On the afternoon of April 12, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Six-Party Talks, the East China Sea issue, the situation in the Kyrgyzstan, the trilateral meeting in Addis Ababa on Darfur issue, the violent attacks in Algeria and Morocco and other questions.

Qin: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have two announcements to make:

At the invitation of Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, State Councilor and Chairman of China-UK Relations Task Force, Mr. Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister, First Secretary of State and Chairman of China Task Force of the United Kingdom will pay an official visit to China on April 19 to 25.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs Allam-mi of the Republic of Chad will pay an official visit to China on April 18 to 20.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: It is reported that the situation in Kyrgyzstan was worsening. What comment does the Chinese government have? Will it affect the SCO Summit to be held in Shanghai this year?

A: China is deeply concerned with the latest development of the situation in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is a friendly neighbor of China and member state of the SCO. China sincerely hopes that Kyrgyzstan will maintain stability, economic development and happy life for people. This serves the fundamental interest of Kyrgyzstan as well as the people in this region. China also hopes that the international community will play a constructive role in the stability of Kyrgyzstan's situation.

Kyrgyzstan is the rotating chair of the SCO this year. In August, the SCO Summit will be held in Bishkek. This summit is very important for the development of the SCO and the member states agreed to cooperate closely and assist Kyrgyzstan, so as to ensure the success of the meeting.

Q: Yesterday, the DPRK held the 5th session of the 11th Supreme People's Assembly, elected a new prime minister and set boosting economic development and improving people's living conditions as core task. This reminds us of China's 3rd plenary session of 11th CPC Central Committee in 1978, which mapped out the direction of China's development. China has registered a rapid economic growth ever since then. How does China comment on the meeting?

A: Thank you for your positive comment on China's reform and opening up program.

We noticed what happened in the DPRK. The domestic affairs of the DPRK shall be determined by the DPRK government and people on their own. China will not make comment on the domestic affairs of the DPRK. As a neighbor of the DPRK, we hope it will sustain its economic and social development. We are glad to see the DPRK further opens and develops its economy and willing to step up our good-neighborly and friendly relations with the DPRK on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, so as to help the DPRK within our capacity to develop economy and improve people's livelihood.

Q: Premier Wen Jiabao announced China-Japan energy cooperation during his visit to Japan. Can you offer more details on that, such as figures and projects? The two countries reached consensus on the East China Sea issue in the Joint Press Communique. Does this indicate that China will stop its oil and gas exploration in the disputed waters of the East China Sea?

A: During Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Japan, Chinese and Japanese leaders exchanged views on strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in various aspects and reached important consensus. This consensus is manifested in China-Japan Joint Press Communique. China and Japan agreed that the two countries should strengthen cooperation in the energy field. Both of the two countries are big energy countries, and Japan owns advanced expertise and technology in this field, in particular clean energy and renewable energy. China is marching on the path of sustainable development and dedicated to building an energy-conserving and environment friendly society. We are willing to draw on the helpful experiences of Japan and step up energy cooperation with them.

As for the cooperation projects and other details, the two sides need further discussion. Chinese Minister in charge of National Development and Reform Commission Ma Kai, who is in the company of Premier Wen, will attend the opening ceremony of China-Japan energy cooperation workshop today together with Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akira Amari, and co-chair the first session of China-Japan Ministerial Energy Policy Dialogue. This is very beneficial for the two countries to increase mutual understanding exchange and cooperation. We hope this mechanism will be carried on and yield new outcome.

As for the East China Sea issue, Premier Wen and Prime Minister Abe made a candid discussion on that and reached broad consensus. The most essential point is to uphold the crucial principle of "shelving differences and seeking joint development" and solve the differences on the East China Sea through consultation, so that the East China Sea can become a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship.

As for China's oil and gas field exploration in East China Sea, I have to clarify the definition of "joint development". The "joint development" should be conducted in the waters that China and Japan have dispute. Now, China's oil and gas exploration is conducted in the waters that we do not have dispute with Japan and thus a normal activity to exercise China's sovereign rights and interests. We hope Japan will understand this point.

Q: Japan think some of China's oil and gas fields lie in the disputed waters. Are you implying that China rejects Japan's delimitation claim?

A: China's claim on delimitation of East China Sea is based on the UN Convention on Law of Sea and the principle of natural extension of continental shelf stipulated by the modern law of sea. We have sufficient basis in law. Japan has its own claim on the delimitation and so China and Japan have dispute. We stand for friendly consultation as the way to address dispute.

Your question is actually out of the "median line" principle claimed by Japan and indicates China's exploration trespasses the "median line". China does not recognize the "median line" unilaterally claimed by Japan. This position will remain unchanged.

Q: Recently, the Sudanese government, the UN and the African Union succeeded in their trilateral meeting in Addis Ababa on implementing Annan's plan. The meeting reached consensus and issued a joint statement. What's China's comment?

A: China welcomes the agreement recently reached by Sudan, the UN and the African Union in Addis Ababa. We hope the parties concerned will implement the Annan Plan through equal dialogue and consultation, properly solve the Darfur issue and realize peace, stability and development in Darfur at an early date.

Q: It is reported that the DPRK capitals in the Banco Delta Asia has been unfrozen. Through what channels will the DPRK gain access to these capitals? What positive impact will this have on the reopening of the six-party talks? When will the six-party talks be resumed?

A: We have noticed the announcement by the Macau SAR Government as well as the earlier announcement by the US treasury Department. The Chinese side is now communicating with relevant sides, hoping that the BDA issue can be properly solved as soon as possible.

We hope that the handling of relevant issues should not on