Q: The China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center will be launched on December 2. What's China's expectation of it? Please give us some details.

A: Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang of the State Council and Kazakh President Nazarbayev will jointly attend the launching ceremony of the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center and the connecting ceremony of the China-Kazakhstan Railway to be held in Horgos Port, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on December 2.

The official launch of the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center and the connecting of the China-Kazakhstan Railway are major fruits of bilateral practical cooperation and important to promoting the economic development of the border areas and cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade and transportation between the two countries. China is ready to work closely with Kazakhstan to implement the subsequent matters of the above two projects so as to bring their functions into full play at an early date.

Q: Egypt began its parliamentary election on November 28. What is China's expectation?

A: Parliamentary election is an important step in the Egyptian political process. It helps maintain the national stability and social unity of Egypt and realize a smooth power transition. China hopes to see a successful election.

Q: US Secretary of State Clinton will visit Myanmar. Will China make contact with the US or Myanmar over her visit? How does China comment on the improvement of US-Myanmar relations?

A: China welcomes Myanmar strengthening contact and improving relations with relevant western country on the basis of mutual respect. We hope the domestic and foreign policies of the Myanmese Government will help promote the country's stability and development.

Q: It is reported that the Sudanese Government decided to suspend South Sudan's oil export through its territory. How does China comment? Is China concerned that this will affect the oil development and export of Chinese oil companies in Sudan and South Sudan?

A: China has noted relevant report. We always believe that maintaining normal oil production is very important to both the north and the south. We hope the two sides will continue to keep calm and exercise restraint, adopt a flexible and pragmatic attitude and solve their disputes through consultation and negotiation as soon as possible. For years, Chinese oil companies have been operating in both the north and the south according to contracts, playing a positive role in the local economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. China has kept good bilateral relations with both countries and believes that their governments will honor commitment, ensure the stability and continuity of oil cooperation and protect the lawful interests as well as the personnel and property safety of Chinese companies.

Q: China's aircraft carrier set sail for its second sea trial today. What is the purpose of the trial?

A: According to information released by the Ministry of National Defence, China's aircraft carrier platform, after successfully completing its first sea trial in August, returned to the shipyard as planned for further refitting and testing. The work was completed and it set sail again today to carry out relevant scientific research and experiments.

I'd like to point out that China pursues the path of peaceful development and a national defence policy that is defensive in nature. China stands as a major force in upholding regional and world peace.

Q: It was reported that the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria under the mandate of the Human Rights Council issued a report on November 28, saying that the human rights violations that happened in different locations in Syria constituted crimes against humanity. What is China's comments?

A: China has noted the recent report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria. Highly concerned over the developments in Syria, China calls on all parties there to immediately cease violence, launch an inclusive and balanced political process at an early date and restore national stability and social order as soon as possible. The majority of institutions including the Human Rights Council should provide constructive help to this end.

Q: Some Chinese nationals in Syria have recently started to leave on their own due to tensions there. Does China have plans to evacuate its nationals?

A: The Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Syria attach great importance to the safety of Chinese nationals and institutions there and have urged the Syrian side to provide protection in real earnest. We are closely following the security situation in Syria at present and will provide all necessary assistance for Chinese personnel in Syria.

Q: US and German ambassadors to the UN reportedly asked the Security Council to take more concrete measures against Syria. How does China comment on that?

A: Whether the UN and its Security Council shall take further actions depends on whether these actions are conducive to easing tensions in Syria, pushing for political dialogue to resolve differences and safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East.