On October 21, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions on the international financial crisis, the 7th ASEM Summit, relations between India and Pakistan, and etc.

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

At the invitation of Russian Prime Minister Putin, Premier Wen Jiabao will pay an official visit to Russia from October 27 to 31, and hold the 13th regular meeting between Chinese Premier and Russian Prime Minister. At the invitation of Kazakhstani Prime Minister Masimov, Premier Wen will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan and attend the 7th SCO Prime Ministers' Meeting in Astana.

At the invitation of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Zhukov and Sechin, Vice Prime Minister Wang Qishan will visit Russia from October 25 to 28, during which he will hold the 12th meeting of Sino-Russian Prime Ministers' regular meeting committee and a meeting between Chinese and Russian energy negotiation representatives.

At the invitation of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Zhukov, State Councilor Liu Yandong will visit Russia from October 25 to 30, and hold the 9th meeting of China-Russia Cooperation Committee on Education, Culture, Health and Sports.

At 3:30pm this afternoon, Vice Foreign Minister Li Hui will give a briefing on the background of Premier Wen's outbound visits. You are welcome to participate.

With that, I'm ready to take your questions.

Q:The Ministry of Public Security released a new name list of the "East Turkistan Islamic Movement" terrorists this morning, saying that they attempted to attack overseas Chinese nationals in South Asia, Middle East and West Asia, where they are more likely seen. What measures will the China adopt to protect the Chinese citizens overseas? Which countries are riskier for Chinese people?

A:Countries in the world including those in Asia have a high degree of consensus on counter terrorism. China, Central Asian countries and those in South Asia are determined to make joint efforts to combat the "three forces", i.e. terrorism, extremism and separatism. Since these "three forces" pose threat to regional peace and tranquility, combating them is conducive to the regional peace, security and stability as well as people's peaceful life. China and relevant countries have conducted sound cooperation in relevant areas during recent years, signed a series of regional and bilateral agreements and followed up with actions. We also hope the cooperation in this regard will continue to be strengthened.

To exert greater efforts in combating the "three forces" is not only conducive to the security of each country, but also important in safeguarding a safe and stable environment for the Chinese citizens working or traveling abroad. The Foreign Ministry will release timely security warnings on its website for the Chinese citizens overseas.

Q: I have two questions. The first is about the financial summit. The US president has recently proposed to hold an emergent financial summit in the US. Will Chinese leaders attend? The second is about the talks between the Pakistani and Chinese leaders. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has recently said that China and Pakistan have reached agreement to have cooperation on construction of nuclear power plants. Could you confirm?

A: China maintains that the international community should strengthen cooperation and jointly cope with the current international financial crisis through equal consultation. Relevant measures should be conducive for the stability of the international financial markets and the healthy development of the world economy. The interests and concerns of the developing countries should be fully respected and safeguarded. The China will keep in communication and coordination with the relevant parties in a responsible attitude.

As for your second question, I actually have responded on many occasions. China and Pakistan enjoy sound relations and cooperation in civilian nuclear energy. China is ready to continue this cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Our cooperation fully complies with the two countries' respective international obligations. It is only for peaceful purpose and subject to IAEA supervision.

Q: Follow up questions on the terrorist name-list released by the Ministry of Public Security. The Ministry of Public Security requires foreign governments to arrest those on the list and send back them to China. In which countries do you believe those people might be hiding? Can you promise fair trial for them? Another question is about Chinese oil workers kidnapped in Sudan. The kidnappers want to have a share of the local oil profits. What will China do to save these workers? Any chance that China may want to change its policy in Sudan?

A: The release of the name list of "Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement" members by the Ministry of Public Security is a reflection of the Chinese Government's resolve and aspiration to combat terrorism together with the international community. Counter-terrorism calls for international cooperation. These terrorists remain at large. But don't forget, justice has long arms. Wherever they are hiding, these terrorists will be brought to justice. We hope relevant countries will fulfill their international obligations of counter-terrorism and work with China to bring these terrorists to justice.

About the nine Chinese nationals kidnapped in Sudan, relevant Chinese authorities are sparing no efforts to rescue them.

Our policy on Sudan, particularly on the Darfur issue, is consistent and clear-cut. We are committed to working with the international community to promote the peace process in Sudan. We hope the Darfur issue could be properly settled through political dialogue so that peace and development will prevail in Darfur. It is imperative now to build upon the existing progress and press ahead with the double track strategy, which means, we should further promote the political negotiation and hybrid peace-keeping mission. We have to work both on the political process and the security situation so that we could get to the root of the issue. China's trade with Sudan is based on the principle of mutual benefit. It benefits the Sudanese people, and thus is supported by the vast majority of them.

Q: German Chancellor Merkel says that she will invite China to attend the international financial summit when she is in Beijing. President Sarkozy and Mr. Barroso also expressed the similar view when they met President Bush recently. They plan to bring this up during the ASEM 7. Does China plan to have a special discussion about this issue during the ASEM 7, or do you prefer to have bilateral discussion? Are you going to announce your decision at the meeting?

A: Over the past days, leaders made important remarks on the current international financial situation. They also came up with timely and important proposals and propositions, which deserve our attention. We hope these proposals and propositions could be translated into reality and take effect in addressing the crisis and safeguarding the stability of international financial market. Many leaders from Asian and European countries will attend the ASEM 7 to be held shortly. Given the current circumstance, it would only be natural and necessary for leaders to exchange views on the current international financial situation during the meeting and bilaterally on the sidelines of it. China will continue to have in-depth exchange of views with all parties concerned in a positive and responsible manner, and have discussion over how to deal with the crisis.

Q: Pakistan and India resume today their boundary trade in Kashmir that had been cut off for 60 years. As a neighboring country, how does China respond to it?

A: China is a neighbor and a friend to both Pakistan and India. We feel happy and encouraged to see the resumption of trade between the two countries. We hope our two neighbors will continue to work for better relations through friendly consultation and closer cooperation. This is not only in the fundamental interest of people in the two countries, but also conducive to peace and stability in South Asia.

Q: This morning, a US company announced to recall thousands of cribs made in China and other countries because some children died after using these products. Could you tell us more about this recall? Was the Chinese Government notified the US of the issue?

A: I have not heard of relevant matter yet. The Chinese Government takes seriously product quality, especially the quality of products for children. We can not be too careful when it comes to products that could affect children's safety and health. Should such matter as you mentioned occur, we hope relevant foreign companies and consumers will immediately communicate with Chinese companies and authorities. We will listen and investigate carefully to see if there are problems, and whether the problems are with design, production or circulation. I feel upset about the matter you mentioned. Kids sleep in those cribs. We hope all children in the world could sleep in their sweet dreams there.

Q: The US appellate court has rejected Federal District Court's request to set free 17 Chinese Uygur suspects now detained in Guantanamo. The court says it needs to hear the appeal of the US Government first. Do you have any comment?

A: I suggest you refer this to the US side. Since the US Government admitted in a document that compliance with the district court's order would pose a serious security risk and a risk to the broader interests of the US, what reasons does it have to export such risk to a third country? There should be no double-standards on counter-terrorism. Countries should fulfill their international obligation of counter-terrorism and combat terrorism resolutely. China's position on this issue is consistent. We request the US to repatriate these suspects to China immediately so that they could be brought to justice.

If there are no more questions, thank you for your attendance. Welcome back at 3:30 pm.