2005年3月6日上午，十屆全國人大三次會議在人民大會堂舉行記者招待會。應大會新聞發(fā)言人姜恩柱邀請，外交部長李肇星就中國的外交工作及國際和地區(qū)問題回答中外記者的提問。
李肇星說，很高興和大家見面，關于當前國際形勢和中國外交政策，溫家寶總理昨天在政府工作報告中作了深刻闡述。如果大家有什么具體問題，現(xiàn)在歡迎提問。
中央電視臺記者：關于中國的外交政策，有人說中國外交取得了很多成果，更加成熟了。但是也有人說，中國外交是實用外交。你怎么評價這些看法？
李肇星：中國外交致力于維護世界和平、促進共同發(fā)展、推動互利合作、為中國人民服務。中國人民和世界人民的根本利益是一致的，中國外交既為中國人民服務，也為世界人民服務。
在過去的一年里，在以胡錦濤同志為總書記的黨中央領導下，我們沉著應對國際局勢的變化，扎實工作，盡心盡力地為國家發(fā)展和人民生活的改善營造和平穩(wěn)定的國際環(huán)境。我們堅持外交為民，保護中國公民和法人在海外的合法權(quán)益，妥善處理了中國公民遭遇襲擊等突發(fā)事件。我們堅持獨立自主的和平外交政策，致力于同世界各國發(fā)展平等互利的友好關系，推動區(qū)域合作，積極參與多邊外交，我們在世界上的朋友和伙伴越來越多。
我們深切理解，世界人民要和平、不要戰(zhàn)爭，要繁榮、不要貧困，要和諧、不要對抗的強烈愿望，堅持通過和平手段解決國際爭端，認真參與地區(qū)熱點問題的解決。我們堅持推動和參與南南合作和南北對話。我們主張各種文明和諧相處、相互借鑒。在國際事務中，我們從中國人民的利益和各國人民的共同利益出發(fā)，根據(jù)事情本身的是非曲直確定自己的立場。今后我們將繼續(xù)同國際社會共同努力，讓世界少一些戰(zhàn)火，多一些安寧；少一些貧困，多一些富足；少一些麻煩，多一些合作。
韓國電視臺記者：你認為什么時候能夠重開朝核問題六方會談？第二，有報道說，胡錦濤主席今年下半年出席在韓國舉行的亞太經(jīng)合組織領導人非正式會議之前會訪問朝鮮。胡錦濤主席會訪問朝鮮嗎？如訪問的話，議題是什么？
李肇星：中國堅持朝鮮半島無核化、半島和平與穩(wěn)定的目標，同時主張朝方的合理關切應該得到照顧。六方會談是通過對話解決半島核問題的現(xiàn)實選擇，符合各方共同利益，應該繼續(xù)下去。核問題相當復雜，和談進程自然會遇到一些困難，但是無論多困難，我們還是本著客觀、公正的態(tài)度勸和促談。我們也希望有關各方，特別是主要當事方能夠承擔責任，顯示靈活、誠意和耐心，為推動盡早復談并取得進展作出努力。
今年亞太經(jīng)合組織領導人非正式會議將在韓國舉行，中國領導人將出席會議。中韓兩國全面合作伙伴關系發(fā)展得很順利，中國和朝鮮民主主義人民共和國的傳統(tǒng)友好關系也在繼續(xù)發(fā)展。關于胡錦濤主席具體出訪活動，將按慣例由外交部發(fā)言人屆時公布。
美聯(lián)社記者：過去幾個月來，各個方面都希望重開朝核問題的對話，但沒有取得成功。中國和朝鮮關系密切，假如朝鮮仍不愿意參加解決核問題的對話，中國將采取什么步驟使朝鮮重新回到談判桌前？
李肇星：美國是主權(quán)國家，朝鮮民主主義人民共和國也是主權(quán)國家。在朝鮮半島核問題上，這兩個國家是主要當事方，我認為當務之急是這兩個主要當事方逐漸增加相互了解、相互信任。和平最可貴。我希望，通過各方的共同努力，六方會談盡快恢復，這有利于實現(xiàn)半島無核化的目標，有利于維護半島的和平與穩(wěn)定。
香港東方報業(yè)集團記者：日本和美國最近做了一連串的動作，包括在釣魚島問題上。如果“*”真的發(fā)生，你認為日本和美國會有何反應？中國又會怎樣反應？你如何評估日美關系？
李肇星：中日兩國實現(xiàn)關系正常化30多年來，合作成果豐碩，這是中日兩國幾代領導人、兩國政府和人民長期努力耕耘的結(jié)果，來之不易，值得珍惜。同日本發(fā)展長期穩(wěn)定的睦鄰友好關系是我們的既定政策。歷史告訴我們，中日應該世世代代友好下去，保證兩國關系的健康發(fā)展，就必須從戰(zhàn)略高度和長遠的角度來把握中日關系的方向，正確認識和妥善處理歷史和臺灣問題，不斷加強和深化各領域的互利合作，擴大共同利益。
釣魚島及其附屬島嶼自古以來就是中國的領土，中國對此擁有無可爭辯的歷史證據(jù)和法律依據(jù)。任何巧言令色，外國任何單方面的行動，都不能改變這一基本事實。中日雙方在釣魚島主權(quán)歸屬問題上存在分歧，我們主張應在尊重事實的基礎之上，通過談判尋求解決。希望雙方能以大局為重，避免這一問題干擾中日關系的健康發(fā)展。
我認為，日美軍事同盟是冷戰(zhàn)時期特定背景下的雙邊安排，理應嚴格限制在雙邊范疇之內(nèi)。超出雙邊范疇，勢必引起亞洲國家的不安，給地區(qū)安全形勢帶來復雜因素。臺灣是中國的一部分，臺灣問題是中國內(nèi)政，直接或間接把臺灣納入日美安全合作范疇的做法，是對中國主權(quán)的侵犯和對中國內(nèi)政的干涉。中國政府和人民堅決反對。
