On the afternoon of July 2, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to start with.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei left for Russia, the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea today to exchange views with the relevant parties on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and the situation in Northeast Asia.

The floor is now open for your questions.

Q: Can you brief us on the purpose and itinerary of Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei's visit? How come the DPRK is not on the itinerary?

A: Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei is making this visit in order to have in-depth exchange of views with the relevant parties on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular and the situation in Northeast Asia. Specific itinerary will depend on how the consultation goes with relevant parties. China keeps communication with all parties concerned on how to push forward the Six-Party Talks, and we will continue to do so.

Q: Will Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei discuss implementation of the Security Council Resolution with the four parties? What messages will China deliver? And had Mr. Wu met with Mr. Goldberg, US Coordinator for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1874 before he left?

A: During his visit, Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei will expound on China's position and have in-depth exchange of views with relevant parties on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and the situation in Northeast Asia. China always maintains to bring about denuclearization on the Korean Peninsular through dialogue, consultation and the Six-Party Talks. Mr. Goldberg is now in Beijing. Officials from the Foreign Ministry and other authorities will meet with him.

Q: Japanese Defense Ministry is considering sending troops to the Yonaguni Island in the East China Sea. Do you have any comment? Secondly, will President Hu Jintao suggest replacing the US dollar as international reserve currency during the G8 Outreach Session?

A: We hope the relevant act by the Japanese side contribute to regional peace and stability.

During the G8 Outreach Session, President Hu Jintao will exchange views on how to step up international cooperation in effectively addressing the international financial crisis, promoting recovery and development of world economy and reform of the international financial and monetary system. In fact, China has already stated its position and proposition on those issues. And relevant parties have reached consensus at the previous two G20 financial summits. Now it is time to implement the consensus.

Q: Zimbabwean Prime Minister Tsvangirai announced earlier this week that China agreed a loan of 950 million dollars to Zimbabwe. Could you confirm and give us more details?

A: The Chinese Government supports the efforts of the Zimbabwean coalition government in recovering and developing economy, and has provided assistance within its capability. To my knowledge, relevant Chinese financial institution is having discussions with Zimbabwe on cooperation in project financing. If this goes well, there will be a certain amount of loans. The Chinese Government is supportive of this and expects to see early result out of the cooperation.

Q: Does China plan to set up any economic and trade offices in countries having "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan?

A: The Chinese Government is willing to conduct friendly cooperation and develop normal state-to-state relations with all countries in the world on the basis of One China Policy which is universally recognized by the international community, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, relevant UN General Assembly Resolutions as well as the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

If there are no more questions, thanks for coming. See you!