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Q: Recently Australian officials urged China to deal with the Rio Tinto case in a transparent and speedy way. How do you respond to that? Second, under what circumstances will China agree on new sanctions against Iran at the appeal of France and the US?

A: On the Rio Tinto case, according to the procuratorial authorities, on January 10, 2010, the No.1 Branch of Shanghai People's Procuratorate accepted the case involving Stern Hu and three others with the Rio Tinto suspected of bribery and infringing commercial secrets according to law. The No.1 Branch of Shanghai People's Procuratorate has indicted the four suspects.

On the second question, China hopes relevant parties to enhance diplomatic efforts and seek a comprehensive, long-term and proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation with a view to maintaining the international nonproliferation regime and peace and stability of the Middle East region. China is ready to make joint efforts with the international community to play a constructive role for the resolution of the issue.

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Q: It is reported that China does not want to impose sanctions on Iran because of its oil interests there. How do you comment?

A: China is serious in maintaining the efficacy of the international non-proliferation regime. China always believes that dialogue and negotiation is the fundamental way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. China will continue to work for peace and facilitate talks.

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