Q: There is media report that China is going to allow Taiwan's GMT to open office in China. Could you confirm if this is true? And what's the reason behind it? And could you please tell us if other parties will be allowed to open offices in China?

A: Please refer questions relating to cross-Straits relations to the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.


Q: As you know that on 10 September, the US House of Representatives passed the US-Viet Nam Bilateral Trade Agreement. But also on the same date, they ratified the so-called Viet Nam Human Rights Act. Can you comment on this matter?

A: We have taken notice of the comments by the Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesman on this matter. The US-Viet Nam Bilateral Trade Agreement is a result of joint efforts of the United States and Viet Nam on the basis of mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit. The Agreement will contribute to the normal development of the bilateral trade relations. We welcome such a move. At the same time, we agree to the Vietnamese comment on the so-called Viet Nam Human Rights Act, which was passed by the US House of Representatives. We are opposed to the act of interfering in Viet Nam's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.


Q: According to reports, the Governor of Tokyo Yishihara yesterday made some statements on China in Washington. He said that China is the only country in the world that has an empire and he accused China of hegemonism. What's your comment on that?

A: Yishihara has always sticked to an anti-China attitude. It is known that his words and deeds are ridiculous. His statement does not deserve a rebuff.


Q: Believing that it does not deserve a rebuff, still he has a big audience in Japan and abroad. When he made those statements in Washington yesterday, he was speaking to a high-profiled audience. I wonder if you could just elaborate a little bit on the comment you have just made.

A: He blamed China of engaging in hegemonism. Is China going for hegemonism? China has made contributions to world peace and development. His statement totally betrayed the truth. Such statement does not deserve any comment.


Q: US President George Bush yesterday had a telephone conversation with Russian President Putin. There are not many details about it. But it happened at a time when the United States and Russia may be approaching an understanding on NMD. What's your comment on this?

A: We have noticed the relevant reports. However, we are not briefed on the issue yet. So we are not aware of the details. We are not sure if the issue that you mentioned is touched upon in the phone call or not. At the same time, we have noticed that President Putin reiterated on several occasions that the ABM Treaty is the foundation for international security. We share common views on this. China's position on missile defence is clear-cut. We hope to go in for dialogues with the relevant parties so as to seek a solution that will not undermine the security interests of relevant sides.


Q: The case involving refugees who were taken into custody off Australia after being refused permission to land has attracted a great deal of attention in the Chinese media. I am wondering if the Chinese Foreign Ministry has any news on the Australia's handling of this matter. Particularly given the vowed respect for human rights among such countries as Australia, which often come to the criticism of China.

A: China has been following this case. We have noticed that this question has been settled. We believe that the relevant parties should work with the international community to deal with such question.


Q: It is reported that Afghan's opposition leader Massoud is dead. Do you have any confirmation on that.

A: We have noticed the relevant reports. However, the reports are not very accurate. We are still following the development.


Q: I just wonder if you have more information and follow-up on President Jiang Zemin's visit to North Korea. Any sort of new plans for increased cooperation between China and North Korea?

A: President Jiang's visit to DPRK is a very important one. The two sides exchanged views in-depth on bilateral issues and major issues of common concern. We highly value the positive results of the visit. Looking ahead, Sino-DPRK traditional friendship and cooperation will enjoy even faster development in various fields on the basis of the current visit.

After the Press Conference, the Spokesman answered the following questions from correspondents:


Q: What's your comment on the bombing of Iraq by U.S. and British military aircrafts on 10 September?

A: Over a period of time, American and British military aircrafts have attacked targets within Iraq on many occasions, causing human casualties and property loss. On 10 September, U.S. and British aircrafts again attacked southern Iraq, causing major human casualties and wound. The Chinese side was greatly concerned over the attack and condemned the action. China opposes U.S. and British act of bypassing the UN Security Council to establish the so-called "no-fly zone". China holds that Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected. A comprehensive and justified solution to the Iraqi issue should be found at an early date on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.


Q: The 18th Meeting of the Working Party on China's entry into the WTO is being held today in Geneva. Could you please brief us on the latest development of China's entry into the WTO?

A: The 18th Meeting of the Working Party on China's entry into the WTO is being held in Geneva from 11 to 13 September. At the moment, parties concerned are checking the wording of the protocol and report of China's entry into the WTO. Efforts will be made to try to finally pass these multilateral legal documents at the current session of the meeting and present them for approval by the WTO General Council Meeting or the Ministerial Meeting. The WTO members all wish to see the approval of the decision on China's entry into the WTO at the WTO's November ministerial meeting in Doha. I believe that, with the common efforts of China and other members of the Working Party, this objective could be fulfilled.