外交部发言人秦刚举行例行记者会

hmjg

　2008年11月6日，外交部发言人秦刚举行例行记者会，发布了吉尔吉斯共和国外长将访华的消息，并就美国总统大选和中美关系、六方会谈、孟加拉与缅甸油气开发争端等答问。

　　秦刚：女士们、先生们，大家下午好！首先我发布一条消息：

　　应外交部长杨洁篪邀请，吉尔吉斯共和国外交部长卡拉巴耶夫将于11月11日至16日访问中国。

　　外交部副部长何亚非将于下午三点半在新闻发布厅举行中外记者吹风会，介绍胡锦涛主席即将出席二十国集团领导人金融市场和世界经济峰会、亚太经合组织第十六次领导人非正式会议并访问哥斯达黎加、古巴、秘鲁和希腊的相关情况。欢迎大家参加。

　　下面请大家提问。

　　问：中国政府是否会在美国下一任总统奥巴马就任前与其班子成员进行接触以确保中美关系顺利过渡？第二个问题，美国驻华使馆将举行知识产权圆桌会议。请介绍中国在保护知识产权方面取得的进展。中方对此次会议有何期待？

　　答：关于你的第一个问题，中国领导人已分别向奥 巴马先生和拜登先生发去贺电。中方高度重视中美关系，我们主张从战略高度和长远角度看待和处理中美关系，不因一时一事而改变。中美关系十分重要，作为世界 上最大的发展中国家和世界上最大的发达国家，发展健康稳定的中美关系不仅符合两国人民的利益，也有利于世界和平稳定和世界人民的福祉。中国政府愿同美方， 包括美新政府一道，继续在中美三个联合公报的基础上，加强对话和交流，增进相互了解、信任和合作，妥善处理两国关系中的敏感问题，推动中美关系不断向前发 展。不管什么时候，我们都愿意和美方加强接触和交流。至于中方今后一段时期是否会和奥巴马班子进行接触，我们对此持开放态度。只要有利于促进中美关系平稳 过渡，有利于推动中美关系持续健康稳定向前发展，我们愿做出积极努力。

　　关于你提到的知识产权圆桌会议，我不了解具体情 况。中国政府一贯重视并致力于保护知识产权。这也是中美交流与合作中的一个重要议题。我们一直采取措施不断完善立法，改进执法，加强司法，以促进中国的知 识产权保护工作。我们对美方在知识产权保护问题上的关切和利益非常重视，希望中美双方在这一领域继续加强合作与交流。

　　问：奥巴马在竞选总统时曾要求中国政府停止操控人民币汇率。中方是否担心美国新一届政府在人民币汇率上对中国施加更大压力？

　　答：我们已经多次阐明了在人民币汇率问题上的立场和主张。我们的目标是实现人民币以市场供求为基础，有管理的浮动，要反映市场规律。这既符合中国的利益，也有利于地区和世界经济发展。

　　美国有人认为人民币汇率问题造成了两国贸易不平 衡，我觉得问题的关键在于如何看待中美贸易关系。中美建交30年来，经贸关系发展迅速。1979年中美建交时，两国贸易额不足25亿美元，截至2007年 底，两国贸易额已突破3000亿美元，是建交初期的120多倍。特别是最近几年来，双边贸易额增长很快，从2003年刚超过1000亿美元，到2007年 突破3000亿美元，中美贸易额5年之内增长了将近2倍。总体来看，中美经贸合作对双方有利，也给美国和美国人民带来了巨大的利益和实惠。

　　当然，近年来中国对美国的出口有所扩大，中美之 间确实存在贸易不平衡的问题，但这不能只怪中方，特别是不能归咎为人民币汇率问题。这是在全球化背景下国际产业分工调整所导致的结果。中国向美国出口的很 多产品是美国已经停止生产的，即使不从中国进口，美国也要从其他国家进口。中国产品物美价廉，受到美国消费者欢迎，同时也有利于美国保持较低的通货膨胀水 平。

