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On May 14, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference.
Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcement.
At the invitation of President Horta of East Timor, CPPCC Vice Chairwoman Wang Zhizhen will attend the celebration ceremony for the tenth anniversary of the founding of East Timor and relevant activities of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and East Timor in Dili, capital of East Timor, from May 17 to 20 as the Special Representative of President Hu Jintao.
Q: South China Sea Fishery Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture announced that from May 16, most waters in the South China Sea, including waters off the Huangyan Island, will enter a period of two and a half months' fishing moratorium. Is this related to the current situation over the Huangyan Island? Will the Chinese fishery administration ships and maritime surveillance ships withdraw from that area? Internet users said this move is for the preparation of military actions against the Philippines. What is China's response?
A: The fishing moratorium system has been an administrative measure of competent department of China for many years. It's purpose is to protect the marine biological resources in relevant sea waters and has nothing to do with the current Huangyan Island incident. You may consult competent department for specifics. China has repeatedly expounded on its position on the Huangyan Island issue and remains committed to the diplomatic resolution of it.
Q: Philippine Foreign Secretary del Rosario reportedly said that the Philippines would never agree on China's demands on the Huangyan Island and diplomatic dialogues between the two sides would at most reach a "temporary agreement" which could not help solve the issue fundamentally. The Philippines asks for a comprehensive resolution of the Huangyan Island issue from political, legal and diplomatic aspects. What is your comment?
A: China's principled stance on the Huangyan Island issue has been made clear. China demands the Philippines to earnestly respect China's territorial sovereignty and do not take measures that will escalate and complicate the situation. In particular, diplomatic negotiations should be adhered to in resolving the current situation, rather than continuing to incite public opinion and send contradictory messages.
Q: Australian Foreign Minister Carr is visiting China. Please brief us on his itinerary.
A: At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Australian Foreign Minister Carr is paying an official visit to China from May 11 to 16. This is his first visit to China since taking office and is also an important bilateral exchange during the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. During the visit, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will hold talks with him and they will have an in-depth exchange of views on China-Australia relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest. The Chinese side will also arrange some other official activities at the request of the Australian side. I believe this visit will play an important role in enhancing mutual trust and understanding, deepening pragmatic cooperation in various fields and promoting the comprehensive development of China-Australia relations.
Q: The Algerian National Assembly election was held on May 10, in which the ruling party, the National Liberation Front, won 220 seats and remains the largest party in parliament. What is your comment?
A: We are happy at the recent smooth National Assembly election in Algeria and express our congratulations on this. China and Algeria enjoy profound traditional friendship and the two countries have established strategic cooperative relations. We support the active efforts of the Algerian side in promoting political reform and maintaining social stability. We are ready to work with the Algerian side to push forward the bilateral friendly and cooperative ties.
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