This week Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kong Quan has answered through telephone the following questions raised by foreign correspondents posted in Beijing after the routine Foreign Ministry press conference suspended for the summer break.

Q：It's reported by Japanese media that Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will discuss with Japan about the exemption of Japanese citizens' short-term visas to China when he visits Japan. Please confirm.

A: Japan is China's friendly neighbour. In recent years, with the expansion of our reform and opening as well as the rapid economic development, more and more Japanese citizens come to China for business and sightseeing. Since the adoption of the reform and opening-up policy over two decades ago, China has gradually relaxed the entry restriction for Japanese, simplifying visa formalities and adding multiple entry visas. These measures have encouraged the friendly exchanges between the two peoples and promoted the economic growth and opening-up of China. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, to meet the demands of the development of the situation and promote the friendship between the two peoples, China stands ready to work with Japan to further facilitate the exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.

Q: It's reported that the Japanese Chief Cabinet will be visiting China soon. What will be discussed?

A: It's agreed by China and Japan that Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda will visit China from August 9th to 11th to participate activities commemorating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Chinese leadership will meet with him and exchange views with him on bilateral ties and other issues of common interest.

Q: Israeli Prime Minister Sharon noted the other day that if Egypt refused to release Israeli spy Azzam Azzam, it will be excluded from the Middle East peace process. What's your comment on that?

A: We hope that Israel and Egypt can proper handle the question through friendly negotiation.

Q: On August 7th, a car bombing at the gate of the Jordan's Embassy in Iraq led to dozens of deaths and injuries, representing the largest ever bombing since of the US-British occupation of Baghdad. What's your comment on that?

A: We express our deep regret towards the major casualty and loss of property. China believes that the top priority is to ensure the quick resumption of stability and order of Iraq. Various parties should make joint efforts to achieve the goal.

Q: What's your comment on the Arab League's Resolution that it would not send troops to Iraq before the end of occupation?

A: China sincerely hopes that Iraq will soon regain its social order and rule of law so as to build as early as possible a new government with wide representation.