　　中国人说“和气生财”，对出现的问题，要客观冷 静地进行分析，本着相互尊重、平等互利、合作共赢的精神，通过平等友好协商妥善加以解决，这对中美经贸关系和两国利益都有好处。这些年我们也采取了一些积 极措施解决上述问题。例如，人民币汇率不是僵化的、一成不变的，近年来人民币汇率的浮动比例也很明显。我们还采取了措施扩大从美国的进口。

　　中方充分考虑美方的利益和关切，也希望美方充分 考虑中方的利益和关切。我们一如既往欢迎美国扩大对中国的出口，增加在华投资，这需要双方作出努力。中方也想多消费美国产品，特别是高科技产品。我们希望 美国进一步解除对华高科技出口的限制，尽快承认中国的市场经济地位，这有利于中美经贸关系平稳、平衡向前发展。

　　问：印度外长日前在演讲中称，中国对印构成新的战略和地缘政治挑战，印将采取务实的因应之道。中方对此有何评论？

　　答：中国的发展是和平的发展，对亚洲以及世界各国是机遇而不是挑战。中印两国领导人一致认为，中印是合作伙伴，而不是竞争对手。

　　问：马英九今天会见了海协会会长陈云林。中方是否已认可马英九以“总统”身份与大陆开展往来？

　　答：世界上只有一个中国。有关两岸交往的具体问题请向国务院台湾事务办公室了解。

　　问：新一轮中美战略经济对话将于12月份举行，中方是否会邀请奥巴马班子成员或邀请奥巴马本人出席？

　　答：中美战略经济对话是中美之间一个非常重要的 对话与合作机制。正如它的名字所示，中美经济关系应该是战略性的，中美战略经济对话旨在处理两国经贸合作中战略性、长远性和宏观性的问题。自中美战略经济 对话启动以来，双方已进行了四轮对话，通过这一机制进行了充分交流，达到了增进相互了解和信任、推动合作的目的。中美双方都对这一战略机制高度重视，认为 它有利于维护和促进中美经贸关系健康稳定发展，有利于推动整体中美关系的发展。中方希望这样的机制能长期化和机制化，也期待着和美方共同努力，举办好下一 次对话。

　　问：胡锦涛主席赴美出席20国集团领导人金融峰会期间是否将会见奥巴马？亚洲企业界和商业分析家担心奥巴马政府在贸易上更趋保守，中方对此有何评论？是否担心美国推行贸易保护主义？

　　答：胡锦涛主席在华盛顿出席“金融市场和世界经济峰会”期间中美之间双边活动的安排，双方目前正在协商。

　　关于你的第二个问题，我注意到了有类似的关注和 担忧，刚才我也详细阐述了中方在处理中美经贸关系问题上的立场和主张。我想再次强调，中国坚定不移奉行互利共赢的对外开放战略，这一点不会改变。我们主张 和奉行自由贸易，相信美国也是这样，希望美继续执行自由贸易政策。我们也要警惕和防范贸易保护主义，因为贸易保护主义对各方都不利。

　　问：俄罗斯总统梅德韦杰夫昨天表示，俄将在加里宁格勒地区部署导弹。中方对此有何评论？

　　答：中方一贯认为，建立全球导弹防御系统，包括在世界一些地区部属该系统或开展相关的合作，不利于维护战略平衡和稳定，不利于国家间的互信和地区的稳定。最近的事态发展表明，有关国家应该认真考虑和对待其他国家的关切。

　　问：奥巴马赢得了美国总统大选，中国政府会不会要求其取消布什任期内通过的售台武器计划？

　　答：中方历来坚决反对美国向台湾出售武器，这一立场是明确和坚定不移的。我们要求美方切实履行坚持一个中国政策、遵守中美三个联合公报、反对“台独”的承诺，停止向台湾出售武器。



