The two sides have maintained contact, the spokesman said, adding that China was ready to continue constructive dialogue with the Vatican.

International cooperation urged to prevent illegal immigration

China on Tuesday called on the international community to strengthen cooperation to prevent illegal immigration.

Responding to a question concerning a man from Tibet who was repatriated by the Nepalese government to China last weekend, Liu said that he had not heard of that case.

However, he said, the international community had a consensus on preventing and handling illegal immigration, and relevant countries should enhance cooperation on this issue.

"Correct understanding"of its Myanmar policy called for

China on Tuesday rejected criticism of its Myanmar policy, calling on relevant organizations to correctly understand the policy.

Liu said that China had adopted a "good-neighborly, friendly" policy toward Myanmar, and China's relationship with Myanmar was in the interests of the peoples of both countries.

Liu made the remarks in response to a journalist's question about an organization criticizing China's Myanmar policy.

"China's policy toward Myanmar is conducive to the peace and democracy process in Myanmar, and the realization of peace and reconciliation of Myanmar," Liu said.

"We hope relevant organizations can have a correct understanding of China's Myanmar policy, which is helpful to Myanmar's situation," said Liu.