On the afternoon of April 28, 2011, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a regular press conference.

Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcement:

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao, Federal Chancellor Faymann of the Republic of Austria will pay an official visit to China from May 5 to 7.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Austria. At present, China-Austria relations enjoy sound momentum of growth, with frequent exchange of high-level visits and steady progress of exchanges and cooperation across the board. China values its relations with Austria and appreciates the Austrian Government's adherence to the one China Principle. Taking the 40th anniversary as a new start, China stands ready to work with Austria to advance the China-Austria friendship and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development.

Q: It is reported that the UN Security Council failed to reach an agreement on a presidential Press Statement condemning Syria. What is China's comment?

A: On the early morning of April 28 Beijing time, the UN Security Council held an informal consultation and open meeting on the Syria issue. Some countries expressed reservations about the Security Council issuing a presidential Press Statement on the situation in Syria and no agreement was reached. China participated in relevant discussions with a constructive attitude. We hold that all parties in Syria should resolve differences through political dialogue and tackle the current crisis appropriately in a bid to maintain national stability and normality.

Q: Recently, parties concerned are engaged in frequent interactions including DPRK-ROK dialogue, DPRK-US contact and the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. How do you comment?

A: China is of the view that the Six-Party Talks is the effective platform for the realization of peace, stability and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula as well as enduring peace and security in Northeast Asia. China stands ready to work along with all relevant parties to push for an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks. Always supporting the improvement of relations between the DPRK and the ROK as well as the DPRK and the US through dialogue and consultation, China is glad to see the early contact and dialogue between them respectively and ensuing positive outcome. We also believe that relevant bilateral dialogues and multilateral talks complement and reinforce each other and thus can move ahead in parallel.

Q: Can you update us on the China-US human rights dialogue and its results? Separately, US officials reportedly said that the US was considering tightening visa policy toward Chinese officials and their family members. How do you comment?

A: The China-US human rights dialogue is under way in Beijing. Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hailong met with the US delegation yesterday. Director-General Chen Xu of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Foreign Ministry hosted the dialogue together with US Assistant Secretary of State Posner. The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on issues of common interest. Both expressed the willingness to engage in dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The US delegation is visiting relevant Chinese departments today.

On your second question, we have noted that the US has made a clarification.

Q: How do you comment on the report that Fatah and Hamas have reached an agreement on forming a transitional government and come to an understating over internal reconciliation?

A: China welcomes Palestine's internal reconciliation agreement and hopes it is conducive to enhancing unity and cooperation among the parties in Palestine.