Q: In the wake of the storming of the British Embassy in Iran, the UK announced the closure of the Embassy and ordered Iran to shut its Embassy in the UK and withdraw all the staff within 48 hours. The Iranian Foreign Ministry threatened with countermeasures. Germany, France and the Netherlands also announced the withdrawal of their ambassadors to Iran as a protest against the storming of the UK Embassy in Iran by the Iranian people. How does China comment on the series of events?

A: China has noted the recent tough reaction of some countries in response to the embassy-storming incident and is concerned over the developments. We hope relevant countries keep calm, stay level-headed, exercise restraint and refrain from taking emotional actions that will intensify conflicts.

In handling state-to-state relations, one should observe the basic norms governing international relations, adopt a long-term and comprehensive perspective and resolve frictions and conflicts through dialogue and consultation.

Q: US Secretary of State Clinton visits Myanmar today and urges it to speed up reforms, improve people's livelihood and human rights conditions. Does China think that her remarks interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs and violate its sovereignty?

A: China welcomes the Myanmese Government's measures to promote domestic political reconciliation. China is willing to see Myanmar strengthening contact and improving relations with relevant western country based on mutual respect. China maintains that relevant country should lift the sanctions against Myanmar to push for its stability and development.

Q: It is reported that after the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for former president of Côte d'Ivoire Gbagbo, Gbagbo is now on his way to the ICC in the Hague. How does China comment?

A: China has noted relevant report and hopes that with the help of the international community, the Government and people of Côte d'Ivoire can overcome the trauma caused by the post-election crisis as soon as possible, consolidate the momentum of peace and stability, advance national reconciliation and realize the revitalization of the country.

Q: It is reported that the High Court of Kenya recently ruled that if Sudanese President Bashir stepped on the soil of Kenya, the Kenyan authorities should immediately arrest him. How does China comment?

A: China has reservations on the International Criminal Court's prosecution against President Bashir. Both Kenya and Sudan are China's friends. China hopes that the two sides can resolve relevant issues appropriately through dialogue and consultation.

Q: Is China concerned that the improvement of US-Myanmar relations will affect China's influence over the region?

A: China and Myanmar have long been engaged in friendly exchanges and cooperation across the board on the basis of mutual respect and equality, which have delivered benefits to both countries. The constant improvement of China-Myanmar comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation meets the common aspiration of the two countries. It will not only bring more benefits to the two peoples, but will also be conducive to regional peace, stability and development.

Q: The EU and eurozone leaders will talk about the European debt issue at the meeting next week. Does China still believe that the European debt crisis is temporary and Europe has the capacity to take care of the current crisis by itself?

A: China believes that Europe has the wisdom and capacity to solve the debt issue, stabilize the financial markets and press ahead with economic recovery and growth.

Q: The Philippine Government recently asked China again to commute the sentence on a Philippine drug trafficker who was sentenced to death. What is China's response?

A: Drug-related crimes are universally recognized felonies. China is a country under the rule of law. The Chinese judicial authority treats foreign drug criminals equally, handles their cases in accordance with law, fully guarantees their litigation rights and access to due treatment and carries out relevant obligations prescribed in international conventions.

I want to point out that China runs the state by law. The Chinese judicial authority has passed a sentence on relevant Philippine drug trafficker in accordance with law. China has noted that the Philippine side has expressed its respect for China's judicial decision.

Hong Lei ended the press conference with the announcement that the Lanting Forum would be held tomorrow and the regular press conference would be canceled.