On the afternoon of April 6, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to start with.

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council, Prime Minister Edward Nipake Natapei of the Republic of Vanuatu will pay a working visit to China from April 11 to 16.

Now the floor is open.

Q: Last week, the US Treasury Department decided to delay a report on whether China manipulates its currency. Does China welcome this decision?

A: Recently, the competent authorities of China have made clear China's position on RMB exchange rate on many occasions. It is our belief that RMB exchange rate is not a major cause of the trade imbalance between China and the US and the appreciation of RMB is not a way to change the situation of trade imbalance between the two countries. The Chinese Government has never taken advantage of the so-called currency manipulation to get benefit from international trade. We hope the relevant US personnel can view the issue in an objective and rational way. On the bilateral trade frictions, we have all along held that the frictions should be effectively solved through normal channels by candid dialogue and practical consultation. The direction that China will continue to press ahead with the reform of RMB formation mechanism will not change. We will continue to improve the managed floating exchange rate regime in a proactive, controllable, and gradual way.

Q: First question, the visiting Indian Foreign Minister Krishna said today that he hoped China can support India to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. What is your position on that? Second, it is reported that a report from a Canadian research institution showed that hackers from China's Sichuan Province attacked and stole sensitive information from the website of the Indian Defense Ministry. Has the Indian Government made any contact with China on the issue? Have you begun any investigation into that?

A: Foreign Minister Krishna is visiting China. He has delivered a speech at China Institute of International Studies and will attend the reception that commemorates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic relations. Tomorrow, he will meet with Premier Wen Jiabao. Tomorrow evening, he will attend the opening ceremony of "Festival of India". This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic relations. We'd like to take this opportunity to strengthen exchanges between the two countries and two peoples through a series of activities so as to increase mutual understanding, trust and friendship and deepen our practical cooperation in various fields.

As for the Security Council reform, it bears on the overall interest of UN member states. We hope relevant parties could reach a package consensus on all issues related to the reform through patient and democratic discussion. We will work with other parties to make sure the reform move in favor of the overall interest of the UN and the solidarity among UN member states. India is a country of major influence. We understand and support India's wish to play a bigger role in UN affairs. We will stay in communication with India and other member states on the issue.

On your second question, actually this is not the first time we hear such stories alluding and accusing China. I wonder the motive of those spreading the stories since they never present any evidence. Questions implying China being the source of hacking attacks have been raised in this room from time to time. We have made our position clear on many occasions, that is, China firmly opposes hacking and other cyber crimes and imposes severe punishment according to law. Hacking is a global challenge that requires international cooperation. China has joined a lot of international and regional efforts on Internet security. We have taken an active part in efforts of APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group and taken interest in and supported relevant initiatives by the International Telecommunication Union. Also, China has signed agreements with ASEAN and SCO members on cyber and information security.

This issue should be viewed from an objective and rational perspective. For those questions raised in the past, we have checked with competent authorities. We were told that no evidence or any requirement for investigation has ever been presented. I wonder why that is.

Q: President of Kazakhstan said last week that the country is ready to set up a nuclear fuel bank under the supervision of the IAEA. How does China comment on it?

A: We have noted relevant reports. China maintains that all countries are entitled to rights of peaceful use of nuclear energy and supports international efforts on peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Q: There are comments that the delay of a report by the US Treasury Department is a "stalling tactic" to trade for China's support on UN sanctions against Iran. How does China comment?

A: Such speculation is meaningless and groundless. I don't agree with it.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, we have stayed in close communication with other parties concerned. Under the current circumstances, we hope relevant parties will step up diplomatic efforts, take a more pragmatic and proactive approach to seek proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Q: Researchers say that they have handed the report on Sichuan hackers' attack to China National Computer Network Emergency Coordination Center and hope to work with China on cracking down on the hacking organizations involved. How does China comment?

A: If there is such investigation request, they can report to competent Chinese authorities. Our attitude and laws are clear and we firmly oppose and prosecute cyber crimes.

Q: ASEAN Summit will be held in Hanoi this week. Which Chinese official will take part?

A: We highly value our relations with ASEAN. In recent years, bilateral political mutual trust has been enhanced, cooperation in business and trade and other fields have been expanding and people-to-people and cultural exchanges have been close, showing that cooperative relations between China and ASEAN have entered a new era. The meeting you mentioned is an internal meeting of ASEAN and China will not sent representatives.

Q: The US rock star Bob Dylan originally planned to hold a series of concerts in China, but was rejected by the Chinese authorities. Why?

A: If you are referring to a commercial performance, I will point you to competent authorities since it is not related to foreign policy.

Q: Will President Hu Jintao meet with President Obama on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit? Will they discuss the issue of RMB exchange rate? Second, will the Chinese Commerce Minister, Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor travel with President Hu for the Second BRIC Summit?

A: I know you are interested in the relevant arrangement of President Hu's attendance to the Nuclear Security Summit and the Second BRIC Summit and his visits to the three Latin American countries. The arrangement of relevant bilateral meetings is underway. We will hold a background briefing here at 10 am tomorrow on the visits of President Hu. You may raise questions concerning the specifics.

Q: The DPRK Leader King Jong-Il recently met with the Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK. Could you update us on King Jong-Il's visit to China? Second, Iran plans to host an international nuclear disarmament meeting. Will China attend the meeting?

A: The Chinese Embassy in the DPRK has released relevant information on its website. I have not received any information about the visit you mentioned.

Regarding the international nuclear disarmament meeting proposed by Iran, We have received the invitation and are looking into it now.

Q: The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson used to say that China-DPRK relations are normal state-to-state relations. It is a usual practice that the Foreign Ministry makes announcements in advance on foreign leaders' visits to China. Will the Foreign Ministry follow the practice if the DPRK leader King Jong-Il visits China? If not, the outside may believe that China and the DPRK have a special relationship. Do you agree?

A: China and the DPRK maintain normal state-to-state relations. We are ready to continue to deepen the good-neighborly, friendly and cooperative relationship between our two countries.

I know you are interested in the high-level exchanges of visits between the Communist Party of China and the Workers' Party of Korea and you may refer your question to the competent authorities.

You mentioned some arrangements concerning the DPRK leaders' visits to China before. The practice is set through consultation between China and the DPRK. We hope you can understand and respect this practice.

Q: It is reported that China is ready to discuss sanctions against Iran with other members of the Security Council. On what conditions will China agree to impose sanctions against Iran?

A: About the Iranian nuclear issue, we are always committed to upholding the international non-proliferation regime and maintaining regional peace and stability. We hope all parties concerned can step up diplomatic efforts and show flexibility to seek a comprehensive, long-term and proper settlement of the issue.

If there are no more questions, thank you. See you!