On the afternoon of April 29, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

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

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council, Chairman Nikola Spiric of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina will pay a working visit to China from May 6 to 11.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: It is reported that China will close its border with Kyrgyzstan. Could you confirm? Secondly, European Commission President Barroso is visiting China. Will this visit help bridge the differences between China and the EU over trade protectionism and RMB exchange rate?

A: As far as I know, the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are as usual. Relevant ports will take days off during the public holiday starting from May 1 to 3 and resume normal function after that.

On your second question, President Barroso will arrive in Beijing today, Premier Wen Jiabao will have talks with him this afternoon, then they will jointly meet the press. The two sides will exchange views on China-EU relations, climate change and financial crisis, among other issues of common interest. This year marks the 35th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties and great store is laid upon this visit by both sides. We are willing to join hands with the EU in pressing ahead with China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership under new circumstances.

We believe that the world economy in general has come through the difficult period, but destabilizing factors and uncertainties still exist, calling for joint efforts of the international community. As major trading partners to each other, China and the EU should enhance coordination and cooperation, promote reform of international financial institutions, resolutely oppose trade protectionism of various forms to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcome and push forward a sound, stable and sustainable development of the world economy.

On the RMB exchange rate, China has made its position clear on many occasions. Since the exchange rate reform in 2005, we have exercised a managed floating exchange rate regime, the progress of which is decided by the changes in domestic and foreign economic situations. The direction of the reform of exchange rate formation mechanism remains unchanged. This issue should not be politicized. Besides, imposing pressure will not help solve the issue, rather, it might even backfire.

Q: Will President Hu Jintao meet with the visiting DPRK leader Kim Yong-nam in Shanghai?

A: The Shanghai World Expo is about to start. As to my knowledge, the heads of state and heads of government to attend the opening ceremony include: President Sargsyan of Armenia, President Sassou of the Republic of Congo, President Kim Yong-nam of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, President Sarkozy of France, President Bongo of Gabon, President Kibaki of Kenya, President Mutharika of Malawi, President Toure of Mali, President Mori of Micronesia, President Elbegdorj of Mongolia, President Abbas of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian National Authority, President Lee Myung-bak of the ROK, President Michel of Seychelles, President Berdymukhamedov of Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, President Barroso of the European Commission, Prime Minister Massimov of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Balkenende of the Netherlands and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam. Besides, over 20 foreign dignitaries including speakers of parliament, vice heads of state and government and ministers will also attend the opening ceremony. President Hu Jintao will have talks and meetings with foreign leaders including President Kim Yong-nam. My colleague Ma Zhaoxu will keep you updated.

Q: How much money has China poured into the Shanghai World Expo?

A: I suggest you refer this question to the press center of the Expo and the Expo Bureau who have already answered such questions.

The Expo is an international event to display the achievements of human civilization as well as a diplomatic feast for deepening mutual understanding and friendship of all peoples. We are willing to join hands with all parties to build a successful, wonderful and unforgettable Expo.

Q: Given that China is the biggest trading partner of the EU, will the leaders of the two sides discuss the sovereign debt crisis of Greece, Portugal, Spain and other European countries?

A: I cannot predict what will be discussed between the two sides. We have noted the situation you mentioned. It's our hope that relevant issues can be properly settled and countries involved will tide over the difficulties and achieve economic recovery at an early date.

Q: China National Nuclear Corporation said in a statement that the Chinese Government and the Pakistani Government signed a framework agreement on financing the construction of two nuclear reactors. Please give us some information on that.

A: China and Pakistan have conducted cooperation in civil nuclear energy in recent years. Relevant cooperation is in compliance with respective international obligations of the two countries, in the purpose of peaceful use and subject to the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Q: The US Commission on International Religious Freedom released an annual report, claiming that the freedom of religious belief has severely deteriorated in China's Tibet and Xin Jiang. How do you respond?

A: The report by the so-called Commission of the US is full of prejudice against China and relevant accusations are completely groundless and not worth refuting. The Chinese Government protects its citizens' freedom of religious belief according to law and people of all ethnic groups fully enjoy their freedom of religious belief according to law.

Thanks for coming. See you!