On September 16, 2004, at the invitation of the Interfax of Russia, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Liu Guchang hosted a press conference in the news agency to take questions on Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming official visit to Russia and holding the 9th Regular Meeting between Chinese and Russian Prime Ministers as well as on China-Russia relations and international issues. More than 50 journalists from a number of Russian correspondents such as Interfax, ITAR-TASS, Novosti Press Agency, "Lighthouse" Radio, Russian First National Channel, thirty party news agencies such as Reuters, AFP and Kyodo News as well as resident Chinese correspondents in Russia attended the press conference.
The following is the full text of the Q&A of the press conference.
Liu Guchang: It is a great pleasure for me to meet our friends from the media. The Chinese side has announced that Chinese Premier of the State Council Wen Jiabao will pay an official visit to Russia and will hold the 9th Regular Meeting between Chinese and Russian Prime Ministers from September 23 to 25. This will be the first time for Premier Wen to visit Russia since he took office and also the first time for him to meet with Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. Therefore, it represents a great event in bilateral relations. During the visit, Premier Wen will hold small-range and large-range talks with his Russian counterpart and meet with President Vladimir Putin, the Speaker of the Upper House of the Russian Parliament Sergei Mironov as well as the Duma Chairman Boris Gryzlov. Moreover, he will also hold talks with representatives from the scientific and educational circles and meet with a delegation of 100 Chinese youths as well as Russian youth representatives together with Prime Minister Fradkov. Premier Wen will deliver important speeches to various communities in Russia.
China-Russia relations are in a critical stage of development. During this visit, Premier Wen will hold in-depth discussions from a strategic perspective with Russian leaders on how to comprehensively deepen China-Russian strategic and coordinative partnership and promote pragmatic cooperation in various fields. Important achievements will be yielded. Premier Wen's visit is also the last important preparation for the meeting between the heads of state of the two countries in Beijing in October. He will exchange in-depth views and reach consensus on important contents of the meeting between the two heads of state in Beijing with Russian leaders.
Premier Wen's visit coincides with Russia's move on adopting every measure to counter terrorism and safeguard national solidarity, sovereignty and security. Premier Wen will bring with him the sincere sympathy and firm support of the Chinese leaders, government and people to the Russian leaders, government and people.
Both China and Russia give high priority to this visit. State Councilor Chen Zhili and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov co-hosted the 5th Meeting of China-Russia Cooperation Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Health and Sports days ago to prepare for bilateral cooperation in humanities. Vice Premier Wu Yi and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov will also co-host the 8th Conference of the Committee on the Regular Meeting between Chinese and Russian Prime Ministers to make further preparations in the economic and trade field. We have every reason to believe that Premier Wen's visit will be a productive one and will help consolidate China-Russia good-neighborly friendship, enhance political mutual trust, deepen reciprocal cooperation and comprehensively push forward China-Russia strategic and coordinative partnership.
Thank you for your interest in Premier Wen's visit and I believe you will cast full coverage on it. Now I would like to take your questions.
Q (Interfax): It is reported that the agreement on the conclusion of negotiations on Russia's accession to the WTO will be signed before or during the meeting of the two Prime Ministers. I am wondering whether it will be discussed during the Regular Meeting of Prime Ministers of the two countries.
Chinese Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai held in-depth discussions with Russian Minister of Economy and Trade German Gref on Russia's accession to the WTO in August this year and important progress was made. Recently the new round of negotiations between the two sides, that is the 8th round, was held in Beijing and further progress was achieved. There are still some issues left. I am convinced that as long as we strive for the same goal, it is very possible for the two sides to reach consensus during Premier Wen's visit to Russia. We have set it as an objective to realize during the preparations for his visit.
Q (Interfax): I have two questions. First, how will China and Russia cooperate in the field of counter-terrorism? Second, how did China support Russia after the latter was hit by a series of terrorist attacks and what is China's stance?
China and Russia have been cooperating closely in the field of counter-terrorism. First, the stances of China and Russia are almost entirely identical. Fore instance, both of us are opposed to terrorism in any form, to double standards on the issue of counter-terrorism and to fighting against terrorism with hegemony. Second, after the 911 Incident, China and Russia immediately established a working group for counter-terrorism consultations. Up to now, four rounds of consultations have been held to discuss all kinds of issues related to counter-terrorism and to coordinate stances. Third, the special departments of the two countries have conducted close and fruitful cooperation. Fourth, the two sides have also collaborated closely within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to fight against "three forces" jointly.
