On the afternoon of June 30, 2011, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a regular press conference.

Q: Please brief us on the meetings and talks between visiting Sudanese President Bashir and Chinese leaders. How do you view the results of the visit? Did the two sides exchange views on the current North-South peace process in Sudan?

A: At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, Sudanese President Bashir is paying a state visit to China from June 28 to 30. President Hu Jintao held talks with him. Chairman Wu Bangguo and Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with him respectively. Leaders of the two countries agreed to consolidate traditional friendship and deepen practical cooperation so as to promote China-Sudan friendly relations of cooperation.

The Chinese leader stated that China-Sudan friendship has been carefully nurtured by generations of leaders in both countries. At present, bilateral relations develop in a stable manner, boasting rich content and productive cooperation in political, economic, trade, cultural, education and health fields. The two sides have maintained close communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. China appreciates Sudan's staunch support on issues concerning China's core interests and adherence to the one China policy.

President Hu Jintao raised a four-point proposal on how to further develop China-Sudan friendly relations of cooperation. First, we need to strengthen dialogue and deepen political relations. Leaders, government departments, legislative organs and ruling parties of the two countries shall continue to strengthen dialogue and exchanges, communicating with and supporting each other on major issues of concern. China firmly upholds a friendly policy towards Sudan, which will never change despite the fluid international situation and domestic situation in Sudan. Second, the two countries shall expand economic and trade cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. While consolidating existing cooperation results, the two sides will further coordinate with each other to steadily promote a package of cooperation projects. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Sudan in agricultural, mining and other fields. Third, we will carry on our traditional friendship through exchanges and by learning from each other. Fourth, the two will join hands in supporting each other and safeguarding peace and stability. China is ready to stay in close communication and coordination with Sudan on the Security Council reform, climate change, food security, Darfur and other international and regional issues and expand bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Forum on the China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Arab Cooperation Forum.

President Bashir agreed with the Chinese leader's important views on how to further develop bilateral relations. He expressed Sudan's willingness to work with China to increase political mutual trust and strengthen practical cooperation in economic and trade fields so as to elevate bilateral relations to a new high. Sudan welcomes and supports investment by Chinese companies.

On Sudan's North-South peace process, the Chinese leader said that China always respects the will and choice of the Sudanese people and firmly supports the North-South peace process. We hope the North and the South proceed from the fundamental interests of the country and the nation, unswervingly adhere to the choice of peace and national reconciliation, continue to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and properly resolve relevant issues through dialogue and consultation in the spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation, with a view to realizing good-neighborly friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.

President Bashir said Sudan hopes to maintain peace and stability between the North and the South, and is ready to initiate with the South a new model of country-to-country relations so as to realize common interests. Sudan is committed to solving the Darfur issue through negotiations and highly appreciates China's constructive role in peacefully settling the Darfur issue.

We believe that President Bashir's visit is of major and far-reaching significance in advancing China-Sudan traditional friendship and cooperation, promoting Sudan's North-South peace process and further pushing for the settlement of the Darfur issue.

Q: A large-scale conflict broke out between protesters and the police and security forces in Egypt lately, leaving over one thousand people injured. Separately, King Hamad of Bahrain announced days ago the establishment of an independent investigation committee to look into its domestic turmoil. How do you comment on the current situation in Egypt and Bahrain?

A: China has noted relevant report and hopes Egypt maintains social stability and avoids casualties.

China supports Bahrain's efforts to safeguard national stability and development and hopes the parties in Bahrain achieve lasting peace of the country at an early date through dialogue and other means.

Q: A German institution recently said that some German officials' computers were attacked by Chinese hackers. What is your comment?

A: I have expounded on China's position on cyber security for many times. The Chinese Government firmly opposes hacking in all its manifestations. Chinese laws stipulate explicitly that netizens should abide by relevant laws and regulations and not engage in any action that undermines cyber security. The Chinese judicial authorities crack down on all kinds of hacking in accordance with law.

Hacking is an international issue, to which China also falls victim. China is willing to conduct international cooperation in this regard. We are dissatisfied with some people's irresponsible remarks that link hacker attacks with the Chinese Government.

Q: It is reported that China and Chad have completed the construction of a large oil refinery. Chadian President Déby expressed his gratitude by acclaiming the refinery as a gift from China and the embodiment of China-Chad mutually beneficial partnership. Please brief us on the project. How does China comment on bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and energy?

A: The Chadian oil refinery is a cooperation project between China National Petroleum Corporation and Chad, whose completion ceremony was held on June 29.

Since China and Chad resumed their diplomatic ties in 2006, bilateral relations have witnessed relatively fast recovery and development, with frequent personnel exchanges at all levels, ever-enhancing political mutual trust as well as remarkable achievements in various fields including economy, trade, health care, culture and education. The oil refinery project is a new cooperation outcome of great importance, which actively boosts the development of bilateral practical cooperation in both scale and depth.

President Déby's remarks once again demonstrate that China-Africa cooperation is mutually beneficial and wins extensive commend from African countries. The assistance from China to Africa can help the latter translate their energy advantages into the driving force of economic and social development and build up their independent development capacity.

Q: The French Defence Ministry recently said that France air dropped arms to the Libyan opposition. What is China's comment? Does China regard it as a violation of the UN Security Council arms embargo resolution against Libya?

A: China calls on the international community to implement relevant resolution of the UN Security Council in real earnest, avoid taking actions that go beyond the mandate of the resolution and stay committed to a political settlement of the current Libyan crisis so as to restore peace and stability there as soon as possible.

Q: Greek lawmakers passed a medium-term economic austerity plan on June 29. What is China's comment? How do you look at the prospect of the Greek debt crisis?

A: We have noted relevant reports. The difficulties of Greece and some other countries indicate that the recovery of the global economy remains unstable and uncertain. The international community should boost confidence, enhance cooperation and jointly tackle challenges. We believe that the Euro zone, endowed with a solid economic foundation as well as notable advantages in talents, science and technology, is sure to surmount temporary difficulties and realize stable economic growth.

Q: Indian Prime Minister Singh told Indian media that they should not sensationalise differences between China and India, but India would not compromise on issues of border territory and cross-border river. How do you respond?

A: China-India relations have maintained a good momentum of sound and stable development over recent years. Leaders of the two countries pointed out on many occasions that there is enough space in the world for China and India to achieve common development and conduct cooperation. It serves the interests of the two peoples as well as regional peace, stability and prosperity for China and India to deepen strategic cooperation.

China's position on the boundary issue is consistent and clear. We maintain that both sides should pursue an equitable, reasonable and jointly acceptable resolution through friendly consultation on an equal footing. Joint efforts should be made to safeguard peace and tranquility in the border area and prevent the boundary issue from disturbing the normal development of bilateral relations.

We have also made clear our position on the utilization of cross-border water resources time and again. China, as an upstream country, attaches great importance to the concerns and interests of downstream countries and adopts a responsible attitude in the development and utilization of water resources.