On the afternoon of January 26, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Ma Zhaoxu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have no announcement to start with.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: The spokesperson of the US Department of State accused China of controlling freedom of expression. How do you comment? What's more, the US has decided to sell such advanced weapons as "Patriot -III" air defense missiles to Taiwan. How does China comment?

A: China's Constitution clearly stipulates that the Chinese Government protects citizens' freedom of expression according to law. The Chinese people enjoy extensive freedom of speech. No one knows better than them.

China is firmly against the US arms sales to Taiwan and this position is consistent, unequivocal and firm. In fact, China has lodged solemn representations with the US on its arms sales to Taiwan on many occasions. Here we once again urge the US side to fully recognize the high sensitivity and gravity of the issue, abide by the three Sino-US joint communiqués, particularly the principles of August 17 Communiqué and stop selling weapons to Taiwan so as not to impair the larger interests of China-US cooperation.

Q: Iran said it is going to launch the new Bushehr nuclear power plant within this year and France is planning to push for new sanctions against Iran within the EU. How does China comment?

A: On the Iranian nuclear issue, China's position has been clear and consistent and it remains unchanged. We favor settling the issue through the "dual track" strategy. We always maintain that diplomatic negotiations are the best way out for the issue. Currently, parties concerned are still making diplomatic efforts and there is still room for such efforts. We believe the pressing task now is that all parties concerned proceed from the larger and long-term interests, step up diplomatic efforts and adopt more flexible and pragmatic policies to press for progress of dialogue and negotiation.

Q: The International Conference on Haiti was held on Monday in Montreal. Did China attend the conference? In the next stage of rescue and relief efforts, will China enhance its cooperation with the international community?

A: China has been in close cooperation with the international community in the course of Haiti's rescue and relief efforts and we will continue to do so.

As for the International Conference on Haiti, China endorses the international community's efforts to help Haiti start its reconstruction at an early date. The participating parties to the Montreal meeting stressed that they are ready to step up cooperation with other parties to jointly push for the post-quake reconstruction and development of Haiti based on respect for Haiti's sovereignty and the coordinating role of the UN. We welcome such an attitude.

I also want to take this opportunity to brief you on China's role in the rescue and relief efforts and our follow-up action. Up till now, China has altogether provided relief supplies of RMB48 million and US$3.6 million in cash to Haiti. China believes that the UN has rich experience and unique advantage in post-disaster reconstruction and should play a greater role in leading and coordinating the international relief efforts. China is ready to continue to work with the international community to help the Haitian people to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date.

Q: Google said it will begin negotiations with the Chinese side in the next few weeks. Can you give us more details about the negotiations? In addition, Google also expressed its willingness to maintain its sales department and mobile phone market in China. How do you comment?

A: On this issue, I have made clear the position of China many times at the press conference. Over the past few days, the Information Office of the State Council and the spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology have made further comments on the issue. China's position is clear and unequivocal. Please refer to competent Chinese authorities or Google itself on related issues for more specifics and future developments.

Q: About 50 Chinese citizens stranded in Haiti are going to return. What arrangement will China make? According to the Copenhagen Accord, parties concerned should submit commitment to combating climate change at the end of this month. When will China hand in such commitment?

A: Regarding the return of the Chinese citizens, the working group consisted of staff from the Center for Consular Protection and Assistance of the Foreign Ministry and relevant agencies flew on a chartered plane to Haiti. Their mission is to bring back the 48 Chinese citizens in Haiti. As far as we know, the chartered plane with the 48 people has departed from Port-au-Prince for home.

As for submitting climate change commitment, China endorses the Copenhagen Accord in the belief that it reflects the political will of all parties concerned to address climate change and the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" and it adheres to the dual track negotiation of the Bali Roadmap, paving the way for stronger international cooperation against climate change and providing political impetus to the next round of negotiations. China believes that the pressing task now is to translate the consensus on relevant issues embodied in the Accord into specific negotiation documents for the working groups of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol and hold negotiations of the two working groups as soon as possible to address the pending disputes and ensure the success of the Mexican meeting at the end of this year. At the same time, China reaffirms its commitment to the already-published voluntary emission reduction targets and will consider reporting relevant information to the Secretariat of the UNFCCC shortly.

Q: I know there is an advance team of various US department officials here in Beijing for the preparation of the next round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Can you brief us on the details of their preparation? Second question, is there a new schedule for Argentinean President's visit to China?

A: As for the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue, China and US have stayed in touch upon relevant issues and information will be released in due course.

I have made the announcement that Argentinean President has postponed her visit to China and I have no more information to add by now. Due to domestic reasons, Argentinean President Cristina postponed her visit. She is welcome to visit China at a time convenient for both sides. We will keep in touch through dioplomatic channels upon her visit.

Q: According to Christian Science Monitor yesterday, three US petroleum companies' websites were attacked by hackers related to China. What is your response? Does China plan to carry out investigation?

A: I am not aware of the specific situation. But I can tell you that internet security is a global concern. The Chinese Government firmly opposes cyber attack in whatever form and at whatever place.

We hope to see the internatinal community make joint efforts to combat cyber hacking, safeguard Internet security and protect citizens' privacy.

Q: Twenty-one Indian diamond merchants were detained by Shenzhen police about two weeks ago. What is the reason for their detention?

A: The specific situation needs further verification. China is a country under the rule of law, thus the case you mentioned will be handled acoording to law.

Q: In recent days, there are some Chinese media reports suggesting that a large number of hacking come from the US. I wonder whether this indicates that the Chinese side believes the attacks might be organized by the US Government?

A: I have clearly expounded on China's position on hacking. Firstly, hacking is a global problem. Secondly, hacking in whatever form is frimly opposed by the Chinese Government and prohibited by Chinese laws. Thirdly, China endorses and takes an active part in internationl cooperation in preventing and combating hacking. I think this is the effective way to solve the problem.

Q: Last Friday, US Secretary of State Hillary Cliton delivered a speech on the US position on "Internet Freedom", saying that the US Government supports the creation of application softwares to enable people to access the information blocked by their government. How do you comment?

A: I have made China's position on that speech clearly and have nothing more to add.

Q: You said that the US side's accusation against China over Internet issues would undermine China-US relations, can you tell us in what way will it harm the ties? Argentinean Foreign Minister is in town, I am wondering if you could tell us whom will he meet and what will be discussed? And also, the two Chinese engineers are still in the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan, what is China doing to secure their release?

A: As for the Google issue, I have answered your questions from different perspectives and I don't have any additional information.

As for the visit of Argentinean Foreign Minister, I haven't got any information yet.

As for the two Chinese citizens kidnapped in Afghanistan, China attaches great importance to the issue and is exerting every effort to rescue them and secure their safety. The right to life prevails over the right to know. It is not appropriate for me to reveal more details here and I'd appreciate your understanding.

Q: How does China assess the current China-US relations given the US arms sales to Taiwan, Google and all other issues?

A: During the past year, thanks to the efforts of both sides, China-US relations have maintained a momentum of steady growth. The positive momentum has not come easily and should be all the more treasured by both sides. A sound China-US relationship is not only conducive to the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, but also beneficial to world peace, stability and prosperity. We hope the US side will work with China to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries on developing bilateral relations in the new era, observe the principles of the three Sino-US joint communiqués and the China-US Joint Statement, enhance dialogue, coordination and cooperation, particularly respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, handle sensitive issues properly in a bid to facilitate the sound and steady development of China-US ties.

If there are no more questions, thanks for coming! See you!