On the afternoon of June 3, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang held a regular press conference and answered questions on the earthquake relief efforts, the Six-Party Talks, Indian Foreign Minister's visit to China and etc.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

I would like to begin with an announcement.

From June 7 to 12, at the invitation of Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and the EU, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will visit the three countries and the EU Headquarter, attend the China-EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Slovenia and the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan held in France.

Now the floor is open for your questions.

Q: It is reported that the US Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain proposed the other day to set up a new international organization with Russia and China excluded since they deter the effective work of the UN. Do you have any comment?

A: It is known to all that the UN is the most universal and authoritative intergovernmental organization with the widest representation. Since the founding of the UN, it has played an irreplaceable and significant role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. It is an important platform for the international community to excise multilateralism, enhance cooperation, and jointly tackle various threats and challenges facing the current world. It is the universal consensus of the international community.

As the founding member of the UN, one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has firmly supported the UN and participated in its work. China is a responsible member both in the UN and in the international community. China has been all along respecting and preserving the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, dealing with its foreign relations in light of the universally-recognized norms governing international relations, faithfully fulfilling its due responsibilities and obligations, and participating in various affairs of the UN in a comprehensive, broad, and in-depth way. China will continue to firmly support the important role of the UN in international affairs and make its constructive contribution thereof.

As to whether China is an obstacle in the UN, you will get a better idea if you check the UN record.

Q: Could you please brief us on Indian Foreign Minister's visit to China?

A: Indian Foreign Minister Mukherjee will pay an official visit to China from June 4 to 7. This has been released to the public. During his visit, he will meet with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Premier Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders. This is the first visit to China for Foreign Minister Mukherjee. Both countries attach great importance to the visit. The interlocutors will have extensive and in-depth discussions on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Q: I have two questions. First, will the Foreign Ministers of China, Japan and the ROK meet in Japan in the coming days? What is China's expectation on the meting? Second, is there any progress for the Six-Party Talks? When will the next round of talks be held? Has the DPRK submitted its nuclear declaration?

A: On the China-Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' meeting, we will keep you updated in due course.

The China-Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' meeting is an important mechanism for the three countries to have regular exchanges and consultation. We attach great importance to the mechanism and hope the three Foreign Ministers to have in-depth exchange of views during the meeting on the current major regional issues and problems facing the three countries so as to further promote the cooperation between the three countries. As countries of major impact in the region, it is of great significance for the three countries to enhance exchanges and cooperation with a view to promoting peace, stability, and development of the region. We look forward to positive achievements out of the meeting generated by the concerted efforts of the three cou