CRI听力：Chinese FM: Beijing Safe for Olympic Games

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi says China is one of the safest place in the world for residents and visitors alike. At a press conference in Beijing, the minister said the Chinese capital will be secure during the upcoming Olympic Games, then offered briefs on other international issues. CRI reporter Liao Jibo has more.

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"China is surely one of the safest places in the world."

Those are the words Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi brushed off last week's foiled attack on a Chinese flight and the resulting security concerns for the Olympic Games.

"If you don't believe it, you can ask your ambassador in China, or any ambassadors from western countries. Do they feel safer in China, or elsewhere? I believe people think Beijing is safe."

The air in Beijing is also safe, he said, for the athletes who will attend the Games in August.

Yang also dismissed a link between Chinese patriotism in support of the Olympics and the politicization of the Games.

"Does the Chinese government stir up people's desire to support the Olympics? I think all people with just and objective attitudes will see that the Chinese people support the Olympics sincerely and from the bottom of their hearts."

Yang says China's aggregate greenhouse gas emissions are heavy due to its huge population. The current global climate change, however, should be attributed to past emissions by developed countries.

"The average combined emissions of three Chinese is less than that of one person from a developed country. If one person from a developed country eats three slices of bread for breakfast while those from developing countries can only have one slice, who do you think should be on a diet, if we look at greenhouse gas emissions from the perspective that all men are born equal?"

While answering questions concerning Sino-Japanese relations, he said Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit Japan soon, on a date to be finalized by diplomats for both sides.

"With the efforts of both countries' leaders, relations between Japan and China are back on track, and face more opportunities. The visit will boost relations."

He pressed for further cooperation between China and Japan in the poisoned dumplings investigation.

On the United States front, the minister expressed hopes that the U.S. will export more high-tech products to China to solve the trade imbalance, while praising current developments.

"U.S. restrictions on the export of high-tech products to China are too tight, and this is an important reason for the imbalance. China is willing to increase imports from the U.S. As a matter of fact, China is the fastest growing export market for the United States"

The minister said China is ready to conduct human rights dialogues with the U.S., on the basis of equality and mutual respect.(www.Hxen.com)

On Sino-African relations, Yang said China is a driving force in Africa's development, but the world should respect the will of the African people.

"African countries have the right to choose their cooperation partners, to use their resources for development, and turn potential advantages into reality."

Hundreds of Chinese and foreign journalists attended Wednesday's press conference, a routine procedure for the Chinese foreign minister during the annual session of the National People's Congress.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is scheduled to hold a press conference next Tuesday.