On May 17, 2012, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference.

Q: Recently, China lodged solemn representations with the UK over the meeting between UK leaders including Prime Minister Cameron with Dalai. Will the China-UK high-level exchanges be affected? How do you view the current China-UK relations?

A: China has made its solemn position clear. The UK's act severely interfered in China's internal affairs, sent a wrong signal to "Tibet Independence" forces, and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. China's Foreign Ministry and Embassy in London have raised solemn representations with the UK side both in Beijing and London. We demand the UK to take China's position seriously, stop condoning and supporting anti-China "Tibet Independence" forces, and immediately take effective measures to eliminate negative impact, so as to safeguard the overall China-UK relations with concrete actions.

Q: It is reported that Philippine Foreign Secretary del Rosario expressed the hope that the Philippine people would bond together to defend their country and the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines would be resolved soon so that the two countries could resume normal relations. How does China respond?

A: The Chinese Government resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty. Meanwhile, we adhere to diplomatic consultations to properly handle the current situation. We have taken note of the speech you mentioned, as well as some positive comments from the Philippine side on maintaining bilateral relations. We hope that the Philippines can send a clear and consistent message in diplomatic resolution, so that serious dialogue can be conducted between the two sides.

Q: Reports said that Philippine President Aquino appointed two special envoys on China affairs, with the main task of promoting friendly exchanges between the two governments, encouraging Chinese tourists to go to the Philippines, and preparing for Philippine officials' visit to China. How does China comment?

A: We have noted the Philippines' attitude of valuing bilateral relations, and we hope to see concrete steps from the Philippine side so as to create a necessary atmosphere and favorable environment for bilateral cooperation.

Q: Three Chinese fishing boats were reportedly held in custody by the DPRK side. Please brief us on the specifics.

A: China has been staying in close communication with the DPRK through relevant channels to push for a proper resolution of the issue at an early date. China demands the DPRK to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese fishermen.

Q: According to reports, the official for Climate Change in the EU Commission said recently that "nearly all" airline companies had agreed to submit aviation carbon emissions data, while warning ten airlines including Chinese companies that they must hand over the data as soon as possible. How does China respond?

A: The unilateral move taken by the EU over international aviation emissions has drawn grave dissatisfaction from non-EU countries. China, as many other countries, opposes the EU's unilateral move and believes the issue of international aviation emissions must be resolved through thorough negotiations under the multilateral framework. China's position on that is consistent and firm. China issued a directive in February that prohibited Chinese airline companies from joining the EU aviation emissions trading scheme. We have no idea how many airlines have submitted data to the EU, but none of the governments we have had contact with accepts the EU's move. We hope that the EU will proceed from the larger interest of international cooperation in combating climate change and the sustainable development of international aviation, adopt a constructive and pragmatic attitude, and conduct full communication and coordination with relevant parties including China, so as to seek a proper resolution acceptable to all.

Q: Chief of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said on May 16 that a two-month fishing ban around relevant waters came into effect on the same day. How does China comment?

A: The Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory. With the aim to protect marine ecology, the Chinese Government has exercised fishing bans over relevant waters in summer for many years. According to our knowledge got from fishery administration department, the fishing ban is only barring some fishing activities in order to meet the requirements of resources conservation, while leaving other fishing activities unaffected. The specifics have been released by the Ministry of Agriculture .