On July 2, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Weimin held a press conference.
Liu Weimin started the press conference with the following announcement.
At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba Raul Castro Ruz will pay a state visit to China from July 4 to 7.
Cuba is an important country in the Latin-American region. It was the first Latin-American country to establish diplomatic relations with new China. During his visit, President Hu will hold a series of state activities in honor of Chairman Raul. Chinese leaders will have talks or meet with Chairman Raul respectively. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest. The two sides will also sign relevant cooperation documents during the visit. We believe this visit will push for the further development of China-Cuba relations.
At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister Mularoni for Foreign and Political Affairs, Telecommunications and Transport of San Marino will pay an official visit to China from July 6 to 10.
Q: On July 1, Vietnamese people held anti-China protests over China's bid opening in some South China Sea blocks. Does China believe the protests were intentionally provoked by the Vietnamese side?
A: On the South China Sea dispute, China always disapproves of unilateral actions by some countries that will complicate and magnify the situation. China values its friendly cooperation with Vietnam and would like to properly settle the South China Sea dispute according to the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries. We hope Vietnam will do more things that will contribute to bilateral relations as well as peace and stability of the South China Sea.
Q: How does China view the current Huangyan Island situation? Does it consider pulling out its ships from the area? Second, the Philippines will soon lift its fishing moratorium over the island and its military has indicated readiness to provide escort for fishermen returning to the area at any time. Does China worry that this will re-escalate tension? Third, the Philippine Senate President said in an interview to a Philippine media that China only had migrant birds on the Huangyan Island. How do you comment?
A: The present situation over the Huangyan Island is stable on the whole. With the easing of tension, the number of Chinese government vessels has been decreased. Due to the upcoming typhoon season, Chinese fishing boats in that area have taken measures to seek shelter.
On your second question, tensions over the Huangyan Island have been eased. We hope the Philippines will do more for the relaxation of tensions and the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.
On your third question, the Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory beyond dispute. We hope the Philippines will stop making provocative remarks that will complicate the situation.
Q: Former Director-General of the Democratic Party of Japan Ichiro Ozawa and some other Party members submitted to quit the Party. How does China comment?
A: This is an internal affair of Japan and we don't comment on that.
Q: Please brief us on the hijacking of a plane in Hetian, Xinjiang province.
A: The local authorities of Xinjiang released information immediately after the incident. This is a serious crime of violence and terrorism by means of hijacking a plane. The case is now under further investigation. I want to point out that the crime of hijacking civilian planes should be condemned by the whole world.