On the afternoon of September 14, 2011, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference.

I would like to call your attention to an activity:

The first China-Europe People-to-People Dialogue on Friendship and Cooperation kicks off today in Beijing. Vice Premier Li Keqiang will attend and address the opening ceremony. The theme of the conference is "Cooperation across Time and Space". Representatives from both sides will hold talks on economic cooperation as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges, mapping out the future development of China-Europe people-to-people exchanges.

Days ago, there was a question about the itinerary of Guinean President Condé's visit to China. President Condé is now attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2011 in Dalian. He will later visit Beijing, Shanghai and Henan. During President Condé's visit, Chinese leaders will meet with him. China and Guinea are countries of traditional friendship. We would like to further deepen bilateral friendly cooperative relations.

Q: It is reported that the Italian Government requested the Chinese Government via China Investment Corporation to buy large amounts of Italian bonds. Please confirm. If it is true, what will be China's purpose of buying the bonds?

A: I advised you yesterday to consult competent Chinese authorities for the answer to this question. China upholds the principle of diversification in overseas investment. We allocate assets and invest in accordance with our need in a bid to ensure the safety, liquidity and good value of the assets.

Q: The US Department of State released the Report on International Religious Freedom for the second half of 2010, expressing concerns over the condition of religious freedom in China and seven other countries. What is China's response?

A: People of all ethnic groups in China enjoy the freedom of religious belief in accordance with law. China firmly opposes the US attacking China's religious and human rights condition and interfering in China's internal affairs by issuing this kind of report year after year. We urge the US side to do more that is conducive to the development of China-US relations.

Q: Taliban attacked the US Embassy in Afghanistan yesterday. NATO Secretary General Rusmussen said that the attempt to derail NATO's handover of security authority can not succeed. Are you concerned about the situation in Afghanistan?

A: China has noted the incident and follows closely the security situation in Afghanistan. We hope that relevant party can undertake responsibility earnestly when handing over security authority to Afghanistan and help build up its security capacity. As a friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, China hopes that it will realize security, stability, national reconciliation and peaceful reconstruction at an early date.

Q: The UN Security Council is discussing lifting sanctions on Libya. What is China's stance in this regard?

A: The UN Security Council imposed sanctions on Libya with the adoption of Resolutions 1970 and 1973. The decision of lifting sanctions shall also be made by the Security Council upon consultation. Some countries propose a partial withdrawal of sanctions on Libya. China will study seriously relevant draft resolution and keep in touch with all relevant parties in this regard.

Q: China-France nuclear energy cooperation is one of the topics for discussion during French Foreign Minister Juppé's visit to China. Will the recent explosion in a French nuclear waste management site exert negative impact on China-France nuclear energy cooperation?

A: China has noted that France is dealing with this incident appropriately. China is willing to steadily press ahead with nuclear energy cooperation with France on the basis of nuclear safety.

Q: Brazilian Finance Minister said that the BRICS countries would talk about shoring up EU countries in the debt crisis. Will China take part in relevant discussions?

A: I think you refer to the meeting among the BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors on the sidelines of the World Bank annual meeting in Washington. You may consult the Ministry of Finance and the People's Bank of China for relevant information.

Premier Wen Jiabao delivered an informative speech this morning during the opening ceremony of the Summer Davos, expounding on China's stance on the world economic recovery and China's reform and development strategy. He said given that the world economic recovery is an arduous and complex task that takes time, the international community should build up confidence, enhance cooperation and rise up to challenges hand in hand. We should strengthen communication and coordination on macroeconomic policy, speed up the establishment of a new world economic order featuring justice, equity, soundness and stability. All governments should assume their responsibility and do their jobs well. Major developed economies should adopt responsible and effective fiscal and monetary policies, deal with debt issues appropriately, maintain the safety and stable operation of market investment so as to uphold the confidence of global investors.

Q: Please brief us on the arrangements of China-EU Summit this year.

A: Based on common practice and bilateral consultation, the 14th China-EU Summit will be held in China this year. Relevant arrangements of the Summit are still under consultation. We will release the information in due course.

Q: US Senate Democratic leader Reid said yesterday that the Senate would push through a new bill in the coming weeks to urge RMB appreciation. What is China's comment?

A: We have repeatedly elaborated on our position on advancing the reform of the RMB exchange rate regime.

It serves the common interests of both China and the US to safeguard the sound and stable development of bilateral economic relations. We urge relevant US lawmakers to recognize the importance and mutually beneficial nature of China-US economic relations and trade and refrain from seeking excuses to impose protectionism against China, so as not to impair the overall interests of bilateral economic cooperation and trade.