Journalist: Malaysia and China have had some frictions over some islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands, such as the Swallow Reef. However, the relationship between Malaysia and China has moved forward steadily. I would like to ask whether China will hold talks with Malaysia and other countries who have sovereignty disputes with China in the South China Sea on joint development in the South China Sea?

Wen Jiabao: China remains committed to the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Territorial disputes and disputes over maritime rights and interests should be resolved between the countries concerned through peaceful consultations. We disapprove of referring bilateral disputes to multilateral forums because that will only make these issues bigger and more complicated. As you rightly pointed out, although China and Malaysia have some territorial disputes over some islands and reefs in the South China Sea, this has not prevented us from peaceful coexistence.

Second, I fully believe that in spite of their territorial disputes and disputes over maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, the countries concerned should and can carry out joint development in the South China Sea. This is in the interest of peace and stability in the South China Sea. It also serves the interests of the countries concerned and all relevant parties.

Let me address a subject that I deem very important, that is China's development and where China is heading. I know some ASEAN countries have shown a keen interest in this topic. I would like to say that China remains a developing country. With over 30 years of reform and opening-up, we have achieved much progress in our economic and social development. However, China remains a big country with a large population and a weak economic foundation. That means we still have to work long and hard if we are to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieve our goal of modernization. China adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace, and the policy of building good-neighborly relationships and partnerships with neighboring countries. This is our policy when China is not a developed country. It will remain to be our policy even when China becomes a developed country in the future. China will never seek hegemony.

China's development in itself is a major contribution to human progress and prosperity. China's development also represents an opportunity for its neighboring countries, especially ASEAN countries. China is a big country that does not shirk its responsibilities. We have played our part in upholding world peace, security and stability. We are of the view that only by maintaining a peaceful external environment and a stable domestic environment can China and ASEAN countries enjoy continuous development and progress. I believe that on this subject we will have the long-term understanding and cooperation of ASEAN countries.

Journalist: Great changes have taken place in the region of East Asia. How will China handle its relations with extra regional powers like the United States which has been included in the East Asia Summit? What responsibility and obligation will China undertake to maintain the regional peace and stability. And also since the United States and Russia have joined the East Asia Summit, the regional mechanism of cooperation has changed and adjusted. What is your view on this issue?

Wen Jiabao: I have personally experienced the entire course of development of the East Asia Summit. In approaching the new dynamics in East Asian cooperation, I believe it is important that we follow the following three principles: First, we need to consolidate, enhance and further develop the existing cooperation mechanisms. This is of the highest and most practical significance. We need to work together to establish and improve long-term cooperation plans, increase input in cooperation and work for the full implementation of all cooperation plans with a view to delivering real benefits to people of all East Asian countries. Second, we need to respect the diversity of East Asian cooperation. New dynamics in our cooperation mechanisms reflect the diversity of East Asian cooperation. In carrying out East Asian cooperation, China has always advocated and adhered to the one important principle, that is, East Asian cooperation should always have ASEAN play the leading role, and contribute to the progress of ASEAN integration and development of all ASEAN countries. Third, East Asian cooperation should stay open and inclusive. Our cooperation has been constantly expanded. And from this year, leaders of the United States and Russia will attend the East Asia Summit. I believe the East Asia Summit should stick to its nature as a leaders-led strategic forum. This forum should be conducive to peace and stability in East Asia and contribute to stronger East Asian cooperation and the development and progress of East Asia.

China is a responsible country. China adheres to its path of peaceful development, and assumes its due responsibilities for regional security and stability in such areas as counter terrorism and maritime security. China has always advocated that efforts should be made to ensure navigation freedom and safety in accordance with the relevant principles of international law. And China has contributed its part to this end. China has been a beneficiary of the international shipping lanes in the South China Sea. As known to many people, many of China's goods, including energy imports, are transported through the Malacca Strait. We want to enhance cooperation with other countries to uphold navigation security in the South China Sea and security in the Malacca Strait.

I will soon start my visits to Malaysia and Indonesia. I believe that with a sincere and in-depth exchange of views with leaders of the two countries and extensive engagement with people from various sectors, my visits will achieve full success and boost the friendship and cooperation between China and Malaysia and between China and Indonesia. Thank you.