On the afternoon of April 23, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on Peruvian Vice President Giampietri's visit to China, French National Assembly President Accoyer's visit to China, the Kaesong meeting between the DPRK and the ROK and etc.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to start with.

At the invitation of Vice President Xi Jinping, First Vice President Luis Giampietri Rojas of the Republic of Peru will pay a working visit to China from April 27 to May 2.

Now, I'd like to take your questions.

Q: Since the Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso sent an offering to the Yasukuni Shrine, will China consider canceling or postponing his visit to China due next week?

A: We will release in due course information on Prime Minister Aso's visit to China. I'd like to stress that a correct view and proper handling of history constitutes the political foundation for sound and stable development of China-Japan relations. We hope Japan observe the principles of the four political documents with China and its related commitments so as to safeguard the overall interest of bilateral ties in a responsible manner.

Q: When and how did China express its dissatisfaction to Japan after Prime Minister Aso's offering to the Shrine?

A: We have released information on this question this morning.

Q: I have two questions. First, do you have any comment on the Kaesong meeting between the DPRK and the ROK? Second, French National Assembly President Accoyer is now in Beijing for a visit. Could you update us on that?

A: On your first question, as a close neighbor to the Korean Peninsula and a friend of both the DPRK and the ROK, China always believes that the improvement of ties as well as the reconciliation and cooperation between the DPRK and the ROK serves the common interest of the people on the Peninsula as well as regional peace, stability and prosperity. China supports the DPRK and the ROK resolve relevant issues through dialogue and strengthen reconciliation and cooperation.

As to your second question, Mr. Accoyer is the second President of the French National Assembly coming to China over the past 45 years of diplomatic ties. China takes his visit very seriously. During his visit, Chairman Wu Bangguo held fruitful talks with him and they signed a memorandum on establishing a mechanism for regular exchanges between China's National People's Congress and the French National Assembly. Tomorrow, President Hu Jintao will meet with him. I am convinced that his visit will contribute to boosting friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between China and France and the two legislative bodies. China is willing to keep exchanges at all levels with France in a bid to enhance mutually-beneficial cooperation.

Q: It is reported that French President Sarkozy invited President Hu Jintao to visit China via President Accoyer. Could you confirm?

A: I just briefed you on what I know about President Accoyer's visit here. We have not received the invitation you mentioned.

Q: The Dalai Lama yesterday criticized the ruling given by China's court to three people for arson attacks during March 14 incident last year, calling the rulings politically motivated. Do you have any comment?

A: Dalai's words and deeds over the years have already exposed his true colors. His remarks on the ruling are anything but facts. While handling the cases related to March 14 incident, people's court of the Tibet Autonomous Region strictly followed Chinese laws and legal procedures and issued its verdict in open trials. Litigation rights of the defendants were guaranteed with their ethnic custom and dignity fully respected. For example, the defendants have chosen their own lawyers, and for those haven't, the court arranged for them according to law. The defendants' interpreters of Tibetan language were also arranged and their lawyers expressed their views sufficiently in court. While handling the case, the local people's court have exerted leniency in strict accordance with law and adhered to the prudent policy of putting the application of death penalty under strict control.

Q: Can you brief us on Peruvian First Vice President's visit to China?

A: Peruvian First Vice President Giampietri will pay a working visit to China from April 27 to May 2. Chinese leaders will meet and exchange views with him on bilateral relations and issues of common interest. During the visit, the two sides will sign the Free Trade Agreement, which is a strategic decision made by the two governments for the long-term and overall interest in developing bilateral relations. We believe that the agreement will contribute to bilateral trade and investment as well as the joint efforts to tackle the financial crisis between China and Latin American countries including Peru.

Q: First question, you said Tuesday that the policy for foreign journalists to cover in Sichuan remained unchanged, but we still find it difficult to go and report there. Are there any changes in the regulations for foreign journalists to report there? Second question, it is reported that some US media accused Chinese hackers of hacking into Pentagon's network and compromising information about US fighter jets. How do you comment on this?

A: On you first question, as I suggested last time, you may communicate in time with the Information Department officials in charge if any problems or difficulties arise during your coverage. I am not aware of the specific situation you mentioned, for example, whether the worst-hit regions are accessible by transport or it is convenient for you to go there freely. This should be decided by the local authorities in light of the actual situation. I hope you could communicate well with local authorities when you cover in disaster-stricken regions and areas of emergency. At the same time, I'd like to stress that our policy and regulations on coverage by foreign journalists remain clear and unchanged. Governments at all levels stay ready to provide convenience and assistance to foreign journalists.

On your second question, I have taken note that the US side has denied the so-called hacking story. We have on several occasions reiterated our resolute policy of opposing and cracking down on cyber crimes including hacking according to law. I couldn't help wondering about the intention of a handful of people who tend to spread such accusations. I would like to brief you on China's cooperation with other countries on combating cyber crimes. With 300 million Internet users, China now ranks the first in the world in terms of number. However, China's information network is also facing the threats of cyber attacks. Statistics show that 8 out of 10 computers connected to the Internet in China have been hacked. 70% of the world's Botnets are in China. Relevant authorities of the Chinese Government attach great importance to cracking down on cyber crimes. The public security authorities have strengthened cooperation with other countries and international organizations including the Interpol on jointly fighting against crimes such as cross-border cyber attacks through bilateral consultation and cooperation. We believe it is extremly irresponsible to accuse China of being the source of attacks prior to any serious investigation.

If there are no more questions, thanks for coming. See you next week.