Liu confirmed at a regular briefing that the Chinese navy has conducted a regular firing exercise in the sea southwest of Hainan Island and that China announced it in advance to ensure the safety of nearby ships.

"This action is fully in accordance with international law, international practice and domestic laws,'' said Liu.

"Viet Nam's censure is unreasonable.''

Liu also confirmed some "unidentified'' persons entered illegally the embassies of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Canada in Beijing recently.

Some of them entered the ROK Embassy when claiming to be visa applicants.

Acknowledging that China has kept in contact with the ROK Embassy on the issue, Liu said the nation will continue to handle it in line with international laws, domestic laws and the humanitarian spirit.

The Chinese spokesman also welcomed the recent easing of tension between India and Pakistan.

"From the perspective of maintaining peace and stability in the region, China sincerely hopes India and Pakistan will restart their dialogue as soon as possible and resolve all the disputes, including the Kashmir issue, through negotiations,'' said Liu.

Pakistan has promised to block militants from entering Kashimir, and tension between the two South Asian nuclear-capable countries continued to ease after India said on Monday it had lifted its ban on flights by Pakistani aircraft in its air space.

"It is in the interests of both India and Pakistan to live in harmony with each other,'' said Liu.

Turning to the Afghan Loya Jirga, or Grand Assembly, Liu said China hopes it will be convened peacefully.

"China hopes for the election of a transitional government that has a broad basis and represents the interests of all ethnic groups in the country,'' said Liu, adding this is conducive to stability in the country as well as the region.

The Afghan Loya Jirga started its meeting on Monday and will continue until Sunday in Kabul with the participation of 1,501 delegates.

The aim is to select a transitional government that will lead Afghanistan until another Loya Jirga in 2004.

Chinese ambassador to Kabul Sun Yuxi will attend the meeting as the representative of the Chinese Government, according to Liu.

Concerning the sunken ship in the East China Sea, Liu saidt Japan has informed China of the result of its investigation and has asked for permission for its salvage.

Liu said China needs to study the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related domestic laws before deciding whether such permission can be granted.

The two countries will consult at a proper time on compensation for the losses incurred by the Chinese fishing industry during the salvage efforts.

China gave the green light in April to Japan's underwater investigation of the ship which sank late last year.

(China Daily June 12, 2002)