Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good afternoon.

Nice to see you again in this room.

First of all, I would like to give you two pieces of information. The first piece is about the continued plenary session of the six-party talks in Beijing this morning, and the second about State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan's meeting with heads of delegations to the talks and other foreign diplomatic envoys at Diaoyutai State Guest Hotel at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.

Another plenary session of the second round of the six-party talks was held this morning, which lasted 4 hours, beginning at 9:40 a.m. and concluding at 1:40 p.m. The six parties held discussions on first-phase actions and corresponding measures for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. They welcomed the suggestion by the DPRK for a comprehensive end to nuclear activities, which they believed was an indispensable step for denuclearizing the peninsula. The parties also expressed understanding for related demand made by the DPRK. In the spirit of taking concerted and coordinated steps, the parties held in-depth and pragmatic discussions in this regard. Chairman of the meeting and head of the Chinese delegation Wang Yi said that today's discussions were substantive, with consensus expanding and differences narrowing despite the fact different views remain.

The parties should remain patient and flexible so as to overcome difficulties and advance the talks.

That is the overall picture of this morning's plenary session. Next, I would like to brief you on State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan's meeting with the delegations to the talks.

State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan met with heads of delegations to the second round of the six-party talks and other foreign diplomatic envoys at Building No. 18 of Diaoyutai State Guest Hotel at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. Tang Jiaxuan commented that all the parties attached great importance to and made good preparations for the talks with the hope that this meeting will yield positive results. He also expressed his satisfaction with the good start of the talks. Tang Jiaxuan said that peace and development have become the themes of today's world, with exchanges and cooperation between countries ever-increasingly intensifying and various regional cooperation burgeoning. However, the shadow of the Cold War still casts over the Korean Peninsula, and the nuclear issue presents even more severe challenges to peace and development in the region. Nevertheless, so long as we take the resolution of the nuclear issue as an opportunity of eliminating differences, expanding consensus and building trust, we may be able to turn challenges into opportunities and bring about a win-win situation, thus creating a more peaceful and secure environment in the region. Tang Jiaxuan noted that the Chinese government has always held that the Korean Peninsula should be nuclear-free and reasonable security concerns of the DPRK be addressed at the same time so as to offer the DPRK a normal development environment and ultimately achieve the goal of lasting peace and development in Northeast Asia.

Tang Jiaxuan said that the second round of talks had entered a crucial stage with the beginning of discussions on such substantive issues as denuclearization, security guarantee and economic cooperation. He expressed hopes for the parties to show utmost flexibility and to actively explore feasible solutions in the spirit of mutual respect and consultation on an equal footing.

Heads of delegations also made short speeches, commenting that the talks had been constructive and provided an unprecedented opportunity for the peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue, and pledging that the parties would make continued efforts toward the ultimate goal of settling the nuclear issue. The parties also offered thanks to China for the good preparations it had made and expressed appreciation for its active coordination and important role in the talks as the host.

Now the floor is open for questions.

Phoenix TV: My first question is the ROK said that China and Russia are in favor of the plan of "energy assistance for nuclear freezing" it put forward and wish to participate in the plan. Could you brief us on that? My second question is whether deputy heads of the delegations are drafting a joint agreement. My third question is could you tell us the exact schedule of the talks?

A: As for your first question on energy assistance to the DPRK, China's position is that if the other parties can reach an agreement on it, China would like to provide assistance to the DPRK along with parties involved. As for your second question on the document of the talks, the working parties are still consulting with each other. Just as I mentioned yesterday, all the parties hope to see a good document. China is no exception. As for when the talks will conclude, it depends on the progress of the meeting. I heard that some journalists have already booked return tickets for Saturday. But I am sorry I cannot give you an exact date.

Beijing TV Station: It is reported that today's highlight is the ROK's suggestion of resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue through three phases. Did the six parties achieve any consensus? Thank you.

A: As I said earlier, the parties conducted discussions in an in-depth and pragmatic manner on the first-phase actions and supporting measures for the realization of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula this morning. The ROK further elaborated its proposal. We attach great importance to the proposals and stances of the ROK and other parties.

Reuters: You mentioned a moment ago that the parties welcomed the DPRK's suggestion for the stop of nuclear activities in an all-round manner. Is this suggestion the same with the suggestion of nuclear-freezing it proposed in December last year or is it a new proposal? How did other parties react to this suggestion and what does the DPRK wish to get from it in return?

A: I think the DPRK has started to propose a series of suggestions on the issue of nuclear freezing or the cessation of nuclear activities since December last year. The DPRK reaffirmed its stance and presented its relevant concerns this morning. The other parties welcomed the suggestion of ceasing nuclear activities in an all round manner and expressed their understanding of the DPRK's demands.

