On September 24, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Iranian nuclear issue, the China-Japan-ROK Leaders’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, etc.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our press conference. Now, the floor is open.

Q: I have two questions. Firstly, will China support new sanctions against Iran? Secondly, Australian military said today that it would not support Wuhan Iron and Steel Group’s investment in an Australian mining company on sensitive security ground. How do you react to that? Do you think that could affect China-Australia relations?

A: On your first question, Imposition of sanctions and pressure is neither a solution nor conducive to the diplomatic efforts to solve the Iranian nuclear issue. The joint statement released by the six Foreign Ministers after they met in New York yesterday stressed that the six countries should be committed to resolving the issue through dialogue and negotiation, and that they prefer to resume negotiation with Iran at an early date. We hope relevant parties could seize the current opportunity and step up diplomatic efforts with a view to generating positive results out of the meeting of six-nations plus Iran and the meeting between the EU and Iran.

On your second question, the Chinese Government always supports domestic enterprises to conduct overseas investment according to market rules and international practice. We believe that Chinese enterprises’ international cooperation of mutual benefit on an equal footing could help generate win-win profit in bilateral trade. The Chinese Government has always been open-minded towards foreign investment in China. We hope that other countries adopt the same approach when it comes to Chinese enterprises.

Q: The United Steelworkers Union, fresh from persuading President Barack Obama to restrict tire imports from China, filed a new case on Wednesday together with some coated paper manufacturers, asking for anti-dumping investigation on coated paper from China. How do you comment?

A: I suggest you refer the question to the Ministry of Commerce.

Q: About the China-Japan-ROK Leaders’ Meeting, have you agreed on the date and venue? Also, officials with the ROK Foreign Ministry say that the China-Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Shanghai next week will discuss the DPRK nuclear issue and Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama’s proposal of the East Asian Community. Could you confirm?

A: The China-Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Shanghai on September 28.The Second China-Japan-ROK Leaders’ Meeting will be held in Beijing on October 10. The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will focus on three issues. One, progress of the tripartite cooperation and its future direction. Two, preparation for the Second Leaders’ Meeting. Three, regional and international issues. During the tripartite meeting, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will also have bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Japan and the ROK.

This year’s Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is particularly important since it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the tripartite cooperation. We expect the meeting to have full exchange of views on future tripartite cooperation while reviewing the past achievements. We also expect the meeting to make good preparation for the Leaders’ Meeting, step up the tripartite cooperation, consolidate and develop state relationship and deepen East Asian cooperation.

Q: President Barroso of the European Commission said that the G20 was exerting too much influence on the world economy. What do you think?

A: The G20 is a group of major economies in the world. We maintain that the G20 should focus on establishing cooperative partnership among different economies according to the principle of equal participation and mutual benefit. The G20 framework can play a positive role in promoting multilateralism and settlement of global issues.

Q: Just now you briefed us on the China-Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. How about the Leaders’ Meeting?

A: During the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the three parties will also have full exchange of views on the specific arrangement for the Leaders’ Meeting. I believe you will get the details after the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

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

After the Press Conference, when asked about China’s view on the election of former Bulgarian Foreign Minister Bokova as UNESCO Director General, Jiang Yu said, China congratulates Madame Bokova on her election as UNESCO Director General. We believe that under her leadership, UNESCO will continue to contribute to the cause of world education, strengthen international exchanges and cooperation on science and technology, better protect the world cultural, natural and intangible heritage, and promote dialogue among different civilizations. China is ready to strengthen its friendly cooperation with UNESCO.