FM spokesman on Vanuatu, Taiwan, Ukraine election, terrorism, tsunami seminar

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan briefed the media on questions relating to Vanuatu, Taiwan, Ukraine election, terrorism, tsunami seminar at a regular press conference Thursday afternoon.

Speaking on Vanuatu, Kong said Vanuatuan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sato Kilman reiterated his government's firm adherence to the one-China policy during his current visit to China, while describing Kilman's visit as "important and successful".

China spoke highly of Kilman's position of sticking to the one-China policy, Kong said.

According to Taiwan media, Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian is planning to stop by Guam on his tour to southern Pacific nations later this month.

Responding to this, Kong said China opposes any country to provide a place for Chen to advocate "Taiwan independence".

Taiwan authorities are using every possible chance including "transit diplomacy" to advocate "Taiwan independence." The international community, especially those which have diplomatic ties with China, must not provide a place for Chen to advocate "Taiwan independence," Kong said.

When commenting on Ukrainian election, Kong said China and Ukraine are friendly countries, and China respects the choice of Ukrainian people.

China attaches great importance on the all-round relationship of friendly cooperation with Ukraine, which features long-term stability, deep trust and coordination, he added.

When asked about whether China will hold a funeral ceremony for Zhao Ziyang, Kong said China has reformed its way to make funeral arrangements under the principle of simplicity over the past years. A farewell-bidding to the remains of the dead rather than a funeral ceremony will be held, he said.

As an old member of the Communist Party of China, Mr. Zhao Ziyang will also be treated in this way, Kong said. Relevant departments will consult with Zhao's relatives to appropriately manage the matter.

In response to an unconfirmed report that four Chinese scientists were suspected of conducting terrorism activities in the United States, Kong said China always supports the international community to make joint efforts to crack down on terrorism in any form.

He said China is also a victim of terrorism. The Chinese government has very clear and firm position on this issue, that is to back up the international joint efforts to crack down on terrorism in any form.

In addition, Kong told reporters that China will hold a seminar on tsunami early warning systems with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from Jan. 25-26.

Approximately 30 experts and management officials from ASEAN, officials from ASEAN Secretariat and experts from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh the United States, Japan and the United Nations are confirmed to participate in the seminar, Kong said.

They will explore the condition and technologies of tsunami early warning in the region and discuss how to further cooperation in this field, the spokesman said.

A fundamental subject of the seminar will be to sum up the experience and lessons of the catastrophic earthquake in Indonesia and the massive earthquake-triggered tsunami last Dec. 26, he said.