On May 7, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference.
Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcement.
At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergei Lavrov will pay an official visit to China from May 10 to 11. During his visit, Foreign Minister Lavrov will attend the Meeting of the SCO Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
Q: Russian President-elect Putin will swear in as the new president of Russia in the Kremlin on May 7. How does China comment? How do you view the prospect of China-Russia relations?
A: Mr. Putin will take office as the new president of Russia today. President Hu Jintao has sent a message of congratulations to him.
China believes that the Russian people will surely write even more glorious chapters in their national development and revitalization.
China and Russia are the largest neighbours and most important strategic partners of coordination to each other. Their bilateral relations are now at an unprecedentedly high level. Leaders of the two countries have reached important consensus on continuing to make the development of bilateral relations their top diplomatic priority, maintain the continuity of China-Russia relations and constantly push forward their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Under the joint efforts of the two sides, we believe China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination will make new headway continuously to the greater benefit of the two countries and two peoples and make even greater contribution to regional and world peace, security and stability.
Q: French Interior Ministry said on May 7 that initial polling results showed that socialist presidential candidate Hollande won the election. How does China comment? How does China view the prospect of China-France relations?
A: China congratulates Mr. Hollande on his election. President Hu Jintao has sent a message of congratulations to him.
China believes that it is not only in the fundamental interest of the two countries and two peoples, but also conducive to world peace, stability and development to maintain the momentum of sound, steady and positive development of China-France relations. China is ready to work with France to view and handle their relations from a long-term and strategic perspective in the principle of mutual respect, equality and accommodation of each other's core interests in a bid to push for even greater development of China-France comprehensive strategic partnership.
Q: A parliamentary election will be held in Syria today. How does China comment? How does China view the current Syrian situation? Separately, What message has China sent to the visiting delegation of the Syrian National Council?
A: At present, there are important opportunities for the political settlement of the Syrian issue. China hopes that all parties concerned in Syria will bear in mind the fundamental interests of their country and people, seize the opportunities, earnestly implement their commitments of cease-fire and troop withdrawal, seriously and comprehensively implement relevant Security Council resolutions and Annan's six-point proposal, actively cooperate with the deployment of UN monitors and create conditions for the further relaxation of tension and political settlement of the Syrian issue.
China has noticed that Syria will hold a parliamentary election. We hope it will help move forward the reform process in Syria, respond to the legitimate appeals of the Syrian people for reform and protection of their interests.
On your second question, China will release relevant information in due course.
Q: It is reported that the Philippines recently announced renaming the Huangyan Island and would demolish all signs that are irrelevant to the Philippines, especially those about China. How does China comment?
A: The Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over the Huangyan Island. Any action taken by the Philippines over the Huangyan Island is illegal and invalid, and cannot alter the fact that the Huangyan Island belongs to China. China remains committed to the diplomatic resolution of the current situation. We strongly urge the Philippines to come back to the right track of diplomatic resolution since any word or deed that will complicate or magnify the situation cannot help solve the issue.
Q: Please brief us on the itinerary and meeting arrangement of President of the Syrian National Council Ghalioun's visit to China.
A: As far as I know, at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, President Ghalioun will lead a delegation to China from May 6 to 9. The visit of the delegation is arranged by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs. Relevant officials of the Chinese Foreign Ministry will meet with the delegation. We will release relevant information in due course.
Q: Please brief us on the itinerary and meeting arrangement of Secretary General of the Arab League Araby's visit to China.
A: Nabil El Araby will visit China from May 4 to 9. During his visit, Vice President Xi Jinping will meet with him and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will have talks with him. The two sides will discuss how to deepen China-Arab strategic cooperative relations and preparation for the upcoming fifth Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab Cooperation Forum. They will also have in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, including the Syrian issue.