The Darfur issue has attracted worldwide attention. In some media's point of view, China, that maintains good relationship with Sudan, should have played a more important role in solving this issue. Some media criticizes China on arming the Sudanese government and keeping silent on the massacre, and even suggests boycotting the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These accusations are ignorant, unfair and groundless.

In fact, China pays a great attention to the Darfur issue and has done any right and efficient things for its proper settlement, along with the international community.

Firstly, China's policy towards Darfur is to seek a long-term and complete settlement through political means, equal consultation and dialogue. This is China's persistent policy on international issues and disputes. We believe, a political and complete settlement through dialogue will benefit the people involved and do good to the peace, stability and development of the neighboring countries. This policy has won acknowledgement and appreciation from African countries, the African Union, the Arab League in particular and the international community in general.

Secondly, the Chinese government has engaged in active and pragmatic coordination for the political settlement of the Darfur crisis. The Chinese government has been communicating with and persuading the Sudanese government, through high level exchange of visits, sending special envoys, telephone calls and exchange of letters, into cooperation with UN and other parties. In February this year, Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to Sudan. The Chinese government special envoy visited Sudan recently. China has appointed a special representative on the Darfur issue, to communicate with the parties related and to consult and coordinate with his counterparts from African Union, Arab League and other countries. Ambassador Liu Guijin, Chinese special representative on the Darfur issue, has attended the Darfur peace talk held in Libya a few days ago. On the other hand, China invites Sudanese leaders and ministers to visit China and holds discussions with them on Darfur. The Sudanese government accepted the final part of the Annan Plan not long ago, which has much to do with China's effort. China values action rather than empty talks, values diplomatic ways rather than blaming, threatening, criticizing and sanctions that may bring grave consequences in the region, values the common interests of the countries of this region and the whole world rather than the self interests of certain parties.

Thirdly, the Chinese government supports the UN resolutions on Darfur and has participated the UN peacekeeping operation in Sudan. China has already dispatched more than 400 soldiers to join the UN peacekeepers in the south of Sudan and is scheduled to send an engineering division of 275 troopers to Darfur in the near future. Furthermore, China has provided assistance to the African Union mission in Darfur.

Fourthly, China maintains a traditional relationship of friendly cooperation with Sudan, provides assistance to Sudan including Darfur within its capacity, with a view to helping develop the local economy and improve the living standard of the people. The Darfur issue was triggered by different tribes fighting for water, land and graze because of the poverty, degrading environment and the shortage of resources, essentially speaking it is an issue of development. China and Sudan enjoy good cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, education, health and sanitation, energy, infrastructure and others, which are all open to the public, transparent and mutual beneficial. The purpose of these cooperations is to help the economic and social development in Sudan, to improve the living standard of the Sudanese people. It is worth mentioning that China has been providing assistance to the Darfur region. Since 2004, China has provided this region with over 15 million USD and invested nearly 30 million USD for the dam building project in the North Darfur. The humanitarian assistance provided by China has arrived in Darfur by the end of October. The Chinese companies also participate in the water supply facilities, road constructions in Darfur, and provide assistance and donation to local schools and hospitals. The development assistance provided by China will do help to the complete settlement of the Darfur issue.

The above-mentioned policies and measures demonstrate China is a country of responsibility, and have won acknowledgement and appreciation by the international community including African countries. The UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon highly evaluates China's constructive role on Darfur issue.

Finally, let's have a look at the issues of China's arm sale and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Chinese government is very cautious and conscientious on arms export. The scale of Chinese arms export is quite limited. China exports arms to sovereign countries only and for the use of their national defense. Chinese firms abide by the regulations of China and UN in their business. I have to raise a point here that, China is not a big arms exporter. There are many countries in the world that export arms far exceeding China both in quantity and scale.

The 29th Olympics Games is going to be held in Beijing next year. A basic principle of Olympics is non-political. To boycott Beijing Olympics Games in the excuse of China's relationship with Sudan is irresponsible and runs against the basic principle of the Olympics. Some of those who claim for the boycott do not know about China's policies and what China has done on the Darfur issue. While others do that because of their bias on China. The Chinese people is confident to host a successful and excellent Olympics Games despite of any interferences.

At present, thanks to the efforts made by China and other parties, the situation in Darfur is developing in the positive direction. China's stand on Darfur is clear and coherent. The Chinese government is positive on any solutions that are beneficial for the long-term and complete settlement of the Darfur issue, and China will continue to make its contributions for the peace and stability of the region.