On the afternoon of February 25, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! I have no announcements to make and now the floor is open.

Q: This afternoon, India and Pakistan will resume meetings at the Foreign Secretary level. How does China comment?

A: India and Pakistan are both neighbors of China and important countries in South Asia. The improvement and development of their relations are not only conducive to peace, stability and development of South Asia, but also those of the whole Asia. We are happy to know that the India-Pakistan meeting at the Foreign Secretary level will be held soon and hope the meeting can yield substantive results. We welcome and support the two countries to keep the momentum of dialogue and cooperation.

Q: The spokesperson of the Chinese Defense Ministry said today that China's internet, especially the military websites, have been constantly attacked by overseas hackers. Earlier, the US spokesperson of Department of Defense expressed the hope that the Chinese Government will investigate the hacking targeted at companies such as Google. In China, how many websites of the government and companies have been attacked by overseas hackers and which regions, countries or organizations do these attacks mainly come from?

A: I have expounded on China's policies and laws on the internet many times. Chinese laws strictly prohibit cyber crimes including hacking. Competent authorities crack down on such cyber crimes according to the law. As you said just now, China is also a victim of hacking. As for how hacking has harmed China and how many Chinese websites have been attacked, the Foreign Ministry is not in charge of internet issues and I have no accurate figures. So please refer to competent authorities.

On the statement made by Google in the beginning of this year, we have made our position known. We firmly oppose the unfounded accusation of the Google Company and demand foreign internet companies to operate in China according to the law.

Q: The South African government submitted a report to the United Nations this week, saying that it seized a ship of the DPRK departed from Dalian of China with weapon components on board. Is China informed of it? What measures will China take to ensure that the cargos of the DPRK ships adhere to the relevant sanctions resolution of the Security Council?

A: We have taken note of relevant reports. As far as I know, the UN Sanctions Committee on the DPRK has distributed the letter of the South African government and we are looking into it. The Sanctions Committee will also meet to investigate and discuss this issue. China will take part in the meeting and collaborate with the Committee. At present, I have no further information.

Q: Yesterday, the US Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth began his visit to China. Please brief us on his meeting with the Chinese side. The parties concerned to the Six-Party Talks have been contacting frequently. Does this mean the Six-Party Talks will realize a turnaround soon?

A: Yesterday, Mr. Bosworth visited China and had talks with Special Representative Wu Dawei of the Chinese Government on Korean Peninsular Affairs. This morning, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also met with Mr. Bosworth. The two sides mainly exchanged views on the Six-Party Talks.

We believe that the Six-Party Talks is indeed faced with the opportunity to walk out of the difficulty and move forward. China is ready to stay in close consultation and coordination with other parties concerned to push for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

Q: Please brief us on the meeting between the Pakistani Foreign Minister and the Chinese official. How does China comment on the current China-Pakistan military relations?

A: On Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi's visit to China, I have briefed you on the two foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday. Yesterday, Premier Wen Jiabao also met with Minister Qureshi. Both of them spoke highly of the development of the good-neighborly, friendly and cooperative relationship between China and Pakistan and are determined to keep the sound momentum of bilateral relations and high-level contact, strengthen exchanges and dialogue at all levels in different fields and deepen practical cooperation so as to press ahead with the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between them. China and Pakistan have maintained normal exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Q: The US Department of Defense said on Tuesday that China began to take retaliatory measures in the beginning of this month against US arms sales to Taiwan. Please confirm. This morning, the spokesperson of the Chinese Defense Ministry also confirmed the suspension of China-US high-level military exchanges. How does China comment?

A: The US arms sales to Taiwan severely violated the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the principles set in the August 17 Communiqué, and gravely undermines peace and stability across the straits and China-US relations. We are firmly against it. China has made its solemn position known on this issue many times.

On your question of military exchanges, as said by the spokesperson of the Defense Ministry of China, the US decision of arms sales to Taiwan seriously undermines and disrupts plans of military exchanges. China's position on suspending the planned military exchange of visits remains unchanged.

Q: Recently Russia stated its opposition to tough financial and energy sanctions against Iran. Does China agree with Russia's position? Second question, during the visit of the Israeli security delegation, will China talk about the details of sanctions against Iran with the Israeli side?

A: On the Iranian nuclear issue, China believes that the diplomatic means haven't been exhausted and there is still room for dialogue and negotiation. We hope all parties bear in mind the overall interest, enhance communication and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiation for a further step toward a peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. We are of the view that the key to easing the current situation is to solve the fuel supply for the Tehran Research Reactor as soon as possible. Second, it is important to resume talks between the P5 plus one and Iran at an early date. China will stay in communication and coordination with all parties concerned to play its due role.

On the visit of Israeli Vice Prime Minister Ya'alon, he will hold talks with State Councilor Dai Bingguo. They will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. I can not predict what specific issues they will discuss. We will keep you updated.

Q: Twenty-one Indians were detained in Shenzhen on 8 January. As far as we know, they haven't been prosecuted up to now. Could you share with us more details?

A: Regarding foreigners' activities in China, first, we require them to observe Chinese laws; second, we protect their lawful rights and interests in China. I believe competent authorities will handle the case involving the 21 Indians you mentioned according to law. China will stay in communication with Indian authorities and keep them updated.

Q: Will China adopt tougher retaliatory measures in response to US arms sales to Taiwan?

A: The person who tied the knot should untie it. China urges the US side to take China's position seriously, correct its mistakes, abide by the principles set in the three China-US joint communiqués and the China-US Joint Statement, respect China's core interests and major concerns, and prudently and properly handle relevant sensitive issues. The US should take concrete measures to uphold the sound and stable development of China-US relations.

Q: China cut its holdings of US treasury bonds last December. Were there any political considerations in this move? According a report by China Daily, the DPRK recently announced to open up two islands on the Yalu River near Dandong as free trade area to Chinese enterprises. Is this project consistent with relevant UN resolutions on sanctions against the DPRK?

A: We need to look at the first question from two perspectives. On the one hand, China follows the principle of ensuring safety, liquidity and good value of its foreign reserve. How much we buy and when we buy depends on the market condition and our own needs. On the other hand, relevant major reserve currency countries should take credible measures to boost confidence of the international market in their currencies. It is like doing business, you need both a buyer and a seller.

As for the second question, it is essential not to confuse UN sanctions with normal bilateral business ties between two countries. The sanctions against the DPRK are clearly defined by relevant UN resolutions. The project you mentioned is purely normal business exchanges between China and the DPRK. It does not violate relevant UN resolutions.

If there are no more questions, thanks for coming.