巴基斯坦聯(lián)合通訊社記者：下個月早些時候在巴基斯坦首都伊斯蘭堡將召開亞洲合作對話的第四次外長會議，你如何看待亞洲合作對話的未來，尤其是它對地區(qū)和平與發(fā)展將發(fā)揮什么作用？巴基斯坦和中國有沒有可能進行更為密切的合作，來解決亞洲所面臨的問題？
李肇星：上屆亞洲合作對話外長會議在中國青島舉行，會議開得很好，成果之一就是確定了下一屆會議在巴基斯坦舉行。中國和巴基斯坦是“全天候”朋友，我相信我們會進一步加強雙邊關系，也加強雙方在多邊領域和地區(qū)組織中的友好合作，這對兩國人民有好處，對地區(qū)的發(fā)展、穩(wěn)定也有好處。亞洲合作對話會議在這個過程中會發(fā)揮橋梁作用，把亞洲國家凝聚到一起，加強團結(jié)和合作。我們預祝亞洲合作對話第四次外長會議取得成果。
俄羅斯國際文傳電訊社記者：請評價一下俄羅斯和中國戰(zhàn)略協(xié)作伙伴關系在國際事務中的表現(xiàn)。
李肇星：中國與友好鄰邦俄羅斯的關系發(fā)展非常順利，富有成效，對此我們非常高興。去年，普京總統(tǒng)應胡錦濤主席邀請對中國進行國事訪問期間，雙方徹底解決了歷史遺留的邊界問題。從此，兩國邊界就是一條和平的邊界、友好的邊界、合作的邊界，這對我們兩國人民有利，對地區(qū)乃至世界的和平穩(wěn)定也有利。兩國在經(jīng)濟、貿(mào)易、文化、教育、軍事等各領域的合作也在穩(wěn)步發(fā)展，向新的高度和深度發(fā)展。在包括聯(lián)合國在內(nèi)的全世界100多個政府間國際組織中，以及上海合作組織等區(qū)域國際組織中，兩國也同樣進行著富有成效的實質(zhì)性合作。
新華社記者：今年是聯(lián)合國成立60周年，胡錦濤主席是否會去聯(lián)合國參加有關慶?；顒硬㈨樤L美國？你怎樣看待當前中美關系及其發(fā)展前景？第二個問題，2004年，中國銀行廣東開平支行前行長余振東被遣送回國，前幾天美國官員表示，對類似腐敗官員美方會協(xié)助中方查處。中方在與國際社會共同反腐敗方面會有哪些新的動作？
李肇星：今年聯(lián)合國就要過60歲生日了，在紐約聯(lián)合國總部將有盛大紀念活動，聯(lián)合國秘書長安南已多次熱情邀請胡錦濤主席，胡錦濤主席可能應邀前往。
中美關系不斷取得進展，兩國有著廣泛的共同利益，我們在眾多的領域開展互利合作，造福于兩國人民。確保中美關系健康發(fā)展，應該有長遠的戰(zhàn)略眼光。首先應該以這種眼光來看待和處理兩國關系中最敏感的問題，即臺灣問題。應該恪守中美三個聯(lián)合公報的原則，平等相待，求同存異，擴大兩國利益的交匯點。胡錦濤主席和布什總統(tǒng)去年11月在智利會晤時已就在今年內(nèi)兩國元首互訪達成了共識，我們愿意同美方保持密切接觸，保持和加強兩國高層互訪的勢頭。
中國政府執(zhí)政為民，正在不斷加強反腐倡廉工作。我們愿意同包括美國在內(nèi)的各國在反腐敗方面加強合作。
談到腐敗，很值得我們警惕的是臺灣分裂勢力為了搞它的所謂“*”，不惜進行所謂“美元外交”，實際上也是一種“行賄外交”。很多有識之士認為，這也是一種腐敗行為。
日本東京廣播公司記者：中日兩國政府首腦何時能恢復互訪？朝鮮聲稱他們已擁有核武器，你對此有何看法？朝鮮究竟有沒有濃縮鈾項目？
李肇星：中日兩國人民應該世世代代友好下去。最近一兩年來，中日兩國領導人不斷在多邊場合見面，進行過很好的交談。我們希望中日雙方從兩國人民根本利益的大局出發(fā)，按照“以史為鑒，面向未來”的精神，努力為兩國高層互訪創(chuàng)造適當?shù)臈l件和氣氛。
關于朝鮮是否已經(jīng)擁有核武器，是否有濃縮鈾項目，我想這方面你知道的可能比我更多。
我想提示一下，朝鮮領導人在接到胡錦濤主席的有關口信后表示，朝鮮仍然堅持半島無核化目標，朝鮮仍然愿意繼續(xù)參加六方會談，朝鮮希望有關各方能顯示出更多的誠意。
半島電視臺記者：中東形勢變化迅速，中國在這一地區(qū)擁有利益，特別是能源利益，是否會做一些政策調(diào)整？其次，單邊主義越來越單邊，霸權(quán)主義越來越霸權(quán)，現(xiàn)實距中國追求的多極化目標還有多遠？
李肇星：近年來，隨著中國經(jīng)濟持續(xù)、快速發(fā)展，能源消費也有所增加。同時國際原油價格經(jīng)歷了大幅度波動，尤其在去年，油價持續(xù)攀升。在這種情況下，某些媒體將油價上漲的原因說成主要是因為中國能源需求的增長，這缺乏根據(jù)。中國石油進口近一兩年有所增加，但是進口量僅占全世界石油貿(mào)易總量的約6％。中國不只是一個能源消費大國，同時也是世界上主要的能源生產(chǎn)國之一。中國的能源需求主要立足于國內(nèi)解決，中國能源國內(nèi)開發(fā)空間還很大，在節(jié)約能源和提高能源利用效率方面還大有潛力，中國石油進口不會對國際油價產(chǎn)生大的影響。
