On November 24, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokeperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Yesterday we announced that the 12th China-EU Summit will be held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on November 30. To help you better understand the background of China-EU relations and the upcoming Summit, we are honored to invite Vice Minister Zhang Zhijun and chief of the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce to brief you on the Summit here in the Press Hall at 15:30. Your presence is welcome.

Now the floor is open.

Q: According to the South China Morning Post, the hijacked vessel De Xin Hai may be freed next week, given the ship owner is willing to pay a $3.5 million ransom to the pirates. Please confirm. You once said that China is going all out to rescue the ship, could you share with us more details with the progress?

A: We are sparing no efforts in the rescue of the De Xin Hai vessel. I could not give you more specifics.

Q: Mr. Huang Qi was sentenced to three years in prison in Chengdu. Though I know this is not something about foreign affairs, could you give some comment? Another question related to that, Mr. Ai Weiwei is internationally famous, and I read some reports that the Chinese Government is keen on his financial situation. How do you comment?

A: As to the individual cases, China's judicial authorities will handle them according to law.

Q: The US envoy to North Korea will visit the DPRK on December 8 to discuss the nuclear issue. We also learnt that his predecessor also visited the DPRK last Saturday in his own name. And China's Defense Minister Liang Guanglie is now in Pyongyang. Does it mean there has been some breakthrough in the DPRK nuclear issue? Is it possible that the Six-Party Talks be resumed shortly?

A: The Six-Party Talks is facing significant opportunities. Its resumption and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula calls for joint efforts of all parties. Therefore, we support and welcome the contact and dialogue between the US and the DPRK, hoping to see positive progress out of it. China, as the host of the Talks, will continue to make constructive efforts to promote the Talks and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and safeguard peace and stability of the Peninsula.

On Defense Minister Liang Guanglie's visit, it is part of the normal bilateral military exchanges, with a purpose to consolidate and develop friendship between the two countries and boost military-to-military exchanges and cooperation. China will continue to make our due contribution to advancing the relations between the two armies and two countries, as well as safeguarding peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.

Q: I have two questions. First, Indian media reported yesterday that around 3,000 Chinese workers have been repatriated. Could you confirm and comment on that? Second, according to Philippine media, a shooting incident took place in South Philippines. How do you comment?

A: On your first question, I have not read relevant reports. It is always our belief that China and India should develop trade and economic ties and endeavor to boost cooperation in investment, including creating favorable conditions for labor cooperation, which serves the interest of both.

On the attack in the south of the Philippines, we are aware of the reports. China is shocked at that and condemns the incident. We'd like to express our solicitudes to the bereaved families.

Q: Two more questions about India. The leader of India Kashmir's separatists issued a statement last week, claiming China has a stake in peace in Kashmir. Has China stayed in communication with India and Pakistan? Besides, India testfired an Agni-2 medium-range missile. How does China comment?

A: China's position is consistent. The Kashmir issue is left over from history between India and Pakistan. We hope the they resolve it properly through dialogue and consultation.

On India's missile test, I will leave it to the Indians themselves. We hope countries can contribute to regional peace and stability.

If there are no more questions, thank you for coming! See you next time!