On the afternoon of April 30, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on the China-EU High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue, China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, China-Japan relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsulaand etc.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'll start with an announcement.

As agreed by both China and the EU, from May 7 to 8, Vice Premier Wang Qishan of the State Council will join Ms. Ashton, European Commission Trade Commissioner, personal representative of President Barroso of the European Commission, to co-chair the second China-EU High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue to be held at the EU Headquarter in Brussels.

At the invitation of British Finance Secretary Darling, Vice Premier Wang Qishan will pay an official visit to the United Kingdomand join Secretary Darling to co-chair the second China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue from May 8 to 12.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: The DPRK issued a statement yesterday, threatening to launch another nuclear test or intercontinental missile test unless the UN Security Council apologizes for its resolution of sanctions. How do you comment?

A: We hope all parties proceed from the overall situation, properly handle relevant issues so as to jointly safeguard the Six-Party Talks. China is willing to work together with other parties and continue to play a constructive role in achieving a nuclear-weapon free Korean Peninsulaand a peaceful and stable Northeast Asia.

Q: Could you give us more details about the China-EU High-level Trade and Economic Dialogue and the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue you just announced? What will be discussed? What's China's expectation of the two dialogues? Which departments of China will take part?

A: On the China-EU Trade and Economic High-level Dialogue, the discussions will focus on boosting business opportunity amid crisis and rejuvenating economy through trade, investment and openness. Participants will exchange views on major topics covering China-EU trade and economic cooperation. Heads of departments of China's State Council and several commissioners from the European Commission will attend the dialogue.

The Chinese departments will include Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, General Administration of Customs, State Administration of Industry and Commerce, Copyright Administration, Intellectual Property Office, Bureau of Energy, Civil Aviation Administration and Food and Drug Administration.

Through this dialogue, China hopes to deliver a positive message to the world that China and the EU will stay open and stand side by side to promote sound development of bilateral trade and economic ties and deepen comprehensive strategic partnership.

As to the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, the two sides will focus their discussions on strengthening China-UK cooperation to maintain sustainable growth. There will be in-depth exchange of views on fostering economic growth, social wellbeing, financial stability and development of capital market, as well as enhancing cooperation in energy and environment to boost green growth, trade and investment.

Heads of State Council departments and cabinet secretaries of the UK Government will be present at the dialogue. The Chinese participants are from Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Commerce, People's Bank, Banking Regulatory Commission, Securities Regulatory Commission, Insurance Regulatory Commission and Bureau of Energy.

China will join hands with the UK to further promote mutually beneficial results out of the dialogue.

Q: According to some foreign media, China has tightened its visa policy on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the PRC. Could you confirm?

A: These remarks are completely groundless and irresponsible.

Q: Could you explain why China banned the imports of swine and pork products from Mexico and parts of the US since there is no evidence to suggest the swine flu can be transmitted from eating pork? Now, swine flu has spilled over to Spain and France which also export pork to China, will China consider banning imports from these two countries?

A: Regarding your question, the State Council Information Office will hold a press briefing at 3 o'clock this afternoon, inviting officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. I suggest you refer your question to those competent authorities.

Q: Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso is now in Beijing for a visit. Given his offering to the Yasukuni Shrine last week, how do you characterize the current China-Japan relations?

A: Prime Minister Aso's visit is still ongoing. We have already released information about his meeting with Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday. Today, he visited the Shougang Iron and Steel Group and held a meeting with young entrepreneurs from both countries. Later this afternoon, President Hu Jintao will meet with him.

The issue of history is highly sensitive, thus we hope Japanhonor its commitments and adopt a proper approach. We are willing to work together with Japan, adhere to the spirit of the four political documents between us, learn from history and face up to the future in a bid to enhance mutual understanding between the people and make unremitting efforts for further improvement and development of China-Japan relations.

Q: Will the mainland and Taiwan sign an agreement on military exchanges in the coming days?

A: For questions concerning cross-strait relations and exchanges, I suggest you refer them to competent authorities. This question is beyond my capacity.

Q: Will President Hu Jintao bring up the possible DPRK nuclear test to Prime Minister Taro Aso this afternoon? Will another DPRK nuclear test undermine China-DPRK relations?

A: I am not in a position to speculate the topics between President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Aso. However, during yesterday's meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Aso, China expressed its willingness to enhance communication and coordination with Japan in regional and international affairs for peace, stability and prosperity of Asia and the world at large.

Your second question is hypothetical, and I would rather not comment on hypothesis.

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