關于多極化與單邊主義問題，當今世界的主題是和平與發(fā)展，但霸權(quán)主義威脅著和平與發(fā)展。全世界人民都不喜歡霸權(quán)主義，都反對霸權(quán)主義，提倡多邊主義，提倡國際關系民主化。我愿和你一起重溫一下鄧小平先生多年前說過的一段話，那就是：我們堅持獨立自主的和平外交政策，不參加任何集團。同誰都來往，同誰都交朋友，誰搞霸權(quán)主義我們就反對誰，誰侵略別人我們就反對誰。我們講公道話，辦公道事。
德新社記者：現(xiàn)在很多歐洲人認為，中國正在制定的反分裂國家法可能會導致戰(zhàn)爭的后果。這種看法是否會影響歐盟解除對華軍售禁令？歐盟解除對華軍售禁令是否會被進一步推遲？
李肇星：全國人大制定反分裂國家法，是為了防止和遏止“*”分裂勢力采取的冒險行動、破壞臺海地區(qū)和平，維護大陸與臺灣同屬一個中國的現(xiàn)狀不被改變。這一立法再次體現(xiàn)了我們要以誠意、盡努力爭取和平統(tǒng)一前景的一貫立場。這部法律也將表明全中國人民捍衛(wèi)祖國主權(quán)和領土完整，絕不容忍“*”勢力以任何名義、任何方式把臺灣從中國分割出去的共同意志。這部法律符合中國人民、中華民族的根本利益，有利于兩岸關系的穩(wěn)定發(fā)展，有利于亞太地區(qū)的和平與穩(wěn)定，有利于全世界的和平、穩(wěn)定與繁榮，一定會得到國際社會越來越多的理解和支持。
中國堅定地走和平發(fā)展的道路，中國作為發(fā)展中國家，我們不需要，實際上也沒有錢買那么多價格很高、對我們也沒什么用的武器。我們只是認為，維持這樣一個早就過時的、毫無益處的武器禁令，同中國與歐盟之間的全面戰(zhàn)略伙伴關系很不相稱。說得更簡單一點，我們所反對的是政治歧視。還有一個更簡便的辦法來消除你的疑慮，那就是再耐心地等幾天。當你看到了我們?nèi)珖舜笸ㄟ^的這部反分裂國家法的文本，我相信你會同意我剛才的看法。
中國國際廣播電臺記者：維護中國公民在海外的生命安全和合法權(quán)益，被寫入政府工作報告。輿論認為，這是中國政府“執(zhí)政為民、外交為民”外交宗旨的體現(xiàn)。請問外交部今年在外交為民方面還有哪些設想與舉措？
李肇星：的確，我們在努力實踐外交為民的理念。外交工作要給人民群眾做好事、實事，就要靠朋友，我們的領導人在這方面帶了好頭，他們在國際上為祖國交了很多朋友。去年，胡錦濤主席、吳邦國委員長、溫加寶總理、賈慶林政協(xié)主席一共出訪了34個國家，他們訪問時間雖短，但是活動非常緊張、繁忙。去年我們還接待了29位國家元首、23位政府首腦、42位外交部長。中國各部門、各行業(yè)，包括非常活躍的議會外交、政黨外交、軍隊外交，還有大量的群眾團體，也都活躍在國際外交舞臺上，為祖國交朋友，為人民辦實事。共青團、婦聯(lián)、工會等也通過各種民間渠道進行外交活動。中國城市和國外許多城市還建立了友好城市關系。
現(xiàn)在，中國共向全世界其他國家和地區(qū)派出了235個駐外外交機構(gòu)，5600多人，其中外交部派出的有3200人。最近被評為“感動中國十大人物”的孫必干大使就是外交人員中的優(yōu)秀代表。
外交為人民服務就是致力于為祖國的發(fā)展和人民的福利，創(chuàng)造和平穩(wěn)定的國際環(huán)境和周邊環(huán)境；同時維護中國公民、機構(gòu)和法人的合法權(quán)益，加強機制建設。我們已經(jīng)建立起中國公民和境外機構(gòu)安全保護工作部際聯(lián)席會議制度，以及由使領館牽頭、各駐外代表機構(gòu)協(xié)調(diào)配合機制。我們也注重從人民群眾的意見和建議中汲取智慧和營養(yǎng)，使我們的外交工作更好地體現(xiàn)人民的意志。
巴西圣保羅頁報記者：朝鮮重返會談有什么條件？他們的條件可以滿足嗎？假如出現(xiàn)“*”的情況，中國該如何維持世界和平？
李肇星：實際上我剛才已經(jīng)回答了你提的問題。解決朝鮮半島核問題應該從大局出發(fā)，大局就是朝鮮半島應該是一個無核化的半島，是一個和平穩(wěn)定的半島。
關于臺灣問題，對我們來講，祖國的主權(quán)高于一切，包括臺灣同胞在內(nèi)的全體中國人民希望祖國和平統(tǒng)一的愿望高于一切。我們會全力爭取實現(xiàn)祖國的和平統(tǒng)一，同時絕不允許任何人以任何借口、任何方式，把祖國的一部分——臺灣，從我們偉大祖國分割出去。
你來自西半球的發(fā)展中國家巴西，請代我轉(zhuǎn)達中國人民對巴西人民的友好情誼。我們愿意和巴西共同努力，繼續(xù)深化和發(fā)展兩國戰(zhàn)略伙伴關系。
