On the afternoon of April 16, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on the report of the US Treasury Department not naming China as a "currency manipulator", the DPRK's response to the Security Council presidential statement and etc.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to start with.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit of the Arab Republic of Egypt, acting Foreign Minister and Information Minister Riyadh Al-Maliki of the Palestinian National Authority, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman of the State of Israel, Foreign Minister Muallim of the Syrian Arab Republic and Foreign Minister Lavrov of the Russian Federation, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will pay official visits to the five countries from April 21 to 27.

During his visits, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will have talks with his counterparts, meet with leaders of the five countries, and have an in-depth exchange of views with them on development of bilateral ties and major international and regional issues.

Now, I'd like to take your questions.

Q: I have two questions. First, the US Treasury Department yesterday made a decision not to name China as a "currency manipulator". I wonder if you could comment on that. Second, Chinese media reports that more patrol boats have been sent to the disputed territory in the South China Sea. I wonder if you could confirm that.

A: On your first question, we will continue to reform the RMB exchange rate regime. Our target is to maintain the basic stability of the RMB value at a reasonable and balanced level, serving both the interest of China as well as the world economy.

On your second question, I don't have any information. What I can tell you is that it is completely normal and justified for the Chinese Government to engage in law enforcement activities to safeguard its rights within its own Exclusive Economic Zone.

Q: The DPRK has expelled IAEA inspectors from the Yongbyon site. Does China have any response to this action?

A: On this question, we hope all parties concerned focus on the overall interest, exert calmness and restraint, and handle relevant issue properly with a view to maintaining the Six-Party Talks.

Q: Yesterday a Chinese woman died from some kind of pneumonia on a train in Russia. About 50 Chinese citizens have been quarantined since then. Some Russia regions are putting strict quarantine measures on the border with China. What is Chinese comment on this situation? Are Chinese citizens going through any medical checkups before leaving for other countries?

A: We take this issue seriously, and are trying to acquire further information. On the requirements of physical examination for Chinese citizens before leaving for other countries, I believe entry regulations of recipient countries will be followed.

Q: Can you confirm that the IAEA people are now in Beijing, and will Chinese officials meet with them? Secondly, the latest statistics from the US show that China's holdings of US treasury bonds continue to increase. Does that mean China still views the US treasury bonds as the best investment?

A: On your first question, I've not heard of it, but I can check it for you.

On the US treasury bonds issue, as competent Chinese authorities said on many occasions, we operate our foreign exchange reserve according to the principle of security, liquidity and good value. Our investment is diversified.

Q: US envoy Holbrooke has visited China. Please brief us on his visit.

A: US special envoy Holbrooke to Afghanistan and Pakistan has paid a short visit to Beijing recently. During his visit, he met with State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. They exchanged views on issues of common interest including the situation in South Asia, and agreed to step up dialogue and cooperation so as to contribute to peace, stability and development in South Asia.

Q: Up until the UN Security Council issued its statement on the DPRK launch, China had no word of criticism on the launch. Why did China sign the statement? Secondly, now that the DPRK quits the Six-Party Talks, has China had any contact with the other parties about it?

A: We have stated our position on many occasions since the Security Council adopted its presidential statement. We hope relevant parties could all proceed from the overall and long-term interest, exert calmness and restraint, and properly handle relevant issue so as to safeguard the Six-Party Talks and contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. It is consensus of parties to promote denuclearization on the Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks. We are ready to stay in contact with other parties on relevant issues.

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