On May 15, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a regular press conference.
Q: Some Chinese netizens suggest a military approach to resolve the Huangyan Island incident. How do you respond to that?
A: The resolve of the Chinese Government to safeguard its territorial sovereignty over the Huangyan Island is firm and resolute. Meanwhile, we are committed to resolving the current situation over the Huangyan Island through diplomatic consultation.
Q: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced its choice of interim President of Guinea Bissau, which has won support from 90 countries. How does China comment?
A: China has noted the agreement between the ECOWAS and Guinea Bissau coup authority of returning the power of government to the hands of its people. We hope all parties in Guinea Bissau will continue to seek a proper resolution of the current crisis through inclusive dialogue and safeguard the rule of law and social order.
Q: Philippine President Aquino reportedly said he believed that the tension over the Huangyan Island would be resolved soon and hinted that it was unnecessary to submit the issue to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea. How does China comment?
A: We have just read relevant reports. Our position on that remains unchanged. China hopes that the Philippines will resolve the current situation over the Huangyan Island through diplomatic consultation with China.
Q: British Prime Minister Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Clegg met with Dalai together on May 14. How does China respond to that?
A: Recently, in disregard of China's multiple representations, the UK insisted on arranging a meeting between UK leaders and Dalai. This is grave interference in China's internal affairs and also an affront to the Chinese people, sending a wrong signal to "Tibet-Independence" forces. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to that. China's Foreign Ministry and Embassy in the UK have lodged solemn representations to the UK side both in Beijing and London.
The Tibet-related affairs are purely China's internal affairs. Dalai is a political exile long engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cover of religion. China firmly opposes any country's leaders to meet with Dalai in whatever form, and opposes any country or individual's use of Tibet-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs. We demand the UK side to take China's position seriously, stop condoning and supporting anti-China "Tibet-Independence" forces, take effective measures immediately to remove negative impact, and safeguard the overall development of China-UK relations with concrete actions.
Q: China and Japan will hold their first maritime affairs consultation in Hangzhou. What's China's expectations?
A: China and Japan reached consensus last December to establish a high-level consultation mechanism on maritime affairs with no constraint on topics, providing a platform for the two sides to conduct dialogue on various maritime issues. The two sides have agreed that the first round of consultation will be held in Hangzhou on May 16, which will be chaired by director-generals of competent bureaus of the two foreign ministries with the participation of maritime affairs-related departments from both sides.