On October 14, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions on Pakistani President Zardari's visit to China, the Six-Party Talks and etc.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have no announcement to start with. Let's go straight to your questions.

Q: Pakistani President will arrive in Beijing today to start his visit to China. Will he sign any agreements with China? Do you think Pakistan will seek for any deal on nuclear cooperation?

A: Pakistani President Zardari will arrive in China today to start his state visit, which is another major event in the history of China-Pakistan relations. We hope his visit will be successful in promoting our friendly cooperation in a wide range of fields. During the visit, the two countries will have in-depth discussions over some specific cooperation in certain areas, and relevant deals of cooperation will be signed. I suggest you wait until tomorrow for the detailed press release.

China and Pakistan enjoy sound civilian nuclear cooperation. China is ready to continue this cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. I have to stress here that China's cooperation with Pakistan fully complies with the two countries' respective international obligations. The cooperation is only for peaceful purpose and subject to IAEA supervision.

Q: Today, China and Russia held a ceremony to unveil boundary markers at the eastern section of their boundary. Could you comment?

A: Today, Foreign Ministries of China and Russia exchanged notes to confirm that the Supplementary Agreement between China and Russia on the Eastern Section of China-Russia Boundary Issue and its appendix have officially taken effect. On the same day, the two countries held a ceremony to unveil boundary markers at the eastern section. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Xidi and Vladimir Malyshev, Deputy Director-General of the First Asian Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry attended the ceremony. Also present were other representatives from the two countries' departments of foreign affairs, national defense, public security and localities.

The settlement of China-Russia boundary issue left over from history is the result of years' long negotiations based on the existing treaties, the extensively recognized norms of the international laws and the spirit of consultation on equal footing. It reflects the high level and distinctiveness of China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation.

The settlement of China-Russia boundary issue is a concrete step taken by the two countries to implement the Treaty of Good- neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between China and Russia. It's a reflection of the two countries' peaceful thinking and efforts to develop friendship from generation to generation. The China-Russia boundary will serve as a bond of peace, friendship and cooperation between the two countries and two peoples.

This successful experience tells us that peaceful dialogue, fair and rational consultation on an equal footing is a correct and effective approach to solve complicated and sensitive issues. It has set a good example for the international community to solve similar issues through diplomatic means.

Q: Ecuador's Defense Minister is to visit China shortly. Whom will he meet with in China? Are there any military deals to be signed?

A: China and Ecuador are friendly countries. China attaches importance to its communication and cooperation with Ecuador in a wide range of fields. As for the visit by Ecuadorian Defense Minister, please refer to the Ministry of National Defense.

Q: The DPRK said recently that it had reached a deal with the US on the nuclear verification measures, and that the disablement of Nyongbyon nuclear facilities would be resumed. What kind of role will China play in the verification process?

A: China commends the constructive efforts of relevant parties in promoting the Six-Party Talks. As chair of the Talks, China is ready to keep close communication and coordination with other parties on the verification issue, and play a constructive role in realizing denuclearization on the Korean Peninsular.

Q: It's reported that eight Tibetan monks were put on trial recently because they blew up a government building in Chamdo of Tibet during the March 14 incident. Are these monks members of the Dalai Clique?

A: I'd like to stress that the Chinese Government runs the country according to law. Any individual that commits crimes in China must be brought to justice, regardless of his ethnic group or religious belief. Relevant Chinese authorities handle relevant case according to law.

Q: Has China made its final decision on whether to extend or abolish the Regulations on Reporting Activities in China by Foreign Journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Period?

A: Once again, I repeat, China will continue to follow the opening-up policy and to facilitate the work of foreign media and journalists in China. This position stays unchanged.

Q: It is reported that the Prime Minister of ROK warned that hackers from the DPRK and China stole more than 130,000 pieces of government information from the ROK in the past four years, could you comment?

A: The Chinese Government opposes cyber crime including hacking. In fact, China is also a victim in this regard. The accusation you mentioned is unacceptable to China. If the ROK did make such accusation, it must produce convincing evidence.

Q: About tear gas used by police in Thailand against the protesters, investigation suggests that there is one type made in China which is powerful enough to blow up human body, an effect not normally seen in ordinary tear gas. Do you have any comment? Did China export such kind of tear gas to Thailand?

A: Firstly, I cannot confirm what you just quoted. Secondly, I have not read any international convention that prohibits the use of tear gas. Thirdly, many countries in the world produce tear gas.

Q: It is reported that China hopes to strengthen its economic cooperation with the DPRK. Could you disclose some details, such as some figures or new cooperation plans?

A: China and the DPRK enjoy normal economic cooperation and trade. We also provide assistance for the DPRK within our capability.

Q: Costa Rica media reports that Chinese President Hu Jintao is going to visit Costa Rica in November, please confirm.

A: At the invitation of President Arias, Chinese President Hu Jintao is going to pay a state visit to Costa Rica before attending the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Peru in mid-November. Relevant arrangement is under discussion. Relevant information will be released in due course.

Q: Are there any other countries on President Hu Jintao's schedule during his trip to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting?

A: So far I can only confirm Peru and Costa Rica. As for other countries President Hu may visit, relevant information will be released in due course.

Q: Today, the gate of Sino-Japanese Friendship Association in Tokushima-ken of Japan was destroyed. How do you comment?

A: I've just read about relevant information. We hope Japanese police can investigate the case according to law and find out the truth at an early date. We also hope the friendship between the two countries will be preserved.

If you do not have any further questions, let me remind you of a later briefing here in this hall at 3:30PM. You may have already known this from our IPC website. Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi will brief you about the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting then. You are very welcome to stay for it. Thank you.