China will take every possible means to minimize pollutant in the cross-border Songhua River, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang in Beijing Tuesday.

At present, Qin said, the polluted water still runs in river of Chinese territory.

The pollution spill in northeast China's Songhua River was caused by an explosion at a Chinese petrochemical plant in early Nov. It is estimated that about 100 tons of benzene, a harmful chemical, spilled into the river.

The Chinese side is very concerned about the trouble made to people in Russia and has taken a series of measures to lessen the influence on residents in Russia's far east region, Qin said.

China and Russia are strategic partners and enjoyed good-neighborly cooperation, Qin said, pledging China would work with Russia to handle the pollution matter well in accordance with bilateral strategic cooperation and with a conscientious and responsible attitude.

Source: Xinhua