　　问：中方对孟加拉和缅甸之间的油气开发争端有何评论？采取了哪些调解行动？

　　答：我们注意到孟加拉和缅甸之间近期出现的一些纠纷。孟加拉和缅甸都是中国的友好邻邦，都是这个地区重要的国家。我们希望孟、缅两国关系、这一地区保持稳定，也希望两国通过友好协商妥善解决他们之间的分歧。作为他们共同的朋友，中方愿意通过自己适当的方式发挥作用。

　　问：外交部是否有中央政府与达赖喇嘛私人代表接触商谈的消息？

　　答：外交部不是这一问题的主管部门，请你等待有关主管部门发布消息。

　　问：你刚才说中方愿同奥巴马政府一道妥善处理中美关系中的敏感问题，那么你认为奥巴马政府需要处理的最敏感的问题是什么？

　　答：从中美关系发展的历程来看，台湾问题是中美关系中最敏感的核心问题。坚持一个中国原则，妥善处理台湾问题是中美关系的政治基础。我们希望美方妥善处理这一问题，切实履行遵守中美三个联合公报、坚持一个中国原则、反对“台独”的承诺，确保中美关系健康稳定发展。

　　至于两国间存在的其他分歧或不同看法，我们主张在相互尊重、平等互利的基础上，通过对话妥善加以解决。

　　问：中国政府需要和美国新一届政府讨论的最重要、最紧迫的国际问题是什么？

　　答：中美作为两个大国，同为联合国安理会常任理 事国，在维护世界和地区和平、安全、稳定，促进人类共同发展方面，拥有广泛的共同利益，同时也肩负着重要的责任。当前，国际形势正发生深刻复杂的变化，世 界既面临进一步发展的机遇，同时也面临许多严峻的挑战，包括当前国际金融危机、能源安全、粮食安全、气候变化、反恐、核不扩散等问题。近年来，中美在这些 问题上保持交流、对话与合作，取得了一系列重要成果，也促进了两国关系的发展。我们希望今后双方继续加强对话与合作。

　　问：近日在秘鲁举行的第15届亚太经济合作组织财长会上，国际货币基金组织官员表示，八国集团应吸收中国、印度等新兴经济体。中方对此持何立场？

　　答：国际货币基金组织是在金融危机不断蔓延和加 剧的背景下提出这一倡议的。在这个问题上，中方一直主张国际社会要齐心协力，加强合作，共同应对。当务之急是各国采取有效措施，增强信心，稳定金融市场， 确保经济健康稳定发展。从长远来看，要对现有的国际金融体系进行全面、有效的改革，使之更好地发挥监督和监管职能，促进监管合作，确保世界金融和经济长期 健康稳定发展。而要实现上述目标，所有利益攸关方应进行充分、平等的协商，特别是要增加发展中国家和新兴国家的代表性和发言权。此外，国际社会不能因为金 融危机而减少对发展中国家的援助。总之，我们要推动建立公平、公正、包容、有序的国际金融体系。

　　八国集团在世界政治和经济中发挥着重要作用。我们希望八国集团多倾听发展中国家的呼声，多考虑发展中国家的利益。我们认为，八国集团同发展中国家的关系应该有利于促进世界政治经济平衡、健康、有序地发展。

　　问：在美国政府面临更迭的情况下，中方如何确保六方会谈进程？第二个问题，拜登曾表示，奥巴马执政初期将面临挑战和考验。中方是否会成为美国新政府所面临的考验？

　　答：关于你的第一个问题，不断向前推进六方会谈 进程，实现朝鲜半岛无核化，进而实现朝鲜半岛和东北亚地区的长治久安，符合包括美方在内的有关各方的长远利益和共同利益。我相信，无论美国哪个党执政，谁 入主白宫，在这一点上与前一届政府和其他各方是有共识的。我们希望在有关各方的共同努力下，六方会谈进程不断向前推进，不断取得积极成果。我们愿同美方保 持沟通与协商，听取美方的意见和建议。

