On the afternoon of January 28, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Ma Zhaoxu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to start with.

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Bruce Golding of Jamaica will pay an official visit to China from February 1 to 5.

This is Prime Minister Golding's first visit to China since assuming office, which China warmly welcomes. During his visit, Chinese leaders will meet and have talks with him respectively, and they will sign cooperative agreements in trade and other fields.

Over the past 38 years of diplomatic ties, China and Jamaica have seen smooth development of bilateral relations, frequent exchanges of high-level visits, ever-deepening political mutual-trust and expanding cooperation in various fields. We believe that Prime Minister Golding's visit will promote the friendship and partnership between the two countries.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: Has the Chinese Government launched negotiations with the Google company? Which topics have been discussed?

A: I have made clear China's position on the Google issue from this podium many times, and the competent Chinese authorities have also expounded on that. Regarding what direction will this issue develop or how will the two sides conduct exchanges, I do not have that information and I'll leave that to the competent authorities. You may also check with Google as well.

Q: In his State of the Union Address today, US President Obama mentioned that China is witnessing rapid economic growth, especially in transport and clean energy. Do you have any comment? Does China believe that a rapidly-growing China will pose an economic threat to the US?

A: President Obama has just delivered his Address, which we need some time to study, thus I could not give you a comprehensive and systematic assessment right now. I shall say, we have noted President Obama's State of the Union Address. The US is a country of major impact in this world, and we hope its domestic and foreign policies be conducive to world peace, stability and development.

As to the China-related part you just mentioned, we will particularly go into that. What I could tell you is that we have taken note of that part and China is willing to conduct mutually-beneficial cooperation with the US in a wide range of areas.

You also said that China might pose a threat to the US, I don't think there is such a thing. As responsible members of the international community, China and the US maintaining sound cooperation serves the fundamental interest of both sides and contributes to world peace, stability and prosperity.

Q: Recently, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Massimov said that the Kazakhstan Government lays great store to the water resources of transboundary rivers and hopes to properly resolve relevant issue with China through intensive consultation. What's China's position?

A: China-Kazakhstan strategic partnership is important for China. China puts great emphasis on reasonable use and protection of the water resources of transboundary rivers with Kazakhstan. The two sides signed the Agreement on Cooperation in the Use and Protection of Transboundary Rivers in 2001, set up a cooperative mechanism which was incorporated into the Joint Commission at the Vice-Premier level established in 2008. The two countries have stayed in sound communication and cooperation in that regard.

China, fully accommodating the interest and concerns of neighboring countries, always follows the principle of sustainable development while developing transboundary rivers. In the spirit of establishing an enviroment-friendly and resource-effective society, China has taken into consideration the capacity of water resources and environment in both upper and lower reaches of transboundary rivers so as to ensure the mutually-beneficial cooperation and common development of border areas.

Q: The AFP and other European media reported that Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos recently said that Spain was reassessing the pros and cons of EU arms embargo against China. Countries such as Spain and France support the lifting of the ban. How does China comment?

A: I have seen different reports on this matter and I would like to reiterate the principled position of China.

China's position on the EU arms embargo against China has been consistent and clear. We believe that the embargo is in essence political prejudice against China, which runs counter to the current world trend and the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. We demand the lifting of the embargo in order to eradicate the political prejudice and ensure China's equal rights. We hope the EU would make a political decision soon to immediately, unconditionally and thoroughly lift the arms ban against China with a view to clearing the obstacles in the way of China-EU relations.

Q: The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is going to meet with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in London. It's reported that she might raise the issue of internet freedom during the meeting. How does China comment?

A: Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will meet with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in London today and they will exchange views on China-US relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. It's hard to say whether they will touch upon internet freedom. Please follow closely our press releases after the meeting.

Q: Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will be a member of the National Energy Commission China has recently set up. How does the Foreign Ministry comment? What impact will the establishment of the Commission have on China's energy diplomacy and energy security?

A: You have seen the report about the State Council's decision on January 27 to set up the National Energy Commission. Its main functions are studying and formulating China's national energy development strategies, reviewing major issues in energy security and development and coordinating major domestic energy development and international energy cooperation. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi is a member of the Commission, which shows that the Foreign Ministry will play its due role in enhancing national energy development and external cooperation. In fact, we have been so doing for a long time. China has been active in economic diplomacy with a view to promoting the all-round building of a well-off society and serving domestic economic development. The Foreign Ministry's participation in the Commission will help realize the goals of China's diplomacy.

Q: Today Korean Central News Agency reported that a US citizen was arrested in the DPRK. Please confirm.

A: I have seen relevant reports. We don't know the specifics.

Q: How do you comment on the recent presidential election in Sri Lanka? Besides, the International Conference on Afghanistan is being held in London. What's China's expectation for it?

A: We have noted the current developments of the presidential election in Sri Lanka. As a friendly neighbor, China hopes to see Sri Lanka maintain social stability and hold a successful election. We also believe that the Sri Lankan Government and people can handle their domestic affairs well and achieve lasting peace and stability.

On your second question, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi is now in London for the International Conference on Afghanistan. We expect to have in-depth discussions with relevant countries on the Afghanistan issue, make objective and accurate assessment of the current situation and major challenges there, advance international cooperation so as to help Afghanistan step up reconstruction and achieve peace, stability and development at an early date. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will deliver a speech at the Conference and relevant information will be released in due course.

Q: On the American national detained by the DPRK for trespassing into its land through the China-DPRK border. Will China investigate that? Besides, how do you comment on the recent exchange of artillery fire between the DPRK and the ROK over their sea border?

A: On your first question, I've already answered that. I've read such reports yet got no information on that.

On your second question, we have noted the report. We hope relevant parties intensify joint efforts to maintain peace and stability of the Peninsula, which is in the fundamental interest of the Peninsula and all parties concerned.

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