Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcement:

At the invitation of the Chinese Government, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand will pay a visit to China from April 3 to 6.

Q: The second "Friends of Syria" international meeting will be held in Turkey on April 1. Has China received an invitation? Will China attend the meeting?

A: China has noticed that the second "Friends of Syria" international meeting will be held in Turkey soon and has received an invitation for the meeting. We believe that the action of the international community on the Syrian issue should be conducive to easing tensions in Syria, promoting political dialogue and dissolving disputes, and maintaining peace and stability of the Middle East. The settlement of the Syrian issue can not do without the joint participation of and dialogue among the major parties concerned. The international community should create enabling conditions for that. Under the current circumstances, China has not considered attending the meeting. China is ready to work with the international community to continue to play a positive and constructive role for the peaceful and proper settlement of the Syrian issue.

Q: Last week, the US for the first time nominated Asian American medical scientist Jim Yong Kim as President of the World Bank. Emerging countries have also nominated two candidates. How does China comment? Whom do you support?

A: The G20 London Summit decided that the selection of heads of the World Bank and other international financial institutions should be based on the principle of openness, transparency and meritocracy. China believes that all member states should earnestly implement relevant decision made at the G20 Summit, strictly abide by the selection process determined by the World Bank and at the same time fully heed the views of the vast number of developing countries to ensure the voice and representation of developing countries in the World Bank.

Q: First, the US and the ROK said that the satellite launch of the DPRK is in violation of a UN resolution. Does China agree? Second, given the current situation in Syria, how does China comment on the visit of the UN-AL Joint Special Envoy Annan's visit to China?

A: On your first question, China expressed worries and concerns over the DPRK's announcement of its satellite launch. China believes that under the current circumstances, upholding peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula is in the common interests of and also the common responsibility of all parties concerned. We hope relevant parties will stay calm, exercise restraint and act prudently.

On your second question, at the invitation of China, the UN-AL Joint Special Envoy Annan will visit China from March 27 to 28. Chinese leader will meet with Mr. Annan and his entourage. Leading official of the Foreign Ministry will have a full exchange of views with Mr. Annan on the Syrian issue. China values and supports Mr. Annan's mediation efforts and hopes to have an in-depth communication with him on the political resolution of the Syrian issue during his visit, with a view to jointly playing a constructive role for the fair, peaceful and appropriate resolution of the Syrian issue.

Q: Please brief us on President Hu Jintao's meeting with President Obama in Seoul. What did the two sides talk about?

A: This afternoon, President Hu Jintao and President Obama had a bilateral meeting in Seoul. The two sides exchanged views on China-US relations and major international and regional issues of common interest. We will release relevant information in due course.

Q: Please brief us on the exchange of views on the DPRK's satellite launch between President Hu Jintao and President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul.

A: President Hu Jintao met with President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul today. After listening to the ROK side's views on the situation of the Korean Peninsula, President Hu Jintao remarked that the latest developments of the situation on the Peninsula have attracted high attention from the international community. We have stayed in close communication with all parties concerned including the ROK. The current situation on the Peninsula is highly complex and sensitive. We do not want to see a reversal of the hard-won relaxation of tension on the Peninsula. China is ready to work with all parties to continue to make active efforts for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.