On the afternoon of December 17, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Now, I'll take your questions.

Q: Does China believe that there is no possibility for the Copenhagen Conference to reach an operational agreement? Does China want to see a short political declaration instead?

A: China supports the Conference to come to a success and has been taking a constructive attitude to that end together with the other parties. At present, the talks have entered into the final stage. We hope all parties enhance their efforts in active negotiations and pool consensus in a bid to push for fair, reasonable, balanced and achievable results from the Conference.

Q: How do you comment on Vice President Xi Jinping's visit to the ROK? Secondly, it is reported that the DPRK leader Kim Jong-il will visit China shortly. Could you confirm?

A: On your second question, I don't have any information yet.

On your first question, Vice President Xi Jinping met with President Lee Myung-bak and Speaker Kim Hyung-oh this morning and attended a luncheon held by four ROK major economic groups. During the meeting, Vice President Xi stated that China attaches great importance to China-ROK relations. At present, the bilateral ties show a momentum of comprehensive and rapid development. China is willing to join hands with the ROK to press ahead with the strategic partnership of cooperation.

On the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Vice President Xi said that safeguarding peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and promoting reconciliation and cooperation between the DPRK and the ROK serves the common interest of countries in this region. China is ready to play a constructive role in this regard.

Q: Has Vice President Xi Jinping discussed specific issues such as the DPRK nuclear issue or climate change with ROK leaders?

A: Relevant information on Vice President Xi's visit to the ROK, in particular, the topics discussed, will be released soon by the delegation. Please keep updated.

On the DPRK nuclear issue, we believe that the parties concerned should seize the current favorable opportunity and work together to move towards a better situation, thus creating conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

Q: Chinese officials expressed earlier that an agreement is likely to be reached at the Copenhagen Conference. Does China still believe in that?

A: The Chinese delegation has taken a positive and constructive attitude in its consultations with other parties and made active efforts for positive results. The China Information and Communication Center has already been set up at the Bella center. You could refer to the Center for information such as China's position, relevant activities, etc.

Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Copenhagen last night local time. On Dec 17th, he will have a series of meetings. On the morning of 18th, Premier Wen will deliver a speech at the first-stage of the Leaders' Meeting.

We hope to make concerted efforts with the other parties. We once again call upon the developed countries to demonstrate greater sincerity on funding, technology and mid-term targets, solve the concerns of the developing countries and endeavor to reach positive results at the Conference.

Q: Could you share with us what Premier Wen will be talking about on the 18th? Which leaders he will meet with on the sidelines?

A: Arrangement of bilateral meetings has to take into consideration both the overall schedule of the Conference and the individual schedules of the delegations. Relevant meetings are still yet to be worked out, and we will release information in due course. At tomorrow's meeting, Premier Wen Jiabao will expound on the Chinese Government's position and proposition on actively tackling climate change and enhancing international cooperation.

Q: Will there be any change to the position of the Chinese Government in Premier Wen's speech?

A: I think we can get a clear picture on that tomorrow.

Q: The president of the Copenhagen talks resigned today. Some commented that this meant the talks abandonded its pro-developing countries position. How do you respond to that?

A: I'll leave it to the Secretariate of the Conference for that issue. I am also aware that Ms. Hedegaard has made an explanation over that. We hope that Denmark, as the chair of the talks, continue to make unremitting efforts to push forward the Copenhagen Conference.

If there are no more questions, thanks for coming! See you!