人民日報記者：最近華盛頓出現(xiàn)了新一輪“中國威脅論”，其實質(zhì)是什么？對中美關系有何影響？您在擔任中國駐美大使時曾與“中國威脅論”進行過斗爭，今后你將怎么做？
李肇星：我至今依然懷念在美國工作的日日夜夜。的確，我和一些美國人發(fā)生過爭論，但我在美國的朋友更多。我認為，中美兩國人民有許許多多的理由應該友好相處、和平相處，共同為世界和平與發(fā)展作出貢獻。雙方正共同努力，進一步落實胡錦濤主席和布什總統(tǒng)達成的關于加強和發(fā)展兩國建設性合作關系的重要共識。你所說的散布“中國威脅論”的那種人也有，但只是極個別，他們?nèi)艘呀?jīng)進入了新世紀、新時代，但思想還停留在冷戰(zhàn)時期。就是這些極少數(shù)人在宣揚所謂的“中國威脅論”。這種人散布的論調(diào)沒有任何根據(jù)。
最近我從西方報刊上看到一組數(shù)字。我們一起看看“中國威脅論”到底是有道理、還是非?；奶瓶尚Φ?。2004年，美國國防開支是4559億美元，占美國去年國內(nèi)生產(chǎn)總值的3.9%。而中國的國防費用去年是2117億元人民幣，占中國國內(nèi)生產(chǎn)總值的1.6%。這就是說，美國國防開支是中國的17.8倍。同樣是去年，美國人均國防開支1540美元，中國人均國防開支大約是20美元，美國是中國的77倍。2003年美國軍費占全球軍費總額的47%，超過除美國外的25個軍費大國當年軍費支出的總和，還是聯(lián)合國安理會其它4個常任理事國軍費總和的3.5倍。
中國走的是和平發(fā)展道路，中國外交的出發(fā)點和歸宿都是維護和平。我相信所有尊重事實的人都會看到，中國是世界上一支維護和平的堅定力量。
新加坡聯(lián)合早報記者：去年底，印度洋海嘯發(fā)生后，中國對東南亞、南亞受災國的援助受到廣泛好評。中國作為本地區(qū)大國，下一步準備怎樣和其他大國一起在本地區(qū)扮演積極的領導角色？今年是新加坡和中國建交15周年，請評價兩國關系。
李肇星：中國同包括新加坡在內(nèi)的東盟國家關系發(fā)展良好，在互利雙贏基礎上，我們積極發(fā)展面向和平與繁榮的戰(zhàn)略伙伴關系。中國和東盟全面啟動了自由貿(mào)易區(qū)進程，去年雙方貿(mào)易總額達到1058億美元，提前實現(xiàn)預定目標。去年，印度洋地震海嘯發(fā)生后，我們急鄰邦之所急，提供了力所能及的幫助。中國也是一個經(jīng)常遭受自然災害的國家，我們完全理解受災鄰國人民所遭遇的困難，真正是感同身受。盡管中國也是一個發(fā)展中國家，在自己的經(jīng)濟、社會發(fā)展中也有困難，但盡努力，向受災的朋友、鄰國提供幫助。截至3月1日，中國政府的援助共約6.86億元人民幣，民間捐助達到5.76億元人民幣。超過50%的政府捐助物資和現(xiàn)款都已送達受災國。我們還派出了兩支國際救援隊，四支衛(wèi)生醫(yī)療隊和一支DNA鑒定專家組。不久前，我前往一個亞洲鄰國的災區(qū)去慰問當?shù)厥転娜罕?，得知中國醫(yī)療隊員、中國年輕的DNA專家在那里工作非常努力，非常有效，深受當?shù)厝嗣竦臍g迎和尊敬。同樣，在這次災難中，中國也有來自香港、臺灣和內(nèi)地的13位公民遇難，24人受傷，我們友好的鄰國政府和人民也給予他們很好的關照。我愿借此機會，向友好鄰國的朋友們表示誠摯感謝。
中國高度重視同新加坡的友好合作關系，愿意同新方共同努力，進一步加深和擴大雙方的友好合作。我們感謝新加坡政府堅持一個中國的原則和反對“*”的立場，也非常愿意和新加坡朋友進一步加強在聯(lián)合國和其它國際組織中、在地區(qū)事務中、以及在“10+1”、“10+3”框架內(nèi)的友好合作。
記者招待會歷時90分鐘，近600名中外記者出席。
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Answers Questions on China's Diplomacy and International Affairs
On the morning of March 6, 2005, the Third Plenary Session of the Tenth National People's Congress held a press conference at the Great Hall of the People. At the invitation of Spokesman Jiang Enzhu of the Session, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing answered questions from the Chinese and foreign press on China's Diplomacy and International Affairs.
