. What is China's comment?
A: I haven't seen the report you mentioned. I would like to point out that relevant allegation is inaccurate. Recently, due to the sporadic exchanges of fire between the Myanmese Government and some local ethnic armed forces, some Myanmese inhabitants in the border area entered China temporarily to seek shelter from their relatives and friends for the sake of safety. They are not refugees and go back to Myanmar once the situation calms. Upholding the spirit of humanitarianism, China has been providing living necessities to these people.
Q: China National Offshore Oil Corporation recently issued a notification of opening nine oil and gas blocks in the South China Sea for exploration and development cooperation with foreign companies. There has been analysis that the move is likely to fuel the conflict between China and Vietnam. Did China talk it over with Vietnam before issuing the notification?
A: Publicizing by Chinese companies relevant bidding of oil and gas blocks is a normal business activity which complies with relevant Chinese laws and international practices. China's position on the differences and disputes in the South China Sea remains unchanged. China will continue to commit itself to properly solving the differences and disputes through negotiations and consultations, including actively engaging in joint development and cooperation.
China and Vietnam share a lot of consensus regarding the proper settlement of maritime disputes between them. We hope Vietnam can observe the consensus, refrain from taking actions that may complicate or magnify the disputes and immediately stop its activities in relevant sea areas that infringe upon China's oil and gas rights and interests.
Q: The Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performance of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) adopted the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performance on June 26. What is China's comment?
A: China extends warm congratulations on the adoption o