After Russia was hit by terrorist attacks recently, the Chinese leaders, government and people have expressed the stance of the Chinese side in various forms, strongly condemning terrorist acts. They also expressed their sincere feelings to side with the Russian people and to support all measures adopted by Russia to fight against terrorism and safeguard national sovereignty, solidarity and security. What I would like to stress is that the sympathy and support to Russia offered by China are genuinely sincere without any conditions affiliated. After the hostage incident, the Chinese government offered medical instruments and pharmaceutical assistance worth 10 million RMB yuan to Russia and the Red Cross Organization of China offered 100-thousand-dollar cash to the Russian side, both of which have been put into place. The Chinese government was also planning to accept some injured children to China for treatment but learned that some parents were reluctant to send their children abroad for treatment. Therefore, the Chinese side immediately decided to send off a medical team consisting of experienced doctors and nurses to Russia to help treat the injured children. All in all, China will continue to firmly support Russia's efforts in fighting against the separatist forces in Chechnya and all kinds of terrorist forces.
Q ("Lighthouse" Radio): I would like to ask a follow-up question on the issue of Russia's accession to the WTO by the correspondent with Interfax. You said just now that some issues have not yet been agreed upon by the two sides. Could you share with us what are the issues that have not been agreed upon? And what economic cooperation projects will be discussed during Premier Wen's visit to Russia?
First, I am not fully clear about what issues have not been agreed upon by China and Russia on Russia's accession to the WTO. Second, even if I were clear, it would not be convenient for me to disclose them here. Premier Wen will start his visit in a few days and judging from the efforts made by the two sides you probably will not be interested in the question any more in a few days.
Premier Wen will hold in-depth discussions with Russian leaders on bilateral cooperation in various fields including how to expand economic and trade relations, how to realize diversification of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, how to promote cooperation in energy as well as scientific and technological fields.
Q (People's Daily): Will the two countries expand consular institutions in each other? What is the prospect for China to open a consulate general in Ekaterinburg and for Russia to open a consulate general in Guangzhou?
China-Russia relations have developed to a very high level. Bilateral personnel exchanges and cooperation in various areas are developing in an all-round way. Each of us has only two consulates in the other country. Russia's consulates general are located in Shanghai and Shenyang while China's consulates general are located in St. Petersburg and Khabarovsk. The arrangement of consular institutions has already not been able to meet the requirement of the development of bilateral relations. After assuming office, I have visited some areas in Russia's Far East and Siberia. Local leaders strongly called on the two sides to expand consular institutions in each other. For instance, leaders in Irkutsk once clearly indicated to Chinese national leaders that they hoped to see a consular institution in their state. It is the same with the Chinese side. People in many places hope Russia can open a consular institution there. In as early as 1994, the two heads of state have reached an agreement in principle on establishing two consulates general in Ekaterinburg and Guangzhou respectively. However, due to technical reasons, the two sides failed to agree upon relevant documents. Currently the two sides are busy negotiating on the draft document on the establishment of consulates which we hope can be signed as early as possible.
The two sides are also discussing the possibility on the technical level to upgrade Vladivostok Office of Khabarovsk Consulate General and Harbin Office of Shenyang Consulate General to two consulates general. In a word, China and Russia share the same view that to expand consular institutions in each other is a necessity and represents an urgent requirement of the development of bilateral relations.
Q (AFP): Will Premier Wen discuss the issue of Russia supplying oil to China with the Russian leaders? And what about Russia, China and Korea's cooperation on natural gas pipeline construction? Will the two leaders touch upon the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue?
It has been tens years since Russia proposed in the first place to build the crude oil pipeline to China. Both countries have contributed considerable work and investments to that end. Construction of oil pipeline to China has been the consensus reached by both leaderships and governments on a number of occasions, which was confirmed by a series of documents between the two sides. As for the route of the pipeline, there were originally two plans, namely the southern route and northern route. But both have been vetoed due to internal reasons in Russia, especially environmental protection issues. So far as I know, there is a new plan proposed by the Russian side currently, namely the route from Taishet to Nakhodka, including a branch route to China. Russia has made an explicit decision to build pipeline to China in its Energy Strategy up to 2020. Recently, Russian leaders, in particular Khristenko, the minister in charge of the industry, indicated firmly on a number of occasions the determination to construct a pipeline to China. During our recent meeting, he said to me that Russia boasts the largest reserves and the strongest exploration capacity in oil and natural gas and China is the largest and most stable market in demand for oil and natural gas, which constitutes the most reliable foundation for China-Russia cooperation in the area energy. It is believed that Premier Wen's visit to Russia will push forward the implementation of pipeline project at an early date.
As for the natural gas pipeline project, Energy Cooperation Agreement signed between the Chinese and Russian governments in 2000 contains such content as Russia will supply natural gas to China, including the pipeline from Kovykta to China and the ROK and the exploration of Kovykta gas field. The feasibility research of natural gas pipeline project has been completed and is waiting for government approval. It is our hope that this plan may be approved and implemented as soon as possible.
The supply of oil by Russia to China via railway is going smoothly. In accordance with agreement between both parties, the volume will reach 5.5 million tons this year. In the Meeting of China-Russia Energy Cooperation Sub-Committee held in Beijing recently, Minister Khristenko indicated clearly that Russia will make all efforts to promote the expansion of oil supply from Russia to China via railway to 10 million tons by 2005 and 12 million tons by 2006. In the 8th Regular Meeting between Chinese and Russian Prime Ministers, Russia solemnly announced to China that Russia will build a crude oil pipeline to China and before the completion of the pipeline Russia promises to provide China with oil via railway.
