FM press conference on Nov. 30 (Full Text)

Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcements:

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets of the government of the Russian Federation, Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the governments of New Zealand and Australia, State Councilor Liu Yandong will attend the 13th Meeting of China-Russia People-to-People Cooperation Committee in Russia and pay official visits to the Kingdom of Cambodia, New Zealand and Australia from December 4 to 14.

Hong Lei remarked that the 67th UN General Assembly adopted the resolution to grant Palestine the status of UN observer state on November 29, which represents another positive progress of Palestine in its efforts to seek independent statehood and shows that the Palestinian people's rightful cause of restoring their lawful national rights has won even wider support from the international community. We extend warm congratulations on that. The Chinese side voted for the resolution together with most of other member states. We always maintain that independent statehood is the Palestinian people's lawful right and serves as the basis and precondition of the peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel. The Chinese side will continue to play a positive and constructive role for the comprehensive and fair settlement of the Palestinian issue.

Q: It is reported that the Singaporean police recently arrested four Chinese bus drivers who went on strike in Singapore. They may face charges of "illegal strike". How does China react?

A: The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Embassy in Singapore pay great attention to the case and have been in close communication with the Singaporean Foreign Ministry, Human Resources Ministry and police, requiring the Singaporean side to give full consideration to the specific conditions and reasonable appeal of the Chinese workers concerned, prudently and appropriately handle the case and effectively protect the lawful rights and interests of the detained Chinese workers. Diplomats from the Chinese Embassy attended the first trial of the case on November 29.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Embassy in Singapore will continue to follow closely the developments and maintain communication with the Singaporean side for a proper settlement of the case.

Q: It is reported that Hainan's new regulation concerning the jurisdiction of its waters has attracted the attention of Southeast Asian countries. What are the implications of the regulation? How is "illegal entry" defined? Will it escalate tension in the South China Sea?

A: China carries out maritime management according to international and domestic laws. On the issue of the South China Sea, it is China's clear and consistent position to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and rights and interests. We are also committed to solving disputes with our neighbors through friendly consultation and negotiation. The navigation freedom countries enjoy in the South China Sea according to international law should be protected. China attaches importance to maintaining navigation freedom in the South China Sea. There is no problem with it.

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