On July 4, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Weimin held a press conference.

Liu Weimin started the press conference with the following announcement.

At the invitation of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation HOR Namhong, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will attend the ASEAN-China, Japan, ROK (10+3) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, ASEAN-China (10+1) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the second East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the 19th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting to exchange views with participants on East Asian regional cooperation and regional and international issues.

Q: Does China consider attending the "Friends of Syria" Meeting to be held in Paris on July 6?

A: China believes that the pressing task now is to implement the spirit of the communique and relevant proposals of the foreign ministers' meeting of the Action Group on the Syrian issue. China's position on the "Friends of Syria" Meeting remains unchanged. Up till now, I have not been informed that China is going to attend the meeting.

Q: Today, Taiwanese vessels entered waters of the Diaoyu Islands to assert sovereignty. How does China comment?

A: The Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands have been China's inherent territory since ancient times. China has indisputable sovereignty over them. China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands. We have urged the Japanese side not to take any actions that might endanger the safety of life and property of the Chinese personnel, including compatriots from Taiwan.