On the afternoon of November 2nd, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference.

Liu: Good afternoon. We can start with questions directly.

Q: How many African leaders will attend the Beijing Summit on the China-Africa Cooperation Forum so far? Will the five African countries having no diplomatic ties with China send delegations to the Summit?

A: On your first question, 48 African countries with diplomatic relations with China have confirmed to send high-level delegations to the Beijing Summit, among which over 40 are headed by state or government leaders, others are delegations at deputy head or ministerial levels. Until now, over 20 African leaders have arrived in Beijing, and some of them will pay a state visit to China. Actually, some state visits have already started since yesterday.

We haven't received responses from countries having no diplomatic ties with China, but we welcome them to attend the Beijing Summit as observers. Whether they come to the Summit or not, we respect their decision.

Q: It is reported that former Prime Minister Thaksin of Thailand is in Beijing at present. Could you confirm this? Will he meet Chinese senior officials? How long will he stay in China?

A: China has not been informed by the Thailand government or Thaksin himself. His visit to China is completely private.

Q: Could you tell us something about the meeting of heads of delegation to the Six Party Talks from China, the DPRK, and the US held in Beijing the day before yesterday? When does China plan to hold the Six Party Talks? Are there still political obstacles to the resumption of the Six Party Talks? It's reported that the US Secretary of State Rice requested that the DPRK abolish its nuclear facilities and accept UN investigations. Does China believe these measures are necessary for the DPRK to abandon its nuclear program?

A: News release on October 31 has already answered your first three questions. On October 31, as proposed by China, the heads of delegation to the Six Party Talks from China, the DPRK and the United States had an informal meeting in Beijing. The three parties had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on continuing efforts to advance the process of the Six Party Talks. The three parties all agreed that the Six Party Talks be held soon at a time convenient to the six parties.

On your last question, when and how the Six Party Talks will be resumed, and what will be discussed, are to be decided by all parties through consultation. The fundamental goal of the Six Party Talks is that all parties faithfully fulfill their commitment in the Joint Statement issued on September 19 last year, comprehensively implement the Joint Statement, and make joint efforts towards the goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

Q: Could you share with us the progress in Margaret Chan's campaign for Director-General of the World Health Organization? Nine of all African countries invited to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation have the right to vote in the WHO. Have they taken their side already?

A: The Chinese government recommended Margaret Chan for Director-General of the WHO. We have been consulting with all parties on this. We believe that Margaret Chan is experienced, professional, and capable for this position. I am not in the position to comment on the attitude of the member states in the executive board of the WHO.

Q: According to some experts from the WHO, China's failure to share with the WHO information of bird flu virus samples has complicated the prevention and treatment of the disease. Please confirm and explain this.

A: We have noted some articles written by several experts on the mutated virus of bird flu discovered in southern regions of China. This is not true. Chinese competent authorities have conducted constant monitoring on bird flu virus in southern regions since 2004. Genetic sequence analysis showed that so far, all viruses discovered in South China is highly congenetic and belongs to the same genetic type with no distinct changes in its biological characteristics.

Relevant authorities have informed FAO and OIE of the mutation of bird flu virus monitored in northern parts of China.

China's relevant government departments have always taken an active part in the global prevention and control of bird flu, established close cooperative relations with international organizations including FAO and WHO, and shared in time all epidemic and virus information with the international community.

Q: The US requested China to urge the Sudanese government to allow the UN peacekeeping forces to enter into the Darfur region. Given that Sudanese President Bashir is now in Beijing for the Summit, will the Chinese government express its stance to him?

A: As you said, President Bashir has arrived in Beijing, and we welcome his attendance to the Summit. China and Sudan enjoy friendly and cooperative relationship. China is closely concerned with the Darfur issue, and has kept effective contact with Sudan and other parties by all means. We hold that the UN should play a positive role in the Darfur issue. At the same time, consent of the Sudanese government needs to be obtained on specific measures to be taken, and appropriate measures need to be taken to address rational concerns of Sudan. This afternoon, President Hu Jintao will meet and exchange views with President Bashir on Darfur issues. I'll keep you updated.

Q: Japanese Prime Minister Abe reportedly said that Japan will consider establishing free trade area with China, but China has to enhance protection of intellectual property rights. What's your comment on this?

A: We've noted Prime Minister Abe's comment on the establishment of free trade area between China and Japan. With the joint efforts of China and Japan, economic and trade cooperation between the two have made remarkable progress, bringing substantial benefits to the people. Against the overall backdrop of economic globalization and regional integration, the development of free trade relations between China and Japan is conducive to the lasting and stable bilateral economic and trade ties, and conforms to our common interest. We would like to study it with Japan. We have reiterated that protection of intellectual property rights is in the interest of China and the consensus of the international community. We have taken a series of concrete and effective measures in this field and made important progress. We will take more measures, including judicial and executive ones, to strengthen the protection over intellectual property rights. We are wiling to conduct cooperation with other countries around the world in this field.

Q: The DPRK has been requesting the US to lift financial sanction. However, it now agrees to come back to the Six Party Talks without the US fulfilling its request. Does it mean the DPRK made concessions or China's sanction against the DPRK has yielded results? Besides, when does China expect to hold the Six Party Talks? Before or after the APEC meeting?

A: On your first question, the DPRK and the US expressed their stance on the financial issue and showed flexibility at the informal meeting of the heads of delegation from China, the DPRK, and the US. They reached understanding on discussing and resolving the financial issue through joint discussion within the framework of the Six Party Talks. We appreciate and welcome the constructive attitude of the DPRK and the US on this issue.

As to the timeframe of the talks, China, the DPRK, and the US have reached consensus to hold the Six Party Talks