On May 28, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Weimin held a press conference.

Q: The Syrian town of Houla in the province of Homs saw exchanges of fire on May 25, leaving huge casualties. What is China's comment? How does China view the current situation in Syria?

A: The Chinese side is deeply shocked at the incident of large civilian casualties in the Syrian town of Houla, comdemns in the strongest term the acts of killing innocent civilians, particularly women and children, and demands investigation into the incident and punishment of the perpetrators. The incident underscores once again the urgency of realizing full ceasefire and ending violence. We urge parties concerned to immediately, fully and earnestly implement relevant Security Council resolutions and Annan's six-point proposal, cease all acts of violence and make concrete efforts to protect civilians so as to create conditions for the political resolution of the Syrian issue.

Q: Philippine President Aquino nominated Madame Brady as ambassador to China. How does China comment? What is China's expectations of the newly named Philippine ambassador?

A: China welcomes the Philippine side's sending its ambassador to Beijing as soon as possible, which will help the two countries strengthen communication through diplomatic channels.

Q: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a report on May 25, saying that the UN inspectors detected traces of 27% enriched uranium in the Fordo underground nuclear facilities and that satellite images pointed to extensive activities in the Parchin military complex. On May 26, Iran said publicly that it would stand on its right to enrich uranium while Iranian officials had conflicting statements concerning the suspension of the production of 20% enriched uranium. How do you comment?

A: China is looking into the report. The IAEA and Iran have engaged in active interaction recently. China welcomes that. We encourage the Agency and Iran to enhance dialogue and cooperation, address international concerns over the Iranian nuclear program, and play a constructive role for the peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations.

Parties had serious and useful discussions on the Iranian nuclear issue at the recent Baghdad dialogue in which there were both common ground and differences. The P5 plus one countries came up with a package solution. Iran said it was willing to resolve the issue of 20% enriched uranium and put forward its own proposal.

China hopes all parties can show further flexibility and pragmatism, accommodate each other's concerns, and seek a proper resolution of the issue through dialogue with a view to rebuilding international faith in the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program at an early date.

Q: Did the Chinese Government condemn the Syrian Government over the recent incident of violence in Syria? Will China reconsider Annan's six-point proposal given that Syria failed to reach a ceasefire deal?

A: I have already stated China's position. China demands investigation into the incident. On your second question, Annan's mediation and six-point proposal is the realistic way out and an important channel to ease tensions in Syria and launch the process of political resolution of the Syrian issue. At present, the deployment of UN monitors in Syria is being stepped up and all parties have high expectations of the monitoring mission. It is hoped that all parties in Syria can offer support and cooperation to the implementation of Annan's six-point proposal and the effective work of the UN monitoring mission. It is also hoped that the international community continues to play a positive part in this process.

Q: How does China comment on Indian Prime Minister's visit to Myanmar? What is China's response to the report that China and India are competing for natural resources in Myanmar? Do the Chinese leaders have any plan to visit Myanmar in the coming days?

A: Both India and Myanmar are China's friendly neighbours. China is happy to see that India and Myanmar develop friendly and cooperative relations and hopes that the development of their relations will benefit the two countries and regional peace, stability and prosperity.

China is ready to strengthen bilateral exchanges including high-level exchanges with Myanmar. The two sides have maintained sound communication over this issue and we will release information in time if there is a visit.

Q: It is reported that according to the initial results of the first round of the Eygptian presidential voting, President Morsi of the Freedom and Justice Party of the Muslim Brotherhood and former Prime Minister Shafiq will enter the runoff. How do you comment?

A: China congratulates on the first round of Eygptian presidential voting being smoothly held and has noticed the initial results. China respects the independent choice of the Eygptian people, supports Eygpt in steadily advancing the political transition process and realizing national stability, development and prosperity. Whoever is elected Eygptian President, China is ready to work with the Eygptian side to keep deepening traditional friendship between the Chinese and Eygptian people and push for continued progress of China-Eygpt strategic cooperative relations.

After the press conference, a journalist asked a question about the just concluded 6th Japan-Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting on May 26. There has been analysis that Japan and the US want to use the summit to draw in the Pacific island states to encircle China. What is China's comment on that? Is China concerned that its relations with Pacific island states would be affected? Japanese officials said that China's foreign aid to the island states is driven by self-interests, leaving some recipients heavily in debt. What is China's response?

Liu Weimin said that China hopes cooperation between relevant countries will be conducive to the common development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

Both China and Pacific island states are developing countries located in the Asia-Pacific region. The two sides enjoy profound traditional friendship and broad common interests as well as great potential and promising prospect for mutually beneficial cooperation. In recent years, China's relations with relevant Pacific island states have seen smooth development with frequent high-level exchanges, deepening business exchanges and cooperation and sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. China stays committed to providing sincere and selfless aid to the island states within its capabilities in order to help them enhance the ability for independent development and attain the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, which has been applauded by their peoples. It has been proven that the development of friendly and cooperative relations between China and Pacific island states not only brings tangible benefits to the two sides, but also contributes to regional stability, development and prosperity.

China is happy to see other countries develop friendly and cooperative relations with Pacific island states. It is also ready to continue strengthening communication, coordination and cooperation with island states and countries inside and outside the region in a joint bid to promote regional peace, stability and development.