RMB rate likely to be discussed at G8 plus five summit: FM spokesman

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Beijing on June 23 that the issue of the RMB exchange rate is likely to be discussed at the upcoming G8 plus five summit.

"If relevant countries are interested in it, I think the issue will be discussed," spokesman Liu Jianchao said in response to questions concerning Hu's topic at the summit.

The G8 Summit Outreach Session will be held in Britain between the G8 and leaders of China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico. China's Foreign Ministry has announced that Hu will attend the summit at the invitation of British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Liu said the summit will mainly focus on the global economy and climate change. He said Hu will elaborate on China's opinions on the two topics.

Meanwhile, Hu will also introduce China's policy and relevant measures on its energy demands and the harmonious development of society and economy, and put forward certain cooperative proposals on that.

The spokesman said Hu's participation into the G8 plus five summit is aimed at enhancing communication between the developed and developing countries and improving understanding between the two sides on key international issues and common challenges.

When asked whether China's is willing to join the G8, Liu said "China attaches great importance to the influence and role of G8 in international affairs. We are willing to improve communication and cooperation with the G8."

The G8, evolved from the G7, comprise the world's seven leading industrial powers -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- plus Russia.

In June 2003, French President Jacques Chirac invited leaders of several developing countries including China, India and Brazil to have informal dialogues with G8 leaders at the 29th G8 summit meeting in France. Hu accepted the invitation and joined the dialogue.

On Hu's attendance at the summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the Kazak capital of Astana, Liu said the member states will exchange views on improving cooperation on fighting against the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, safeguarding regional security and improving economic and trade cooperation among SCO member states.

There are reports that India, Pakistan and Iran will also attend the SCO summit as observers. Liu said the SCO is an open organization and those countries participation into the SCO as observers will help improve their cooperation with the SCO .

"But as for the expansion of SCO membership, it requires consultation of all SCO member states," Liu said.

The SCO is an inter-governmental organization founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001, by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with an aim of enhancing confidence-building, promoting regional cooperation and security and working together for the creation of a new international political and economic order featuring democracy, justice and rationality.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced that President Hu is scheduled to pay a state visit to Russia and Kazakhstan, and attend the SCO summit meeting in Astana before attending the G8 plus five summit in England. Hu's visit will last from June 30 to July 7, according to the ministry.

Source: Xinhua