On the afternoon of February 19, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on Kosovo's declaration of independence, Gambari's visit to China, Myanmar, Darfur, the Six-Party Talks and etc.

Liu Jianchao: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to begin with two announcements:

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, will pay an official visit to China from February 24 to 29.

At the invitation of Malloch Brown, British Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Foreign Ministry of Sudan, Ambassador Liu Guijin, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Darfur Issue will pay visits to Britain and Sudan from February 21 to 23 and February 24 to 27 respectively.

Now the floor is open.

Q: At present, more and more countries have recognized Kosovo's independence, including the US and major EU countries. What's China's long-term plan about Kosovo? Will China recognize Kosovo eventually? Will China continue to contribute to the UN mission in Kosovo?

A: I've expounded on China's position on the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo. China expresses grave concern over that.

The resolution of the Kosovo issue bares on peace and stability of the Balkan region, the fundamental norms governing international relations as well as the authority and role of the UN Security Council. China always believes that a plan acceptable to both Serbia and Kosovo through negotiations is the best way to resolve this issue.

The unilateral move taken by Kosovo will lead to a series of consequences. China is deeply worried about its severe and negative impact on peace and stability of the Balkan region and the goal of establishing a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo.

China calls upon Serbia and Kosovo to continue negotiations for a proper resolution within the framework of the international law and work together to safeguard peace and stability of the Balkan region. The international community should create favorable conditions for that.

As to your second question, the international presence in Kosovo since 1999 including its components and missions has all been authorized and approved by the UN Security Council. This practice shall be followed unless the Security Council decides otherwise. Resolution 1224 still remains as the political and legal basis for the resolution of the status of Kosovo. Prior to a new Security Council resolution, any effort and move shall be in line with Resolution 1224. China will continue to play a positive role for the resolution of this issue.

Q: Does China oppose Kosovo's independence?

A: I've just briefed you on China's position on Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence. I have nothing more to add.

Q: US Assistant Secretary of State Hill and DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan are in Beijing now. Does China have any plan to have talks with them? Is Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei in town? If not, where is he?

A: As to your first question, China has made contact with Mr. Hill, US Assistant Secretary of State and head of the US delegation to the Six-Party Talks. Assistant Foreign Ministers He Yafei and Liu Jieyi held talks with him respectively and exchanged views with him on China-US relations, the DPRK nuclear issue and other international and regional issues of common interest.

Up to now, I have no information about China's contact with the DPRK. As to your second question, Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei is accompanying State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan's visit to Britain. They will visit Japan and ROK subsequently.

Q: What's China's position on the US plan to destroy a failed satellite due to fall on earth?

A: I made China's position clear a few days ago. The Chinese Government is highly concerned over the developments and has requested the US to fulfill its international obligations in earnest and ensure that the security of outer space and relevant countries will not be undermined. Relevant Chinese authorities are closely following the situation and studying corresponding precautions.

Q: The Special Advisor Gambari to the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar is visiting China. Which Chinese officials did he meet with today? What did they discuss?

A: Mr. Gambari is in Beijing for a visit. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with him.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Myanmar is a friendly neighbor to China. China supports Myanmar government's efforts to promote domestic political process, safeguard national stability and improve people's livelihood. We hope that Myanmar achieve democracy and development at an early date, which is in the interest of Myanmar people and should be the direction for international efforts. While providing constructive assistance to Myanmar, the international community should remain objective, equitable and balanced, keep patience and confidence and do more things to promote relevant parties' trust-enhancing dialogue. China supports the UN Secretary General and Mr. Gambari's me