On the afternoon of December 15, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference.

Qin: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to answer your questions right away.

Q: China and Kazakhstan opened a new oil pipeline today. Meanwhile China is also discussing building a pipeline from Irkutsk to China's northeast so that it can get more oil. Does China intend to diversify its energy supplies through cooperation with the two countries so that it will not depend on the Middle East for oil and its imported oil no long needs to pass through the Malacca Strait?

A: You seem to deliver a long speech instead of asking a question. In recent years, China has enjoyed smooth relations with both Russia and Kazakhstan, establishing strategic partnership with them. The mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the two countries in various fields including energy serves the interest of the three and benefits common development. China's position on international energy cooperation is fairly clear. We stand ready to conduct energy cooperation with other countries, not only Russia and Kazakhstan but also other countries including the US in light of the principle of equality and mutual benefit. There has been diversified cooperation, in not only the exploration of oil and natural gas but also the development of renewable resources and clean energy. As President Hu Jintao noted not long ago in the APEC CEO Summit, China is willing to conduct and appealing for the international community for more energy cooperation.

Malacca Strait is an important international shipping passage. A stable and unimpeded Strait serves the interest of littoral states and all the users. We hope to see dialogue and cooperation between littoral states and the rest of others on how to maintain the security of the Strait. Certainly, we first need to respect relevant international law and the views of the littoral states. Their interests should be taken into full consideration.

Q: Guangda, a Taiwan laptop producer will respond to a US plan of "one laptop per child". What impact will it have on China-US relations, Taiwan issue in particular?

A: It is very kind to care for the poor and extend a helping hand to the children in poverty in particular. China has been active in international charity course. I am not aware of the specifics you asked about. I was just told by my colleagues of the news. I need to double check the information.

Q: China has recently protested against Malaysia over a female Chinese being humiliated by Malaysian police. There are now reports saying that the woman is Malaysian. Will China withdraw its protest against Malaysia or produce new proof to retort? Does the handshake between Premier Wen and Prime Minister Koizumi indicate a better China-Japanese relationship?

A: On your first question, Malaysia is having investigation of the case of Chinese citizens being humiliated there. We have taken note that Malaysia has promised to keep us updated on the investigation.

Secondly, I believe that journalists present here today have all seen the episode. Our principle and position on Sino-Japanese relationship remains unchanged.

Q: General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine publicized information of some American charity fund donating used medical instruments to China. Is the Foreign Ministry making any representation to the US? How is the case being dealt with? Is it because of the lack of inspection that the medical waste was shipped to China?

A: As a matter of fact, it is just the opposite. It is just because we do have complete laws and regulations and our customs and public health, inspection and quarantine authorities have been effective in law enforcement that these materials in violation of relevant regulations are caught and put under control. A few days ago, the spokesperson of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, authority in charge, briefed the press on relevant information. We have made representation to relevant US organizations, urging them to take measures. You can refer your questions to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine for further information. I would like to stress that charity is a very lofty mission, a pure term. We do not hope to see its loftiness and pureness disdained by the dirty goods.

Q: World Food Program held a press conference this morning, announcing to end its food aid to the DPRK next year. Will China increase its food aid to the DPRK?

A: China has always provided assistance to the DPRK within its capacity. As for relevant issues between the DPRK and WFP, it is up to them to find a proper solution through consultation.

Q: Iranian President recently claimed that Nazi's holocaust of the Jewish was a myth. How do you comment?

A: As for relevant remarks of Iranian President, we disagree with any remarks detrimental to state-to-state relations and regional stability. Last month, the 60th UN General Assembly adopted a resolution stressing that the Nazi holocaust is an indisputable historical fact, which we endorse. Israel is a UN member state. Its state rights should be respected.

Q: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Singh held talks in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Do you have any comment?

A: During the East Asia Summit, Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Singh held a meeting. Premier Wen noted that China welcomes India's participation in the East Asia Summit. The Summit should benefit cooperation in this region and that with others so as to achieve the goal of common development. China and India are important neighbors to each other. Both are largest developing countries. The overall population of the two countries accounts for over one third of the world's total. Therefore the good-neighborly and cooperative relations between China and India are not only in the fundamental interest of the two countries, but also of world peace and stability. This April, Premier Wen paid a very successful visit to India, achieving important and extensive consensus on the development of Sino-Indian relations. We agreed to build a peaceful and prosperous strategic partnership. Our cooperation is expanding. Our disagreement is narrowing in light of mutual respect and equal consultation. For example, we have signed an agreement on political guiding principles for border disputes. Our two nations will conduct friendly consultation in the spirit of the agreement and properly settle border dispute. To conclude, we attach great importance to the relations with our great neighbor India. And we are willing to work with it to press ahead with a healthy and stable bilateral relationship.

Q: The ROK Foreign Minister said that he would hope to see the second session of the Fifth round of the Six-Party talks to be held in January before the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year. But the DPRK stated that it may not come back to the table if the United State continues to freeze its assets. What is China's attitude? What endeavor should China make in order to resume the Talks?

A: In the Joint Statement issued at the Fourth Round of the Six-Party talk, all parties made their commitment, which we hope they can live up to. We also hope that all parties can proceed from the overall interest of the talks, respect one another, and address each other's concerns and questions through full communication and consultation so as to press ahead with the process. China is willing to continue to play a positive and constructive role and maintain contact and consultation with other parties to ensure further development of the process.

If there are no further questions, thank you for your presence.