　　关于你的第二个问题，我认为应该由美国新政府确定其工作的轻重缓急和重点。我想强调的是，中国重视发展同美国的建设性合作关系，我们愿同美方一道，推动中美建设性合作关系不断向前发展。我们希望中美之间多一些机遇，多一些合作，少一些挑战，少一些麻烦。

　　如果没有其他问题了，感谢大家出席，同时也欢迎大家三点半继续参加我们的吹风会。再见！

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang's Regular Press Conference on November 6


On November 6, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and announced Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ednan Karabaev's visit to China. He also answered questions on the U.S. Presidential election and China-U.S. relations, the Six-party Talks, the oil dispute between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! I have an announcement to make.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister Ednan Karabaev of the Kyrgyz Republic will visit China from November 11 to 16.

Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei will hold a press briefing on President Hu Jintao's forthcoming attendance at the G-20 Summit on Financial Market and World Economy, the 16th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and his visits to Costa Rico, Cuba, Peru and Greece here in the press conference hall at 3:30 this afternoon.

Now I'm happy to take your questions.

Q: What kind of contact will there be between the Chinese Government and the next U.S. President, Obama's team in the run-up between now and his inauguration so as to have a smooth transition in Sino-U.S. relations? A second question, the U.S. Embassy in China will hold a round-table briefing on intellectual property rights. I was wondering if you could give us an update on the statues of IPR improvement made by the Chinese Government. What do you wish to accomplish during this meeting?

A: On your first question, Chinese leaders have sent congratulatory messages to Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden. China attaches great importance to China-U.S. relations. We believe that our relationship should be viewed from a long-term perspective and handled from a strategic height. It should not be altered because of a certain incident at a certain time. The relationship between China and the U.S., the largest developing and developed country respectively, is so important that its healthy and stable development is not only in the interest of our two peoples, but is also conducive to world peace and stability and people's well-being of the world. The Chinese Government stands ready to work together with the U.S, including the new U.S. Government to continuously strengthen dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, trust and cooperation and properly handle the sensitive issues in our relations on the basis of the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués, with a view to promoting the development of our constructive and cooperative relationship. We are ready to enhance contact and exchanges with the U.S. at any time. As to whether there will be any contact with the Obama team in the near future, we are quite open-minded on this. We are ready to make positive efforts so long as it is conducive to the smooth transition of China-U.S. relations and the promotion of the healthy and stable development of our relations.

I'm not aware of the IPR round table meeting you mentioned. The Chinese Government attaches importance to and is committed to the protection of the intellectual property rights, which is also an important part in China-US communication and cooperation. We have been taking measures to improve legislation, law enforcement and the administration of justice so as to better protect IPR. We take seriously the concerns and interest of the US in this field and hope to strengthen cooperation and communication thereof.

Q: During his Presidential Election campaign, Obama urged the Chinese Government to stop manipulating its currency. Are you concerned that the new US Administration may push harder on the RMB exchange rate?

A: We have repeatedly elaborated our position and proposition on the RMB exchange rate. We aim to realize a managed floating mechanism based on market supply and demand. This is not only in the interest of China, but also favorable for the development of regional and world economy.

Some people in the US seem to suggest that the trade imbalance between China and the US is caused by RMB exchange rate, but they will think differently if they could have an objective understanding of the bilateral trade. Over the past three decades, the bilateral trade has been developing apace. In 1979 when the two countries established diplomatic relations, the bilateral trade volume was less than 2.5 billion dollars. By the end of 2007, it exceeded 300 billion dollars, which is over 120 times that of 1979. It is particularly impressive in the past few years when the volume in 2003 of over 100 billion dollars was almost doubled in five years till 2007. In general, the bilateral trade is in the interest of both countries, and has brought huge benefit to the US and its people.

It's true that China's export to the US has grown in recent years, and there is this issue of trade imbalance between the two countries. But it is not China or RMB exchange rate to blame, because the trade imbalance is actually the result of international industrial division against the background of globalization. The US imports from China commodities it does not produce itself. So even if it doesn't import from China, it will have to import from other countries. China's good-quality-yet-inexpensive products are well received among US consumers and also help the US keep a relatively low inflation rate.

