On the afternoon of 15 May, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular conference and answered questions on Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue, China-Africa cooperation, the Six Party Talks, May 12 collision accident and other issues.

Jiang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have three announcements to make:

As agreed by China and the US, the second Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue will be held in Washington D.C. from May 22 to 23. Vice Premier Wu Yi and US Treasury Secretary Paulson will co-chair the dialogue as special representatives of the heads of the two states respectively. Ministers and secretaries and other senior officials of relevant authorities from the two countries will also be present.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Africa Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will pay an official visit to China from May 20 to 22.

Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters will pay an official visit to China on invitation from May 21 to 26.

Now I would like to pick up your question.

Q: ROK media reports that Jinsheng, the vessel involved in the incident, continued its course without stopping to take any rescuing measures after the collision. Can it be interpreted as a hit-and-run case? It is reported that ROK has expressed concern to China. What position does China hold on that? Is there any progress in the investigation?

A: China understands ROK media's special interest in the incident. Investigation into the accident is still under way. Please consult relevant authorities for more details.

What we know at this stage is, the Chinese Government attaches great importance to the incident that happened in the Gulf of Bo Hai on May 12. Relevant Chinese authorities have dispatched three search and rescue ships, two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft to join the continuous search for the sailors in the possible waters and coordinated another one hundred passing-by vessels for the rescue work, which is still in process currently. The rescue work will cover a wider range as time goes on. China adopts a responsible and humanitarian approach to properly settle relevant issues concerning the tragedy in accordance with international pacts and laws. As long as there is one percent hope for the survival of the missing sailors, China will exert one hundred percent efforts to rescue them. China conveyed sympathy and condolences to the relatives of the missing sailors, and have made well-conceived arrangements for them to come to China. China keeps close coordination with ROK over the issue and would keep it informed of the investigation results.

Q: Recently Esthonia's decision to move the Soviet Red Army soldiers' monument and graves has angered Russia and lead to deterioration of Russia-Estonia relations. Do you have any comment on that?

A: China is aware of the dispute between the two countries and hopes they can solve the issue through friendly consultations. The Soviet Red Army made remarkable contribution to the victory of the worldwide anti-Fascist war. China is deeply appreciative of the support given by the Soviet Red Army during the Chinese people's war against the Japanese aggression. China will carefully preserve Soviet Red Army graves in China according to relevant agreements between China and Russia.

Q: What does China expect from the upcoming second Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue? President Hu Jintao said in his recent telephone conversation with US President Bush that joint efforts need to be made by both countries to overcome the trade friction. What measures is China going to take, especially in trade policies?

A: Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi will attend the second round of the Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue in Washington D.C. from May 22 to 23. The dialogue will be centered on topics including services, investment and transparency, energy and environment, balanced growth and innovation. China hopes to exchange views with the US side on issues of common interest so as to broaden our common ground and increase mutual trust and cooperation in various fields between the two countries and promote the development of Sino-US economic and trade relations and the Sino-US strategic cooperative relationship.

Mutual benefits and win-win cooperation remain the mainstream of Sino-US economic and trade relations. China and the United States enjoy a surging two-way trade development in recent years and have become each other's second largest trading partners. In 2006, our trade volume reached 262.68 billion U.S. dollars, more than one hundred times that of the early days when the two countries established diplomatic relationship. Chinese and United States economies are complementary with still huge potential for trade cooperation. We know that trade frictions are inevitable during the rapid growth of trade cooperation. We hope the two sides will resolve these problems with a rational attitude and a spirit of candid dialogue and equal consultation, so as to push forward the healthy and steady development of Sino-US trade relations.

Q: Some US senators tabled a draft bill on Chinese currency and exchange rate. Do you know the content? What impact will it exert on the upcoming China-US strategic economic dialogue?

A: We hope the US senators could have a clear knowledge and understanding of China's relevant policies, and play a positive and constructive role in promoting China-US economic ties and trade. Since China introduced the reform of exchange rate mechanism in July 2005, the exchange rate of RMB against US dollar has been on the rise. China will continue to improve the reform in a proactive, manageable and gradual manner.

Q: Will you update us on the case that China-exported faked drug material caused deaths of over 100 patients in Panama? Have China and Panama conducted joint investigation?

A: China's competent authorities attach great importance to this case and are making earnest joint investigation. Results will be released after the investigation. I believe relevant authorities will deal with it according to law. As to whether Panama will send officials here for joint investigation, you may consult competent authorities.

Q: Is there any new progress in the Six-Party Talks? The DPRK had not dismantled its nuclear facilities before April 13 due to the BDA DPRK-related funds transfer issue. Has this been resolved? When will the next round of the Six-Party Talks be held in Beijing?

A: Relevant parties have been conducting close consultation and making arduous efforts to resolve the BDA DPRK-related funds transfer issue. China has kept close coordination and communication with relevant parties. We hope that this issue could be resolved appropriately while taking all parties' concern into consideration so that the initial actions could be implemented and the process of the Six-Party Talks could be pushed forward. In the process of the Talks, we still have arduous tasks and a long way ahead. Sometimes we do encounter difficulties and vicissitudes. However, we believe that the parties concerned are capable of overcoming the difficulties and pushing forward the Talks continuously.

Q: Could you share with us the schedule of UK Foreign Secretary Beckett's visit to China? What topics will she discuss with China?

A: The UK Foreign Secretary Beckett will pay a visit to China from May 16 to 21. This is her first visit to China in this capacity. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will exchange views with her on promoting the China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership and enhancing the cooperation between the two foreign ministries, and also exchange in-depth views on international and regional issues of common interest. One Chinese leader will meet her. Mrs. Beckett will visit Guangzhou and Hong Kong after Beijing.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-UK diplomatic relations at the ambassador level.