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing: It is my great pleasure to see you all. Yesterday in his Report on the Work of the Government, Premier Wen Jiabao already gave a profound elaboration on the international situation and China's policies. If you have specific questions for me, they are more than welcome.
CCTV: With regard to China's foreign policy, some people say China has achieved a lot in its diplomacy and its foreign policy has become more mature, while others think that China's foreign policy has been too pragmatic. What's your comment on that?
Li Zhaoxing: China's diplomacy is aimed at maintaining world peace, promoting common development, boosting mutually beneficial cooperation and serving the Chinese people. Since the Chinese people share the fundamental interests of the people around the world, it is fair to say that China's diplomacy serves both the Chinese and other peoples in the world.
Over the past year, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Hu Jintao as the General Secretary, we have calmly coped with changes in the international situation and done our work earnestly and whole-heartedly to bring about a peaceful and stable international environment for the development of the country and improvement of people's livelihood. We adhere to the principle of doing diplomatic work for the people. We have protected the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and legal persons abroad and properly handled emergency incidents such as the attacks against Chinese citizens abroad. We pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, and remain committed to developing friendly relations of equality and mutual benefits with all the countries in the world, advancing regional cooperation and actively participating in multilateral diplomacy. We now find more and more friends and partners around the world.
We keenly appreciate the wish of people for peace, prosperity and harmony and their opposition to war, poverty and confrontation worldwide and stand for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. We have played our part conscientiously in the settlement of regional hot spot issues. We are committed to promoting and participating in South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue. We maintain that civilizations of different kinds should treat each other as equals and learn from each other amidst competition. In international affairs, we proceed from the interests of the Chinese people and the common interests of all the other people in the world and determine our positions independently in the light of the merits of matters. In the future, we will continue to work with the international community in bringing about a world with less conflict and more peace, less poverty and more prosperity, less trouble and more cooperation.
KBS ,a TV of R.O.K: When do you think the six-Party talks will be reopened? And my second question is that it is reported that President Hu Jintao will make a visit to the DPRK before he attends the APEC meeting in the Republic of Korea in the latter half of this year. Would you please confirm this news for us? If he does go to the DPRK, what will be discussed?
Li Zhaoxing: China pursues the objective of a nuclear-weapon-free, peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula. At the same time, we also maintain that the legitimate concerns of the DPRK should be addressed. The six-party talks present a realistic choice for the resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue. It is in the interest of all the parties, and should be continued. The nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula is very complicated. Therefore naturally there will be difficulties in the process of the peace talks. No matter how difficult the process is, we in China always adhere to the position of working for peace and facilitating talks in an objective and impartial way. We hope the relevant parties, particularly those major parties concerned can undertake their responsibilities, demonstrate flexibility, sincerity and patience and work for an early reopening of the talks and for further progress in the talks.
This year the APEC informal economic leaders' meeting will take place in the Republic of Korea, which the Chinese leader will attend. The partnership of all-round cooperation between China and the Republic of Korea has been progressing steadily. And the traditional friendly relations between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have also been developing continuously. With regard to the specific overseas visit plans of President Hu Jintao, according to our common practice, the news will be announced by the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry in due time.
Associated Press: Various parties have been trying for several months to arrange a new round of talks with no apparent success. China has close ties with North Korea. If North Korea is still unwilling to take part in these talks, what steps would China be willing to take to compel North Korea to participate?
Li Zhaoxing: The United States of America is a sovereign state, and so is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. As to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, it is these two countries that are the major parties concerned. Therefore the pressing task is for these two parties directly concerned on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula to gradually increase their mutual trust and mutual understanding. Peace is the most valuable thing. My hope is that the six-party talks can be reopened as soon as possible through the concerted efforts of all the parties, which is conducive to achieving the objective of a nuclear-weapon-free Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability there.
Oriental Daily: Recently Japan and the US have taken a series of actions including those on the Diaoyudao Island and the security cooperation. My question is if Taiwan independence becomes a reality, what in your assessment will be the reactions of the US and Japan? And what will be the Chinese reaction? And how do you assess and evaluate the relations between Japan and the US?
Li Zhaoxing: It has been over 30 years since China and Japan normalized relations. Over that period, the cooperation between the two sides has been fruitful. That is the result of the long term and arduous efforts made by leaders of several generations, the governments and peoples of the two countries. It is a hard-won result and deserves to be cherished. To develop the good-neighborly and friendly relationship of long-term stability with Japan is an established policy of China. History has taught us that we must carry forward the friendship with Japan from generation to generation. In order to ensure the sound development of the relations between China and Japan, it is essential to set the direction for the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term point of view, to correctly understand and properly handle the issue of history and the Taiwan question, to continuously deepen and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and expand the common interests between China and Japan.