China Radio International: I've got two questions. First, you mentioned just now the parties will "take actions to realize denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a coordinated and consistent manner." What is the difference between "consistence and coordination" and "synchronization and a package of agreements" which was part of the consensus of the parties involved last time? Why is there such a change? Second, you said the parties complimented China for its contribution and service when State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met with the delegations of the parties. Could you tell us specifically what new contributions has China made in conducting good offices and preparations for the meeting compared with last time? What improvements are there in conference service?

A: As for your first question, I said yesterday that the parties agreed to address the nuclear issue and relevant concerns through coordinated and consistent measures and believed to take actions is the best channel to build trust. I think to take coordinated and consistent measures is a wonderful way to push forward the peace-talk process given the fact that distrust still exists among some parties. To put it simply, it is a way of rhetorics-to-rhetorics and actions-to-actions.

As for your second question on what facilitations China has provided for the talks, I believe some journalists present here, especially those cameramen who have seen the meeting room with their own eyes, can feel the relaxing atmosphere in the Hall of Fangfeiyuan. We also provided nice coffee and snacks. The delegates expressed their enjoyment of the lunch. We also hope the delegates can enjoy their meals so that they will have enough energy for the talks. We will invite the delegations of the parties to watch entertaining performances tonight, but I am not sure if they have the time. Anyway, I wish them good work as well as a pleasant stay in Beijing.

ABC News: First, could you disclose some details in the direct engagement between the US and the DPRK? Second, you said that the parties welcomed the DPRK's suggestion for ceasing nuclear activities in an all-round manner. Would you please clarify whether the so-called "ceasing nuclear activities" by the DPRK means that it will give up nuclear programmes in an all-round manner, including uranium and related development programs?

A: As for your first question, I heard that the US and the DPRK would conduct more direct engagements this afternoon. As I did not attend their meeting, I am not in a position to confirm. As for your second question on the cessation of nuclear activities, it is proposed against such a background that the parties presented and discussed the first-phase actions and supporting measures for the realization of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. The parties welcomed the DPRK's suggestion. The goal of the talks is to realize a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. The parties involved are still discussing specific issues of the cessation of nuclear activities.

Die Welt of Germany: It is said that all the parties agreed to set up a working group in March to further discuss relevant details. Could you confirm that?

A: The parties to the talks discussed a number of issues with some being very technical. I think the questions cannot be solved through a single meeting. We believe it is necessary to set up a working group to discuss these issues. We will keep on discussing the issue of working group in upcoming talks. There is no conclusion right now.

Beijing Morning Post: The ROK side said that during the talks in the morning two proposals were mentioned. One of them is on safeguarding security of the DPRK and the other is on freezing nuclear facilities of the country. I would like to know China's attitude toward the proposals. In addition, is there any conclusion on the ROK's suggestion of setting up the mechanism of holding a meeting every two months in the future?

A: As for the safeguarding of security, China always holds that the realization of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula is closely related to addressing the appropriate concerns of the DPRK. Security issues should be considered and resolved in the process of denulearization of the Peninsula. China attaches great importance to and welcome the DPRK's suggestion on the cessation of nuclear activities in an all-round manner just like other parties. As for how the six-party talks will proceed, the parties involved need to further consult in future talks.

Dongfang Morning Post of Shanghai: I have two questions. First, it is reported that the US and the ROK conducted a joint military exercise along the border between the ROK and the DPRK. Does this imply anything to the DPRK and will it affect the six-party talks? Second, will China consider writing down the abduction issue between Japan and the DPRK into the joint agreement? Will such rhetoric as "suspense" and "issues of common concern" be used to avoid sensitive words?

A: As for your first question, since I have been attending the talks, I have not got a chance yet to read this piece of news. But I can tell you that we hope the parties can do things conducive to the easing of tensions, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. As for your second question on the issue of abduction, I would like to say that every party has presented their own concerns during the talks.

Bloomsbery L.P. of the US: I've got two questions. First, according to Xinhua News Agency, the DPRK is willing to give up its nuclear ambition but demands to reserve the capability of developing and utilizing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Could you confirm the report? Second, you said China is willing to provide energy assistance to the DPRK on the condition that the other parties agree. Could your further elaborate on that point?

A: As for your first question, I have not read the report you mentioned yet and the DPRK has never given such a definite statement in the talks as described by the report you quoted. However, I noticed that the DPRK explained its stance on relevant issues, including the one you mentioned, before this round of talks took place. As for the question of energy assistance, we have only conducted preliminary discussions on that and China's stance is that if the parties can reach agreement on relevant issues, China would like to provide assistance to the DPRK along with other parties.