On the afternoon of June 3, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions on the earthquake relief efforts, the Six-Party Talks, Indian Foreign Minister's visit to China and etc.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

I would like to begin with an announcement.

From June 7 to 12, at the invitation of Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and the EU, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will visit the three countries and the EU Headquarter, attend the China-EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Slovenia and the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan held in France.

Now the floor is open for your questions.

Q: It is reported that the US Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain proposed the other day to set up a new international organization with Russia and China excluded since they deter the effective work of the UN. Do you have any comment?

A: It is known to all that the UN is the most universal and authoritative intergovernmental organization with the widest representation. Since the founding of the UN, it has played an irreplaceable and significant role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. It is an important platform for the international community to excise multilateralism, enhance cooperation, and jointly tackle various threats and challenges facing the current world. It is the universal consensus of the international community.

As the founding member of the UN, one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has firmly supported the UN and participated in its work. China is a responsible member both in the UN and in the international community. China has been all along respecting and preserving the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, dealing with its foreign relations in light of the universally-recognized norms governing international relations, faithfully fulfilling its due responsibilities and obligations, and participating in various affairs of the UN in a comprehensive, broad, and in-depth way. China will continue to firmly support the important role of the UN in international affairs and make its constructive contribution thereof.

As to whether China is an obstacle in the UN, you will get a better idea if you check the UN record.

Q: Could you please brief us on Indian Foreign Minister's visit to China?

A: Indian Foreign Minister Mukherjee will pay an official visit to China from June 4 to 7. This has been released to the public. During his visit, he will meet with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Premier Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders. This is the first visit to China for Foreign Minister Mukherjee. Both countries attach great importance to the visit. The interlocutors will have extensive and in-depth discussions on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Q: I have two questions. First, will the Foreign Ministers of China, Japan and the ROK meet in Japan in the coming days? What is China's expectation on the meting? Second, is there any progress for the Six-Party Talks? When will the next round of talks be held? Has the DPRK submitted its nuclear declaration?

A: On the China-Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' meeting, we will keep you updated in due course.

The China-Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' meeting is an important mechanism for the three countries to have regular exchanges and consultation. We attach great importance to the mechanism and hope the three Foreign Ministers to have in-depth exchange of views during the meeting on the current major regional issues and problems facing the three countries so as to further promote the cooperation between the three countries. As countries of major impact in the region, it is of great significance for the three countries to enhance exchanges and cooperation with a view to promoting peace, stability, and development of the region. We look forward to positive achievements out of the meeting generated by the concerted efforts of the three countries.

On the Six-Party Talks, at the end of last month, Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, Head of the Chinese Delegation to the Six-Party Talks met with the Heads of the US, the DPRK, the ROK and Japan as well as the Russian Ambassador to China respectively in Beijing. They discussed how to comprehensively implement the remaining action for the second phase, and how to promote new progress of the Six-Party Talks. In addition, those parties also had some bilateral meetings. From those meetings and interactions, we believe relevant parties have built up quite a few important consensuses. The will of relevant parties to implement their commitment and promote the Six-Party Talks remains unchanged. We believe the Talks is now face with new opportunities to march forward, hoping that the six parties can further intensify communication, coordination and overcome difficulties on the basis of this round of consultation as to promote fresh progress of the Talks. China is ready to play its due role and make constructive efforts to this end.

The specifics are still under discussion and coordination.

Q: President Bush will attend the Beijing Olympic Games. Will China make concessions on the human rights issue?

A: Countries should have human rights dialogue based on equality and mutual respect to enhance mutual understanding and narrow differences. We oppose applying double standard on the human rights issue and exerting pressure or interfering with other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. As you know, the 14th China-US human rights dialogue was held in Beijing days ago. Participants had candid and constructive dialogue on relevant issues, briefed each other on their respective progress in human rights, and exchanged views on the freedom of speech of citizens as well as other issues in a comprehensive and in-depth way. Both China and the US believe the dialogue is positive and constructive, which will contribute to further exchanges and dialogue in human rights based on equality and mutual respect as well as the healthy and stable development of China-US relations.

The Chinese Government is devoted to the protection and improvement of human rights. In recent years, we have done a lot of work to develop the rule of law, promote economic progress and improve people's livelihood, as well as to safeguard various rights and freedom of Chinese citizens in accordance with law. We have made tremendous progress in this regard. Let me make it clear, our commitment to the development of China's human rights cause is not decided by the will of any country, group, organization or person, and our efforts should not be measured by their criteria. We will not make any concession or compromise for the sake of certain activities. Our position and policy to protect and promote human rights are consistent, no matter what others say or how the situation changes. We will unswervingly build socialism with Chinese characteristics and promote China's human rights cause. </