Since ancient times, the Diaoyudao Islands and the adjacent islands have been China's territory, about which China has indisputable historical and legal evidence. No glib words or tricky actions can change these basic facts, nor can it be changed by any unilateral action by any foreign country. China and Japan have differences over the sovereign entitlement of the Diaoyudao Islands. We maintain that the solution should be sought after on the basis of respecting the facts. It is hoped that the two sides can set store by their overall interests and prevent this issue from affecting the healthy development of China-Japan relations.
In my view, the military alliance between the US and Japan is a bilateral arrangement that occurred under special circumstances during the Cold War. Therefore it ought to be strictly restricted to a bilateral nature. If it goes beyond the bilateral scope, definitely it will arouse uneasiness of the rest of Asian countries and also bring about complicating factors to the regional security situation. Taiwan is a part of China and the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China. Any practice of putting Taiwan directly or indirectly into the scope of Japan-US security cooperation constitutes an encroachment on China's sovereignty and interference in China's internal affairs. The Chinese government and people are firmly against such activities.
Associated Press of Pakistan: As you know Pakistan is going to hold the Fourth Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) foreign ministers' conference in Islamabad early next month. How do you look at the future role of ACD in promoting peace and development in the region? And do you think Pakistan and China can work together more closely to address the problems faced by Asian countries?
Li Zhaoxing:The last ACD foreign ministers' meeting, which took place in Qingdao, China, was a great success. One of the important achievements of that meeting in Qingdao is that everybody is very pleased to have the next meeting held in Pakistan. China and Pakistan are friends enjoying all-weather friendship. I believe we will certainly further strengthen our bilateral relations and enhance our friendship and cooperation on multilateral occasions including regional organizations. This is not only good for our two peoples but also conducive to the development and stability in this region. During this process, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue will also play the role of a bridge which unites Asian countries together and further enhances their solidarity and cooperation. So here I wish the fourth foreign ministers' meeting of ACD a great success.
InterFax: My question is what are the major manifestations of the Russia-China strategic partnership on the international affairs?
Li Zhaoxing: We are very pleased to see that we have got a very smooth and successful development of relations with our friendly neighbor Russia. Last year, at the invitation of president Hu Jintao, President Putin of the Russian Federation paid a state visit to China. During that visit, our two countries completely resolved the boundary issue which had been left over from history. Ever since then, the boundary between China and Russia has become a boundary of peace, friendship and cooperation. This is beneficial to our two peoples and conducive to peace and stability in both this region and the world at large.
Our cooperation in a wider range of areas, including economy and trade, culture, education, military and other fields has also been moving forward steadily. China and Russia have also conducted effective and substantive cooperation in over 100 international organizations, including the UN, as well as regional inter-state organizations, such as the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization).
Xinhua News Agency: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. I want to ask whether President Hu Jingtao will attend the UN celebrations and take that opportunity to visit the US? Would you please comment on the current China-US relations and the future development of the relations? My second question concerns anti-corruption. We know that in 2004 Yu Zhendong, the former governor of the Kaiping branch of the Bank of China was repatriated to China. A few days ago, US officials indicated that the US side would assist the Chinese side in bringing similar corrupt officials to justice. Would you please comment on what new measures China will take in fighting corruption together with the international community?
Li Zhaoxing: It is true that the UN will celebrate its 60th birthday, and there will be grand commemorations at the headquarters of the UN in New York. The UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has extended very warm invitation to President Hu Jintao for many times, so it is likely that President Hu Jintao will attend the celebration upon invitation.
The China-US relations have been making headway continuously. The two countries share extensive interests and engage in mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of areas to the benefits of the two peoples. In order to ensure a healthy development of the China-US relations, a long-term and strategic perspective should be adopted. First of all, it is essential to adopt that perspective to view and deal with the most sensitive issue in the China-US relations, i.e. the Taiwan question. In order words, it is essential to abide by the principles enshrined in the three China-US Joint Communiqués, treat each other as equals, seek common ground while putting aside differences and expand the converging points of the interests of the two countries. In the meeting held in Chile last November, President Hu Jintao and President Bush already reached agreement on exchanging visits in 2005. We would like to keep in close touch with the US side and continue to maintain and strengthen the momentum of exchanges of high level visits between the two countries.
The Chinese Government follows the principle of governing for the people and we have been making continuous efforts to fight against corruption and advocate a clean and honest government. We would like to step up our cooperation with all the countries in the world, including the US, in the fight against corruption.
Taking about corruption, what deserves our vigilance is that the Taiwan secessionists have done everything they can to achieve the goal of Taiwan independence, including the "dollar diplomacy", or in order words, the "bribery diplomacy". Many visionary people concur that this is also an act of corruption. Thank you.
TBS, Tokyo Broadcasting System, Japanese TV: When will the prime ministers of China and Japan restart mutual visit? The DPRK declares that it has nuclear weapons. What do you think of the information? Does the DPRK have uranium enrichment program or not?
Li Zhaoxing: It is imperative for the two countries and for the peoples of China and Japan to carry forward their friendship from generation to generation. In the past couple of years, the leaders of China and Japan have met for several times on multilateral occasions, where they had very good discussions. We hope China and Japan can proceed from the fundamental interests of the two peoples and work to create proper conditions and atmosphere for the high-level exchange of visits between the two countries in the spirit of taking history as a mirror and looking to the future.
