Q: on May 1, US President Obama reportedly made a statement marking "World Press Freedom Day", criticizing China for harassing and jailing journalists. Do you have any comment?

A: The Chinese Government protects its citizens' freedom of speech, and gives full play to the scrutiny role of the press and the public. Since the adoption of the reform and opening-up policy, China's press undertaking has flourished with growing number of professionals. Chinese journalists enjoy adequate freedom to report. Their rights and interests are protected by law. Meanwhile, everyone is equal before the law and no one is allowed to break the law with any excuse.

We urge the US side to respect the facts, have a correct view of press freedom in China, respect China's judiciary sovereignty and stop pointing fingers at China's press freedom.