As for the third question, I think Premier Wen will exchange in-depth views with Russian leaders on critical international and regional issues, including the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. Every time we exchange views on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, we find almost no difference in the positions and views of China and Russia. In most cases, our stances are basically identical. For example, both parties insist to ensure the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, to ensure the peace and stability of the peninsula and to ensure the solution of the problem by all parties involved through peaceful and diplomatic means and negotiations.
Q (Oil Information Agency, Interfax): "Yukos", the current oil supplier to China, has encountered some problems at the moment. Will it affect oil supply to China? If the Russian government decides to auction "Yuganskneftegaz", a subsidiary of "Yukos", will China participate in the auction? If yes, what will be the terms?
The issue of "Yukos" is purely an internal affair of Russia. China has never interfered and will never interfere by any means. Despite the changes in Yukos, there has been no problem with oil supply to China via railway. I think no matter what changes take place in Russia's oil and natural gas companies, the Russian government is competent to ensure oil supply to China via railway.
As for whether China intends to purchase "Yuganskneftegaz oil and natural gas", I can definitely claim that no Chinese company has ever indicated the intention to participate in the bidding.
Q (Xinhua News Agency): Could you share with us your views on the prospect of China-Russia economic and trade cooperation? What's your prediction for bilateral trade in this year?
The bilateral trade volume exceeded USD 15.7 billion last year. The total volume for the first seven months is USD 11.14 billion, a year-on-year increase of 37.4 percent. It is expected to hit USD 20 billion this year. Since 1999, the annual growth rate for bilateral trade has averaged 25 percent. If we take the USD 20 billion as the base and provided that bilateral trade grows at 20 percent annually, China-Russia trade volume will reach USD 60 billion by 2010. If the annual growth rate reaches 25 percent, the volume will hit USD 80 billion.
During Premier Wen's visit, the two sides may set an even higher objective for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. As neighbors, China and Russia enjoy sound political relations and robust economic development. It is very likely that our trade will witness further development with higher level. In the first 8 months, China's trade with the European Union, the United States and Japan have all exceeded USD 100 billion. It is hoped that China-Russia trade volume can also exceed USD 100 billion at an early date. This requires the efforts of both sides.
Q(Reuters):Is there any hope for Russia to participate in the second phase construction of Tianwan Nuclear Power Station? Will the two sides reach an agreement on this issue during Premier Wen's visit to Russia?
It is possible for the two sides to talk about this issue. As for how the second phase project will be determined and who will undertake the project, it will large depend on the progress of the ongoing first phase project, especially the quality of the project.
Q (Guangming Daily): You mentioned just now that Premier Wen will meet with more than 100 Chinese and Russian youth representatives. Would you please share with us the situation of exchanges between the youths in the two countries?
The original plan was that Premier Wen and Prime Minister Fradkov will meet with a delegation of 100 Chinese youth who will be visiting Russia. Now Russia proposes to include some Russian youth representatives. So the two prime ministers will meet youths from both countries, which I believe is a wonderful arrangement.
Both sides have highly prioritized exchanges between youths over the years. In 2001, China and Russia signed the Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which defines that the two countries and peoples will be friends forever and will never become enemies. The two sides have placed higher priority over exchanges between the youths since then. To this end, President Hu Jintao and President Putin agreed at the end of last year to define this year as the Year for Friendly Exchanges between Chinese and Russian Youths. The two sides have arranged dozens of activities. For instance, a delegation of 100 Chinese youths will visit Russia during Premier Wen's visit. When President Putin visited China, a delegation of 100 Russian youths visited China as well. The exchanges of youths between the two countries cover a wide range of people such as young scientists, artists, journalists, entrepreneurs, primary and middle school students as well as college students and take a variety of forms such as summer and winter youth camps.
Q (Interfax): Whether the fourth round of six-party talks will be able to take place as scheduled is dismaying many people. What is your comment on that? It is reported that Chinese, Russian and Indian Foreign Ministers will meet with each other by the end of this year to coordinate their stances in the international arena. What is your comment?
The new round of six-party talks is planned to be held by the end of September. It is still hard to say whether it will be able to take place as scheduled. I hope the talks can be held as scheduled in line with the consensus reached by the parties involved during the third round of talks. I think the major issue at the moment is the mutual distrust between the DPRK and the US. We wish all parties can show patience, calmness, restraint and pragmatism in a bid to hold the fourth round of six-party talks by the end of September in accordance with the original plan.
Chinese, Russian and Indian Foreign Ministers have met with each other twice, which has become a common practice. The three parties planned to meet during the upcoming UN General Assembly. However, each foreign minister has his own schedule. It is possible that they cannot be in New York at the same time. If that is the case, the three parties will probably consult to hold the meeting at other times within this year.
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