On the afternoon of April 24, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Olympic torch relay, European Parliament's adoption of a resolution relating to China and etc.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon! I have no announcement to start with. The floor is open.

Q: European Commissioner for External Relations Waldner said that the Chinese Government should have dialogue with Dalai in order to make substantive progress on the Tibet issue. The EU Delegation has proposed to have full and constructive communication with China on this issue during its stay in China. What is China's response?

A: As we underscored on many occasions, the Tibet issue is purely China's internal affair that brooks no foreign interference. This is our firm principled position which we hope the international community can fully understand. The Central Government's attitude to Dalai cannot be clearer, that is, the Dalai side must immediately stop all separatist and disruptive activities. The door for dialogue is open if Dalai accepts the requirement of the Central Government.

We look forward to European Commission President Barroso's visit to China along with many other commissioners from 24 to 26. Apart from the theme of sustainable development and climate change, the two sides will also exchange views on China-EU relations and international and regional issues of common interest. We hope this visit will help us expand strategic common ground, build up political mutual trust and deepen cooperation of mutual benefit so as to promote a long-term, healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. In the past couple of months, we have reiterated our position on Tibet-related issues. We hope that the EU will respect facts and fully understand and support the Chinese Government and people's position on major issues that bear on our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Q: How do you comment on the Olympic torch relay in Canberra? The Australian Olympic Committee said that the torch relay was very peaceful and successful albeit the Chinese escorts were minimized to only two or three. What is China's response?

A: As we saw several hours ago, the Olympic torch relay in Canberra concluded safely and smoothly. It was a grand event with many passionate participants from all walks of life in Australia. Australia offered effective cooperation during the torch relay.

Carrying the concept of peace, friendship and harmony, and bringing the Olympic spirit to the world, the Olympic flame is sure to win warm welcome wherever it goes, leaving no room for any disruptive attempts.

Q: Former French Prime Minister Raffarin will arrive in Beijing today before he conveys a letter from President Sarkozy to Chinese leaders. Does China have any message for President Sarkozy?

A: At the invitation of People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, Former French Prime Minister Raffarin will visit China from April 24 to 27. Mr. Raffarin is an old friend of the Chinese people. The red carpet is rolled out for his visit, and leaders from the Central Government will meet with him. We hope the two sides can have an in-depth exchange of views on how to further promote our bilateral relations.

We note that recently, people with visions in France have been working hard to build up mutual understanding between the two peoples and promote bilateral relations. We appreciate their efforts. Further development of China-France relations is in the common interest of the two peoples. We hope that people from both countries can cherish our friendly relations of cooperation which is the result of decades of joint efforts. We should view and handle this relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective to promote a sustained development of the bilateral relations.

Q: Does the Chinese Government support its citizens' legal protests over CNN's biased reports and its commentator Cafferty's insulting remarks against China? Will the domestic public opinion influence the Chinese Government's policy?

A: I have noted that some Chinese people are expressing their appeals on the internet spontaneously. What they are opposed to is the insults against the Chinese people and the distorted and biased reports on China. CNN should not turn a blind eye to their appeals. We have made clear our position on Cafferty's remarks which we hope CNN take serious. CNN's remarks and attitude have not only deeply hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, but also severely damaged CNN's own reputation, and undermined the cooperation between us as well. We'll wait and see how CNN will respond.

Q: An e-mail is currently circulating on the internet, calling on the Chinese people to launch protests during the May Day. Will the Chinese Government allow this kind of protest during the May Day?

A: I would not comment on those on-line remarks. I believe that people will exercise their freedom of expression within the framework of law. I also hope that the public would express their appeals in a reasonable, legal and just way.

Q: The European parliament recently adopted a resolution, alleging that China's unconditional support to some autocracies in Africa has led to human rights violation in those countries, and that China should cut down its fiscal support to