With regard to whether the DPRK has already possessed nuclear weapons or whether it has uranium enrichment program, I believe maybe you know more than I do.
Let me tell you that after receiving the relevant verbal message from President Hu Jintao, the DPRK supreme leader indicated that the DPRK still pursues the objective of a nuclear-weapon-free Korean Peninsula and remains ready and willing to continue to participate in the six-party talks and that the DPRK hopes to see more sincerity to be displayed by the relevant parties.
Al-Jazeera:There have been very rapid changes in the Middle East situation. Given China's interest in the region, especially in terms of energy, would China make any readjustments to its policy. The second question is that there is a tendency for more rampant unilateralism and hegemony, so how far is reality from the goal of multi-polarizaiton that China pursues?
Li Zhaoxing: In recent years, with China's sustained and rapid development, its energy consumption has increased to a certain extent. And there have been substantial fluctuations in the prices of crude oil in the international market, particularly last year we saw a climbing up of the crude oil prices for quite a period of time. Therefore some media have blamed China and its growth of energy demand for the rising of oil prices. Such argument is unfounded. It is true that China's oil import has increased a little bit over the past one or two years. However the total of China's oil import only accounts for around 6% of the international oil trade volume. China is not only a big energy consumer, but also one of the major energy producers in the world. China's energy demand is mainly to be met by its domestic resources. We still have considerable space for the development of domestic energy supply, and we have big potential in selling energy and improving the efficiency of energy use. Therefore China's import of oil will not exert a big impact on the international oil prices.
Regarding the question about multi-polarization and unilateralism, I would say that the theme of our times is peace and development, however, hegemonism has been a threat to peace and development. Nobody in the world likes hegemonism, and everyone in the world opposes hegemonism and advocates multilateralism as well as democratic international relations. Let me invite you to revisit some remarks made by the late leader of China, Comrade Deng Xiaoping years ago. He said, "We adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace and do not join any block. We are prepared to maintain contacts and make friends with everyone. We are against any country that practices hegemonism. We are against any country that commits aggression against others. We are fair in our words and in our deeds".
DPH, a German press agency: Many Europeans fear that the "Anti-Secession Law" might lead to war in the Taiwan Straits. Would such a view affect the lifting of the European arms embargo? Is China concerned that this will probably further delay the lifting of the European arms embargo?
Li Zhaoxing: The purpose for China's National People's Congress to enact the "Anti-Secession Law" is to prevent and contain the "Taiwan Independence" secessionists' attempt to take reckless activities to sabotage the cross-Straits relations and peace in the Taiwan Straits. And it is also aimed at maintaining the status-quo of both the mainland and Taiwan belonging to one and the same China unchanged. Once again this law will embody the consistent position of China to do our utmost with the maximum sincerity to strive for the prospect of a peaceful reunification. It will also demonstrate the common will of all the Chinese people to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity and never allow the "Taiwan Independence" secessionists to make Taiwan secede from China under any name or by any means. Therefore this law is consistent with the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. It is conducive to the stability and development of the cross-Straits relations and to peace, stability and prosperity in both the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. Therefore this law will certainly get more understanding and support from the international community.
China is committed to peaceful development. As a developing country, we do not need, nor do we have the money to buy a lot of weapons that are both expensive and useless to us. We only believe the maintenance of such a long obsolete, useless and detrimental arms embargo against China is a jarring note in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union. To put it in a more simple way, what we are opposed to is political discrimination. There is an easier way for you to remove all your misconceptions or worries, that is, please wait for a few days longer until you see the text of the Anti-Secession Law. I believe by then you will agree to what I just said.
China Radio International: We have noticed that protecting the safety of life and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens abroad were written into the government work report delivered yesterday. Many people agree that it is a manifestation of the purpose of Chinese diplomacy to govern for the people and do diplomatic work for the people. My question is what will be the new initiatives or measures of the Foreign Ministry this year in the respect of doing the diplomatic work for the people.
Li Zhaoxing:: It is true that we have been making every effort to serve the purpose of doing the diplomatic work for the people. On the international stage, in order to do good and practical things for the people, we have to rely on our friends. In this regard, the Chinese leaders have played an exemplary role. They have made many good friends for China in the world. Last year, President Hu Jintao, Chairman Wu Bangguo of the National People's Congress, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman Jia Qinglin of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference visited a total of 34 countries. During their short yet tightly scheduled visits, they conducted extensive activities. Last year alone we received 29 visiting heads of state, 23 heads of government and 42 foreign ministers. In addition, different departments and industries across the country have been engaged in other diplomatic activities so as to make friends for the motherland and do practical things for the people. The inter-parliamentary, party-to-party and military-to-military diplomatic activities between China and other countries are fairly active, and a large number of Chinese NGOs are also active players on the international arena, such as the Chinese Youth League, All China Women's Federation and All China Federation of Trade Unions. Many Chinese cities have also established twin-city relations with their foreign counterparts.
At present, China has 235 diplomatic missions abroad staffed with over 5,600 people, of whom 3,200 are dispatched by the Foreign Ministry. Ambassador Sun Bigan, who was recently named as one of the top 10 figures inspiring China most in 2004, is one of the best representatives of the Foreign Ministry.
