On the afternoon of December 31, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions.

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

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula of the Republic of Kenya, Minister Ojo Maduekwe of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Minister Zainab Hawa Bangura of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Minister Mourad Medelci of Foreign Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Minister Taieb Fassi-Fihri of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco, Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi of the People's Republic of China will pay official visits to the six countries from January 5 to 14, 2010. He will also visit the Republic of Maldives.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: It is reported that the US is going to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel imports. What's China's reaction to it?

A: As far as I know, the Ministry of Commerce has responded to it. You may check its website.

Q: According to the website of the Defense Ministry, director of an advisory committee for the Chinese navy suggested that China should set up a permanent supply base in the Gulf of Aden. Does the Chinese Government have such a plan?

A: I have also read reports on the suggestion of the military expert. This concerns the replenishment of naval fleets on their overseas missions. I will leave it to the Ministry of Defense.

Q: About the American who entered the DPRK from China, does China have any further information? Will China look into the incident? In addition, it is said that the DPRK leader Kim Jong-Il will visit China early next year. Please confirm.

A: On your first question, I remember answering it before. We hope the US and the DPRK will properly handle it to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

On your second question, I haven't heard of such news.

Q: Please give us more details on Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi's visit to Morocco.

A: Foreign Minister Yang will visit Morocco from January 11 to 12. During the visit, he will have talks with the Moroccan Foreign Minister and meet with other Moroccan leaders. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. I believe this visit will advance the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

I would also like to brief you on the current China-Morocco relations. The friendship between China and Morocco dates far back into history. Over the past 51 years of diplomatic relations, the traditional and friendly ties between the two countries have always been on the track of sound and stable development. Particularly in recent years, the two countries have witnessed successful mutual visits of heads of state, constant exchanges at all levels, further political mutual trust, as well as better mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as business, trade, culture and health and good consultation and cooperation in international and regional affairs. We hope this visit will consolidate our friendship, deepen cooperation and usher China-Morocco friendly and cooperative relations to a new stage.

If there are no more questions, I wish to thank you for your understanding and support over the past year on behalf of my colleagues and wish you a happy New Year. See you next year!