On the afternoon of February 11, 2010, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Ma Zhaoxu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the last press conference before the Spring Festival. First, I would like to convey to you festive greetings from Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, and wish you happy Spring Festival! As usual, the press conference will be suspended during the vacation. The press conference after the vacation will be resumed on February 23,Tuesday, You are welcome to be back then.

I have an announcement to start with.

Cai Wu, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government and Minister of Culture, will be invited to attend the inaugural ceremony of President Ivo Josipovic of Croatia on February 18.

Now the floor is open.

Q: Recently Australian officials urged China to deal with the Rio Tinto case in a transparent and speedy way. How do you respond to that? Second, under what circumstances will China agree on new sanctions against Iran at the appeal of France and the US?

A: On the Rio Tinto case, according to the procuratorial authorities, on January 10, 2010, the No.1 Branch of Shanghai People's Procuratorate accepted the case involving Stern Hu and three others with the Rio Tinto suspected of bribery and infringing commercial secrets according to law. The No.1 Branch of Shanghai People's Procuratorate has indicted the four suspects.

On the second question, China hopes relevant parties to enhance diplomatic efforts and seek a comprehensive, long-term and proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation with a view to maintaining the international nonproliferation regime and peace and stability of the Middle East region. China is ready to make joint efforts with the international community to play a constructive role for the resolution of the issue.

Q: It is reported the US Federal Reserve is considering a moderate exit strategy since its economy is recovering. Do you have any comment on that?

A: I am not an economist. China has made its position clear on exit strategy on many occasions.

The recent Central Economic Work Conference has defined China's macro-economy policy, following which China will make efforts to promote its economic growth and contribute to the recovery and growth of world economy. As for the economic policies of other countries, it is their internal affairs.

Q: Why has China decided to appoint a Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs?

A: The Chinese Government has decided to appoint Wu Dawei as Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs in charge of the Six-Party Talks and related issues, a reflection of the Chinese Government attaching importance to the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the Six-Party Talks. China is ready to make joint efforts with other parties to promote the early resumption of the Talks.

Q: Is China concerned about the recent situation in Sri Lanka and the arrest of its opposition leader? Has China communicated with Sri Lanka on that?

A: Your question concerns the internal affairs of Sri Lanka. China never interferes with other country's internal affairs and I am not in a position to make comment on that.

Q: It is reported that the US aircraft carrier Nimitz will make a port call to Hong Kong next week. Please confirm.

A: Now I have no information to share with you. The Chinese side deals with the application from the US according to relevant procedures.

Q: Could you brief us on the schedule of DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-Gwan? Besides, will Mr. Wu Dawei still act as the head of the Chinese delegation to the Six-Party Talks?

A: We have already released information on Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-Gwan's visit to China. He is here at the invitation of Special Representative Wu Dawei of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs. They have exchanged views on China-DPRK relations, the Six-Party Talks and other issues of common interest. As for his schedule, I don't have any further information.

As far as I am concerned, head of delegation to the Six-Party Talks is designated during the Talks. Special Representative Wu Dawei is in charge of the Six-Party Talks and relevant affairs.

Q: The Myanmese Government repatriated 22 Uighurs last month. Could you tell us why these people were repatriated and how are they doing?

A: I do not have this information. As friendly neighbors, China and Myanmar have seen expanding cooperation in various areas as well as sound development of bilateral ties.

Q: Could you share with us the specific developments of the Rio Tinto case? Will this case be handled in an open and transparent way? How does China respond to the concerns of the Australian side?

A: The case you mentioned is a judicial case. As far as I know, during the whole process, China's competent authorities have followed Chinese laws, legal procedures and China-Australia consular agreement. China and Australia have stayed in communication over this case and the lawful rights and interests of those involved have been guaranteed.

Q: You just said that the situation in Sri Lanka is its internal affairs. However, over the recent years, the EU, the US, Japan and other countries have expressed concern over the situation there. Meanwhile, China has greatly increased its aid to Sri Lanka and helped the latter to build ports and airports. How do you square your mounting assistance to Sri Lanka with non-interference in its internal affairs?

A: China always pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and develops friendship and cooperation with other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. China has provided assistance to Sri Lanka within its capacity, which is normal exchange between two friends within the framework of bilateral ties and brooks no censure. It has nothing to do with the internal affairs of Sri Lanka.

Q: Recently the EU countries called for measures to help Greece to overcome its sovereign debt crisis. Will China also offer help to Greece?

A: China and Greece have maintained sound bilateral relationship. We sincerely hope that Greece could overcome its current economic difficulty shortly and maintain sound momentum of development. As for the specific question you raised, please refer to authorities in charge of economic affairs.

Q: It is reported that China does not want to impose sanctions on Iran because of its oil interests there. How do you comment?

A: China is serious in maintaining the efficacy of the international non-proliferation regime. China always believes that dialogue and negotiation is the fundamental way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. China will continue to work for peace and facilitate talks.

Q: China once said that it opposed any arm sales to Taiwan by any company, but recently Taiwan bought three EC225 helicopters from a European company. Is China considering sanctions on relevant company as well?

A: We have noticed relevant reports. As far as we know, these helicopters will be used for rescue and relief efforts. We will follow the issue closely, especially the use of them. China's position on arms sales to Taiwan is consistent and unequivocal.

If there are no more questions, on behalf my colleague Qin Gang and Jiang Yu, I would like to extend our new year greetings to you. Wish you happiness in the year of tiger. Wish our press conference go smoothly and rich in content and wish you success in your coverage.