By doing the diplomatic work for the people, our purpose is to create a peaceful and stable international and surrounding environment for the development of the country and the welfare of the people and to strengthen the institutional construction to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and legal persons abroad. We have established a ministerial-level joint conference system for the protection of Chinese citizens and agencies abroad and a coordination mechanism led by the diplomatic and consular missions abroad and coordinated by Chinese agencies and representative offices abroad. We also pay attention to referring to the opinions and suggestions of our people so that our diplomatic work can better reflect their will.
Brazilian Newspaper: Are there conditions the DPRK has put to go back to the negotiations and can they be fulfilled? And how can China conciliate the principle of keeping world peace with the threat to invade Taiwan in case it declares independence?
Li Zhaoxing: Actually I have answered both of your questions. To solve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, it is important to proceed from the overall interests. Here, the overall interest is that the Korean peninsula should be nuclear-weapon-free, peaceful and stable.
On the Taiwan question, for us the sovereignty of China is paramount, and so is the wish of all Chinese people including the Taiwan compatriots for the peaceful reunification of China. We will do our utmost to strive for the peaceful reunification of the motherland. However, we will never allow any one to make Taiwan secede from China in whatever form and with whatever excuse. We will never permit that to happen.
You come from Brazil, which is the biggest developing country in the western hemisphere. Please convey the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards our Brazilian friends. We would like to work with Brazil to continue to deepen and develop the strategic partnership between our two countries.
People's Daily: Recently a new wave of China threat theory has emerged in Washington. What is the nature of such a theory? What impact will it have on the future of China-US relations? When you served as the Chinese Ambassador to the US, you once fought against the old similar theory. So what are you going to do this time?
Li Zhaoxing: I miss those days and nights in the US very much. It is true that I debated with some Americans, but I have made a bigger number of friends there. I believe that the Chinese and US peoples have good reasons to live in friendship and peace and work together to promote world peace and development. Both sides are working to implement the important common consensus reached between President Hu Jintao and President Bush on further strengthening and building the constructive and cooperative relationship. It is a fact that there do exist people as you described, but they are very tiny in number. Although they are living in the new century, their minds still linger in the Cold War era. It is there tiny number of people who are spreading the so-called "China threat theory", which is totally unfounded.
Recently I came across a group of figures from a western newspaper. Let's take a look at them together to see whether the theory makes sense or is nothing but ridiculous nonsense. In 2004, the defense expenditure of the US was US$455.9 billion, accounting for 3.9% of its GDP, while that of China in the same year was only RMB211.7 billion, making up 1.6% of China's GDP. The US defense expenditure was 17.8 times that of China. In 2004, the per capita defense expenditure in the US was US$1,540 while that of China was about US$20, with the US figure being 77 times that of China. In 2003, the US defense expenditure accounted for 47% of the global total, exceeding the add-up of the following top 25 countries in the world with the largest defense expenditure. The figure was also 3.5 times the total sum of the defense expenditure of the other four permanent members of the Security Council.
China follows the road of peaceful development. To maintain peace is both the starting point and the purpose of Chinese diplomacy. I believe that all those who respect truth will see China as a staunch force for peace in the world.
Lian He Zao Bao of Singapore: After the outbreak of the tsunami disaster at the end of last year, China has extended assistance to the disaster-stricken countries in south Asia, for which those countries appreciate very much. As a major country in the region, how will China cooperate with other major forces in the region to play an active leading role? This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China. Would you please comment on the Singapore-China relations?
Li Zhaoxing: China maintains friendly relations with ASEAN countries including Singapore. China and ASEAN have been working vigorously to develop the strategic partnership for peace and prosperity on the basis of cooperating on an equal footing and achieving a win-win result through mutually beneficial cooperation. China and ASEAN have fully launched the process of free trade area, and last year the bilateral trade volume reached US$105.8 billion, realizing the scheduled goal in advance.
After the tsunami disaster last year, we expressed sympathy and provided assistance to our neighbors within our own capacity. China is a country vulnerable to disasters and we fully understand the difficulties of our neighbors. We truly feel their pains and agony deeply. Although China itself is a developing country and has difficulties in its own economic and social development, we still do our best to provide assistance to our disaster-affected neighbors. By March 1 this year, the Chinese Government had delivered assistance worth RMB686 million and China's private donations reached RMB576 million. Over 50% of the governmental donations in kind and cash have arrived in those countries. We have also dispatched 2 international rescue teams, 4 medical teams and 1 expert team of DNA identification. Not long ago I had the opportunity to visit one of the disaster-hit countries and the local people. I found that the Chinese medical staffs and young DNA experts worked extremely hard with high efficiency. They have been highly welcomed and respected by the locals. Of course, during the disaster, there were 13 Chinese including those from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland who lost their lives and 24 injured. The government and people of our friendly neighbors also extended care for them, and here I would like to extend my sincere thanks to those government and people.
China attaches great importance to its friendly relations with Singapore. We would like to work with Singapore to further deepen and extend our friendly cooperation. We thank the Singaporean Government for adhering to the one-China principle and opposing Taiwan independence. We stand ready to further strengthen friendly cooperation with Singapore in international organizations like the UN, in regional affairs and under the frameworks of 10 + 1 and 10 +3.
The press conference lasted ninety minutes with nearly 600 Chinese and foreign correspondents present.