The Chinese people believe that harmony generates profit. When problems arise, we should remain objective and calm, and properly handle them through equal and friendly consultation in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual benefit and cooperation, which is good for the bilateral trade and two countries. Besides, measures have already been taken in recent years to address the issue. For instance, the RMB exchange rate nowadays is no longer fixed but floating visibly. There are also measures to expand import from the US.

China takes full consideration of the US interest and concern. We hope the US will do so vice versa. We welcome the US to expand export to China and make more investment in China. After all, it takes two to tango. China would be happy to buy more US products, especially the high-tech ones. We hope the US will lift its export restriction on high-tech products and recognize China's market economy status sooner than later, which should contribute to stable and balanced development of China-US trade.

Q: Indian Foreign Minister made a speech the other day, saying that China poses a new strategic and geopolitical challenge to India, and that India would have to develop sophisticated ways to deal with it. Do you have any comment?

A: China's development is peaceful. It's an opportunity rather than challenge to countries in Asia and the rest of the world. Leaders of both countries agree that China and India are partners instead of competitors.

Q: Today, Ma Ying-jeou met with Chen Yunlin, chief of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait. Do you recognize Ma Ying-jeou as the "President" of Taiwan?

A: There is only one China in the world. As for specific questions relating to cross-Strait relations, please refer to the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

Q: The new round of China-US Strategic Economic Dialogue will be held this December. Will China invite Obama or members from his team to join?

A: The China-US Strategic Economic Dialogue is a very important mechanism of dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. As its name suggests, China-US economic relations should be strategic. The Strategic Economic Dialogue aims at dealing with strategic, long-term and macro issues in the bilateral trade. So far, there have been four rounds of dialogue, through which the two countries had full communication, enhanced mutual understanding and trust and strengthened their cooperation. Both China and the US attach importance to this mechanism, believing it is conducive to the development of healthy and stable bilateral trade as well as the overall China-US relations. China hopes the mechanism could be institutionalized. We stand ready to work with the US to hold a successful dialogue this December.

Q: Does President Hu Jintao plan to meet with Barack Obama when he is in Washington for the G20 leaders' financial summit? Asian companies and business analysts have expressed concerns that Obama Administration might be more protectionist on trade, how do you comment on that?Are you worried that Washington will become more protectionist?

A:About the bilateral activities between China and the United States during President Hu Jintao's visit to Washington for the Summit on Financial Market and World Economy, the specific arrangements are still under discussion.

As for your second question, I have taken note of such concerns and worries. I have just elaborated China's position on Sino-US economic relations and trade. I prefer to stress again that China sticks to a win-win foreign policy and open-up strategy featuring mutual benefit, which will remain unchanged. We advocate and practice free trade, and believe that the United States do the same as us. We hope that the United States will continue to adopt a policy of free trade. While at the same time, we should be vigilant and guard against trade protectionism for its detrimental effect on all parties.

Q:Yesterday, Russian President Medvedev announced that Russia will deploy missiles in Kaliningrad. Do you have any comment on that issue?

A: China always believes that setting up global missile defense system, including deploying such system in some regions of the world or conducting cooperation in this field, is detrimental to global strategic balance and stability, undermines mutual trust among countries and affects regional stability. The recent development of situation makes it evident that relevant countries should take other countries' concerns seriously.

Q: In light of Obama's victory on the US President Election, will the Chinese Government be making any renewed calls for cessation or halt to the arms sales planned by President Bush to Taiwan?

A: China always firmly opposes to the US arms sales to Taiwan. This position is clear and remains unchanged. We demand that the US earnestly fulfill its commitment to adhering to One-China Policy, abiding by the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués and opposing "Taiwan independence", as well as put an end to its arms sales to Taiwan.

Q:How do you comment on the oil and gas exploration dispute between Bangladesh and Myanmar? Will China take any mediating actions?

