On the afternoon of September 13, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on China-Japan relations, the resignation of Russian PM, the Iranian nuclear issue and etc.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, I would like to welcome the journalists from Lebanon present here today.

I have no announcement to make and the floor is open now.

Q:How do you comment on the resignation of Japanese PM Abe? During his tenure, Abe has contributed to the development of China-Japan relations. At present, Aso is most likely to become Abe's successor. What impact will it have on China-Japan relations if he becomes the next PM?

A: The resignation of Prime Minister Abe is the internal affairs of Japan. You may check my remarks yesterday. The Chinese government always attaches importance to and endeavors to promote its development China-Japan friendly and cooperative relationship. The relationship is now faced with important opportunities for further development. We are ready to make joint efforts with Japan to maintain high-level exchanges, build political mutual trust and deepen pragmatic cooperation. We shall properly handle relevant issues in line with the principles and spirits of the three important political documents between the two countries so as to press ahead with a healthy and stable China-Japan relationship.

Q: The Russian PM resigned yesterday. How do you comment?

A: We've learnt about it. We understand that it is the internal affairs of Russia.

During his tenure as the Russian Prime Minister, Mr. Fradkov made positive contributions to the development of China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership and the deepening of bilateral pragmatic cooperation. We are ready to join hands with Russia to enhance the cooperation in politics, economy and trade, science and technology, as well as people-to-people exchanges so as to promote the long-term healthy and stable development of China-Russia strategic and cooperative partnership.

Q: The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Christensen made a speech concerning Taiwan at the US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference on September 11. What is your response to that? Second question, Chinese ambassador to Japan Wang Yi is to return to China. It is reported that he will be the Vice Foreign Minister and Mr. Cui Tiankai will take his position. Please confirm.

A: On the first question, the US government reiterated on many occasions its position recently on pursuing the one China policy, abiding by the three China-US joint communiqués as well as opposing Taiwan's referendum on UN membership. We hope the US honor its commitment to China on the Taiwan question and join hands with China to maintain peace and stability across the Straits and the general interest of China-US relations.

Taiwan question bears on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is China's internal affairs. There is only one China in the world with Taiwan an inalienable part of it. The government of the P.R.C is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. This is generally recognized by the international community and confirmed in Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly, which brooks no doubt or denial.

The series of recent actions by Taiwan authorities prove that they are intensifying their efforts for Taiwan independence. Any action that flagrantly defies the UN Charter, Resolution 2758, and the one China principle generally recognized by the international community is against the will of the general public and doomed to failure.

On the second question, we will release relevant information on personnel arrangement in due course.

Q:Could you please brief us on the inspection by the Chinese nuclear experts in the DPRK. My second question is, when will the next session of the sixth round of the Six-party Talks be held?

A: With regard to your first question, I haven't got any relevant information. About your second question, the date of the second session of the sixth round of the Six-party Talks is yet to be set. We will inform you as soon as we have it.

Q: The Iranian government special envoy is visiting China. Who will meet with him? What will be discussed? What is China's position on the Iranian nuclear issue? Is China satisfied with the progress in Iran's implementation of the UN Security Council's resolution and its cooperation with IAEA? What is China's position on the international community's possible sanction against Iran?

A: Mr. Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi, Iranian government special envoy, is visiting China from September 13 to 14. He will meet officials from the Foreign Ministry. The two sides will exchange views on Sino-Iranian relations and issues of common concern. We will update you on relevant meetings.

Recently, some new progress has been achieved on the Iranian nuclear issue. China welcomes the action plan reached by Iran and IAEA and hopes Iran strengthen its cooperation with IAEA and earnestly implement the plan, which would help restore the international community's confidence in Iran's plans for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and promote a proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Meanwhile, we also believe that the relevant UN Security Council resolutions should be implemented in real earnest.

The best way to solve the Iranian nuclear issue is a peaceful solution through diplomatic negotiation, as it conforms to the common interests of the international community. We hope that parties concerned maintain restraint and patience, stick to the goal of peaceful solution, and find a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution to the issue.

Q: Can you comment on the powerful earthquake in Bengkulu province of Indonesia on September 12? Does the Chinese government plan to provide assistance to Indonesia?

A: We would like to express our solicitude to the Indonesian people for their suffering in the earthquake. We hope that the people in the disaster-afflicted area overcome the difficulties and rebuild their home.

Q: Just now you said that China hopes the momentum of high-level exchanges between China and Japan could be maintained. Does China plan to invite the Japanese leaders to visit China within this year?

A: Maintaining the momentum of high-level exchanges between China and Japan is of positive significance for the promotion of the bilateral ties. With regard to your question, China will keep discussing with Japan.

If there are no further questions, thank you for coming. See you!