Q: Spielberg decided to quit as the artistic advisor to the Beijing Olympics. Some Nobel Peace Laureates urge China to play a larger role on the Darfur issue. Do you have any response?

A: We have taken note that recently there have been some discussions and actions involving China's position on the Darfur issue. Some may be out of the concerns on the situation in Darfur. China also follows closely the humanitarian situation there and has been promoting the peace process in Darfur constructively. Still, some try to link this issue with China's African policy and Sudan policy, or even with the Beijing Olympics. It is understandable if they are not familiar with China's policy and for that we can enhance communication. But if it is out of some political motives, we cannot accept it.

You may be interested in what on earth China has done on the Darfur issue. I would like to give a brief update. China attaches great importance on the Darfur issue and has played a positive and constructive role in the properly solution of the issue. China has worked on relevant parities by various means. We helped to facilitate the hard-won consensus among the Sudanese government, AU and UN on the deployment of hybrid action. China's important role in the process is widely applauded by the international community. China has provided 80 million RMB material assistance to Darfur and 1.8 million US dollars aid to AU. China also promised to send a 315-member multi-functional engineering unit to Darfur, with 140 of them already in Darfur and the rest to phase in. China will donate 500,000 US dollar to the UN trust fund that supports the mediation efforts of the two special envoys of the UN and AU on the Darfur issue. These are some of the efforts made by the Chinese Government.

In recent years, Chinese companies in Darfur also have provided many aids to Darfur and participated in construction projects to improve local people's livelihood. Chinese companies have dug 46 wells, and built 20 small-scale power plants, 18 of which have been completed. They also built water supply projects in southern Darfur state by using 50 million US dollars China's governmental preferential loans, including well-digging, water purification, and the laying of 85km-long water pipeline. Some companies use 10 million US dollars of China's preferential loans for the water supply project from Al-Qad?rif state to Al-Fashir of Northern Darfur state. At present, the project is in preparation for construction. Chinese companies have also provided dozens of sets of computers and other teaching equipments to schools in Darfur.

I shall point out that empty rhetoric and slogans will not help resolve the humanitarian issue in Darfur. It is imperative to promote the peace process and alleviate the humanitarian crisis there by constructive and substantial actions. That is exactly what China is doing now! I hope relevant people can view China's position and constructive role on the Darfur issue from an objective and just perspective, and do something real for the people there.

Q: Not long ago, the US alleged that they had arrested four Chinese spies. Do you have any response? What is China's position on the espionage issue?

A: We have taken note of the report. The so-called accusation against China on the issue of espionage is utterly groundless and out of ulterior motives. We urge the US to abandon its Cold War mentality and put end to the groundless accusations and do more to contribute to mutual trust and friendship between our two peoples.