A: We take note of the recent dispute between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar are our friendly neighbors and major countries in this region. We hope to see a stable relationship between them and stability in the region. We encourage the two to work together to properly settle their disputes through friendly negotiations. As a friend to both of them, China would like to play its role in an appropriate way.

Q: Do you have any information about the talks between Dalai Lama's personal representatives and the Central Government?

A: Foreign Ministry is not in charge of the issue. I'll leave it to the competent authorities to release the related information.

Q: You mentioned earlier that China was willing to work with the Obama Administration to properly handle the sensitive issues in Sino-US relations, so what is the most sensitive problem to be addressed when the Obama is in place?

A: If you take a look at the history of Sino-US relationship, the Taiwan issue has been the most sensitive matter at the core of it. Adherence to the One China Principle and a proper handling of the Taiwan issue constitutes the political basis of Sino-US relations. We hope that the United States properly solve the issue, earnestly fulfill its commitment to adhering the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués, the One China Principle and opposing the "Taiwan Independence", so as to ensure the healthy and stable development of the Sino-US relationship.

As for other disputes between China and the US, we believe they could be solved through dialogue on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Q: What are the most important and pressing international issues on the agenda of the Chinese Government in its discussion with the new U.S. Administration?

A: As major countries in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and the U.S. share extensive interests and shoulder important responsibilities in safeguarding regional and international peace, security, stability and promoting common development of the human beings. Profound and complicated changes are taking place currently worldwide. Our world faces the opportunity of further development as well as many severe challenges, including international financial crisis, energy and food security, climate change, anti-terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation. China and the U.S. have maintained communication, dialogue and cooperation in recent years, which scored a series of major achievements, and promoted the development of bilateral relations. We hope our two countries continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the future.

Q: During the 15th APEC Financial Ministers Meeting in Peru recently, an IMF official said that the G8 should incorporate the emerging markets such as China and India. How do you comment?

A: The IMF raised this initiative when the financial crisis keeps on expanding and aggravating. China has proposed that the international community should be united in the concerted efforts to face the challenge side by side. It is imperative to adopt effective measures to build up confidence, stabilize financial market and ensure healthy and stable economic development. From a long-term perspective, the current international financial system needs to be reformed in a comprehensive and effective manner, so that it can provide better supervision and oversight, enhance monitoring cooperation, and ensure the long-term healthy and stable development of international financial market and world economy. For the aims I just mentioned, all the stakeholders should conduct thorough consultation on an equal footing, and in particular, more representation and greater voice should be rendered to developing and emerging countries. Aid to developing countries should not be reduced due to financial crises. All in all, we shall work to build an international financial system that is fair, just, inclusive and orderly.

The G8 plays an important role in world politics and economy. We hope the group can listen carefully to the appeals of the developing countries and consider their interests. We believe that the relationship between G8 and the developing countries should be in the interest of balanced, healthy and orderly development of world politics and economy.

Q: While the US administration is in transition, how will China keep the momentum of the Six-Party Talks? Second question, Biden once said that the Obama will face challenges and tests in his early days of office. Will China be a test for the new Administration?

A: For you first question, it is in the common and long-term interests of all parties concerned, the US included, to keep the momentum of the Six-Party Talks and have a nuclear-free Korean Peninsular for the lasting peace and stability on the peninsular and in Northeast Asia. I believe that no matter which party rules or who takes the US presidency, they will share this view of the previous administration and the other parties of the Talks. We hope the Six-Party Talks can keep pressing ahead and generating positive results under the concerted efforts of all the concerned parties. We would like to stay in contact with the US and listen to their views and suggestions.

For your second question, I think it's up to the new US Administration to set its priorities. It should be emphasized here that China attaches great importance to building a constructive relationship of cooperation with the US. We would like to work with the US to promote this relationship. We would like to see more opportunities and cooperation instead of challenges or troubles between the two countries,

If there are no other questions, thank you for coming. You may stay here for the briefing at 3:30 pm. See you.