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Wrap-up of FM Spokeswoman's Remarks Tuesday
China is "gravely shocked" and "strongly dissatisfied" over the incident that a Chinese fishing boat was attacked and a fisherman shot dead by Philippine maritime guards in the South China Sea, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Tuesday.
The Chinese side has for a number of times made representations to relevant authorities of the Philippines, and Chinese diplomats have visited other fishermen still detained by the Philippine side, Zhang said at a regular press conference this afternoon.
"The Chinese side hopes that the Philippine side will release both the boat and fishermen at an early date, preserve the remains of the fisherman, make compensations according to international convention, and adopt effective measures to prevent such incidents from happening again," Zhang said.
On Sino-Indian relations, Zhang said that Sino-Indian relations are now stepping into an improvement and development process, thanks to efforts from both sides.
Indian President Narayanan's ongoing visit to China has further promoted the growth of Sino-Indian ties, she added.
Zhang expressed the hope that the Indian side will keep to its commitments in not allowing any separatist activities in its territory.
"The Chinese side has expressed appreciation of Indian government's admission that Tibet is an inseparable part of China and of its commitment that it won't allow the Dalai Lama Group to carry out separatist activities in its territory."
China adamantly opposes anyone using the Tibet issue to carry out separatist activities, she reiterated.
Zhang Qiyue also expressed China's belief that the border issue with India could be settled properly.
"Favorable conditions could be created for proper settlement of the issue, so long as we respect the historical fact and carry out consultations in line with the principle of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation."
When it comes to the reforms of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, Zhang stressed that the representation rights of developing countries should be considered a priority.
"Now that the UN has existed for over 50 years, the current composition of the UN Security Council could not reflect the change in the international community and increase in UN members."
During the press conference, Zhang announced that Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen will attend the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi to be held by the Japanese government on June 7 as the special envoy of the Chinese government.
Zhang also announced that Moldova President Petr Luchinsky will pay a state visit to China from June 7 to 12 at the invitation of Chinese President Jiang Zemin.
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