Policymakers from leading energy consuming countries will meet in Beijing next week to further the field's dialogue and partnership, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said yesterday at a regular press conference.

 

The one-day meeting of energy ministers from China, the US, Japan, South Korea and India will be held on December 16, said Qin.

 

"The meeting, organized by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), aims to intensify dialogue and cooperation among the world's major energy consumers," Qin said, adding preparations were under way.

 

The NDRC, headed by the minister Ma Kai, is China's economic planning body and oversees the country's energy policy.

 

Delegates will discuss ways to reduce energy consumption, increase renewable and alternative energy usage, and thus protect and conserve the world's energy supplies, Qin said.

 

The meeting comes as the world's oil market braces for soaring crude oil prices.

 

"We hope the meeting can help related countries to promote communications in their energy policies and exchange views on the current world's energy situation," Qin said.

 

US Energy Secretary Sam Bodman will lead the US delegation while the Indian mission will be headed by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora, accompanied by Petroleum Secretary M.S. Srinivasan and senior officials from companies including top refiner IOC and producer ONGC Videsh.

 

Japan's Trade Minister Akira Amari and Energy Director Harufumi Mochizuki will attend, taking the line of promoting energy conservation and substitution as a top priority for Beijing since it unveiled tough efficiency targets in March this year.

 

The South Korean Energy Minister Chung Sye-kyun and Korea National Oil Corp CEO Hwang Doo-yul will represent Seoul.

 

At the media briefing, Qin also called on the US to ease its export controls on high-tech products enabling easier sound development of Sino-US trade relations.

 

US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said on Tuesday he is moving ahead with plans to overhaul US licensing requirements for exports to China.

 

"As we expand our exports to China, we need to strike the right balance of promoting exports while also having prudent safeguards to protect our national security," Gutierrez said.

 

He will be part of a US delegation to China next week led by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson for the two countries' Strategic Economic Dialogue.

 

These meetings are held to promote long-term cooperation and help resolve trade friction.

 

"If the US side can make more active efforts in this regard, the bilateral trade will become more balanced," Qin said.

 

As to the China-Australia nuclear energy cooperation, Qin said that "it serves peaceful purposes and common interests."

 

Both China and Australia are signatories of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Qin said.

 

"As a responsible country, China will honor its commitments and observe the relevant international treaties," he said.

 

Turning to the Iran nuclear issue, Qin reiterated that the UN Security Council's actions should help solve the Iran nuclear issue through diplomatic means.

 

China supported negotiations to solve the issue, and that all parties should give diplomatic efforts more time, Qin said.

 

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution in late July, urging Tehran to suspend by August 31 all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, or face possible sanctions.

 

The five veto-holding members of the Security Council -- the US, Britain, Russia, China and France -- plus Germany, held a meeting at the French Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, to reach an agreement on the Iran sanctions.

 

The US said "one-on-one" talks with Iran "have been ruled out" until Iran suspends enrichment and reprocessing activities with France, in a rare transatlantic show of support, said sanctions should be urgently adopted.

 

Qin also commented on the Iraqi issue, saying China hoped the situation in Iraq would be stabilized soon and the Iraqi people could enjoy peace.

 

China hoped the Iraqi issue could be solved through relevant UN resolutions, and that Iraqi people would self-govern, Qin said.

 

About Fiji's political situation, Qin said, "We are concerned about the current situation in Fiji and hope that the parties concerned will work together and seek a proper solution to keep social stability."

 

Qin's comments came following Fiji's army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama's coup d'etat on Tuesday, the country's fourth in nearly 20 years.

 

"China sincerely hopes that Fiji will maintain social stability and economic development," Qin said.

 

(China Daily, Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)