On July 3, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Weimin held a press conference.
Q: It is reported that Philippine President Aquino said recently that the Philippines may invite the US to deploy reconnaissance aircrafts in areas claimed by the Philippines in the South China Sea. How does China comment?
A: We have noted relevant reports. I want to reiterate here that China hopes the Asia-Pacific will maintain peace and stability and hopes that relevant parties will do more for the peace and stability of this region.
Q: Press reports claimed that the ROK-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement may include elements targeted at China. How does China comment?
A: China always holds that dialogue and consultation is the only effective means to resolve the Korean Peninsular issue. Confrontation and hostility are counter-productive. The current Peninsular situation is still complex and sensitive. We hope relevant parties will act prudently and do more things for the peace and stability of the region.
Q: The EU recently issued a statement that the P5+1 will have expert-level talks with Iran in Istanbul. What is China's expectation of this meeting?
A: The expert-level talks will have further in-depth discussion on the substantive issues of the Iranian nuclear program based on the Moscow Dialogue. A leading official of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry will lead a delegation to the meeting. We hope through the talks, relevant parties will gain further understanding of each other's position, build consensus and narrow differences in order to lay a solid foundation for follow-up talks aimed at seeking a resolution plan.
Q: Recently, results of the Mexican presidential election have been released, showing that Pena Nieto wins the election. How does China comment?
A: China congratulates Mr. Pena on his election. President Hu Jintao has sent a message of congratulations to him.
China always values its friendly and cooperative relations with Mexico. Over the past four decades of diplomatic relations, thanks to joint efforts from both sides, bilateral relations have maintained good momentum of sound development with increasingly deepened practical cooperation on all fronts. China is ready to work with Mexico to push for the continued sound and steady development of China-Mexico strategic partnership for the benefit of the two countries and two peoples.
Q: Human Rights Watch recently issued a report saying that there were torture camps inside Syria. How does China comment? Will this affect China's position on the Syrian issue?
A: I have not seen the report you mentioned. China condemns violence against innocent civilians. We hope relevant parties in Syria will honestly implement relevant Security Council resolutions, Annan's "six-point proposal" and the spirit of the communique of the foreign ministers' meeting of the Action Group on the Syrian issue, cease fire, stop violence and launch the political dialogue process, which are in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the Syrian people.
Q: Is China concerned that the Philippines may push for the discussion of the South China Sea issue at the Foreign Ministers' Meetings of the ARF?
A: The meetings will soon be held in Cambodia. China expects to exchange views with participating countries on issues such as China-ASEAN relations, East Asia cooperation, Asia-Pacific security cooperation, and regional and international situations, as well as the issue of preparing for the East Asia Summit in November. We hope the meetings will make positive progress in promoting East Asian practical cooperation, enhancing mutual trust between regional countries, and upholding regional peace, stability and prosperity.
China believes that the series of meetings are an important platform of boosting mutual trust and cooperation among relevant countries, but they are not a proper venue to discuss the South China Sea issue. The current situation in the South China Sea is stable in general. China has open and effective channels of communication with relevant countries. China is ready to continue its dialogue and consultation with countries concerned for a peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute.