1. Tokyo Shinbun: I have two questions: firstly, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shine the day before yesterday. Can you tell me whether city authorities has received any applications for people to demonstrate their opposition? Second question: will relocated residents who have signed relocation agreements but have yet to move for various reasons be forced to move? Thanks.

Jiao Yang: Your first question is a very important one. You all know via the news media that the day before yesterday, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shine, where 14 World War II war criminals are enshrined, despite the strong opposition of China and other Asian countries and their people. The Chinese government has strongly condemned the Japanese side on its willfully hurting the feelings and dignity of war victims and also seriously damaging the relationship between Japan and China. Chinese people have also expressed their indignation and condemnation in various ways. Shanghai is adhering to the decisions made by the central government. We are expecting Japanese leaders to respect Chinese people's attitudes and better-deal with the sensitive historical issues concerning Chinese people's feelings. China is building a harmonious socialist society. Harmony and stability are fundamental requirements of the country and the people, so ensuring their presence is the responsibility of all. The masses and students are expected to focus on the overall situation and express their feelings in a calm, rational, legal and orderly way. We expect them not to participate in any unapproved demonstrations and to maintain social order consciously and transfer their strong patriotism into hard work and study.

To date, local authorities have not received any applications for the holding of demonstrations. We expect the masses and students not to participate in any unapproved demonstrations and express their feelings in a calm, rational, legal and orderly way.

As to your second question, are you aware that in March this year the Shanghai Municipal government issued a special regulation on relocation which clarifies various policies and measures concerned with relocation? The regulation covers a series of operational criteria on relocation, including stipulations on transparency, keeping of promises, the right to know, complaint procedures and how to deal with various situations in a legal way. Reporters are advised to research the issues at the Shanghai government website (www.Shanghai.gov.cn), and I will not cover them here one by one.

2. Eastday: In the "Shanghai Scrap Metal Recycling Regulations", what is the definition of 'productive scrap metal', 'nonproductive scrap metal' and 'public-sector scrap metal property'? Which government department will receive applications for the establishment of productive scrap metal recycling companies?

Jiao Yang: In my press release just now, to save time, I haven't elaborated on the definitions one by one. They are very important. In the "Shanghai Scrap Metal Recycling Regulations", 'productive scrap metal' refers to scrap steel, colored metal, mechanical equipment, shipping and parts originating from production and operations; 'nonproductive scrap metal' refers to that originating from residents' daily lives. To recycle the two kinds of metal, the new regulation only requires registration and cooperation with the industrial and commercial department according to the law; the 'public-sector scrap metal property' refers to municipal public facilities, instruments, sculptures and other items which contain metal and have been damaged by nature or people, including manhole covers, cover boards, guardrails, pipelines, cable lines, pylons, prop stands, signboards, boundary markers, lighting, environmental & sanitation, fire-control and railway equipment. These are the definitions of the three categories.

Applications for the recycling of productive scrap metal should go to the public security department and they will approve or disapprove within 20 days of receiving the application. If approved, the applicants will be issued business permits for the recycling of productive scrap metal; if rejected, they will receive written notices explaining the reasoning of the public security department. The business permit for the recycling of productive scrap metal follows the pattern set by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.

3. Phoenix TV: I've two questions to ask the spokesperson. One is about the bird flu outbreak affecting many Asian countries recently. I'd like to hear about any responding measures the government intends to take. Would you like to give us a detailed introduction to the medicines and quarantine facilities the city has developed against bird flu? The other is about the literary icon Ba Jin. We'd like to know how will the foreign media participate in the reporting on his death? Will an application for permission to cover his funeral be necessary? Thank you.
 

Jiao Yang: The second question signifies the duty and sense of a professional reporter. Whether an application is needed to report Ba Jin's funeral is an issue concerning reporters' rights. It's not something included in the news release because we mainly release government rules and regulations. But this is a good question. She has noticed there are management standards on news reporting. I think you can contact the writer's association for further information. We'll help you with the contact if necessary. Because Ba Jin is a literary giant, his death saddened us. Besides, a big audience will be eager to learn about him. Therefore, we'll support the media and help them with their reporting.

As to bird flu, we've noticed the international media has many reports about it, and also Phoenix TV. We've set up a long-term mechanism to combat it since its previous appearance in China. Relevant authorities, including the health, inspection and quarantine center, the disease control center, the agricultural department, and the health administration departments, have focused on their respective duties ever since. They've been tracking and observing the situation closely and filing daily reports. Your question about what medicines we'll use is quite professional. I suggest you contact CDC (center for disease control) or the agricultural department for more professional information.

4. Morning Post: On the control of dangerous chemicals, the government has set up a joint-control mechanism for the Yangtze Delta Region. what's it all about? How will it progress? Shanghai has issued the Scrap Metal Recycling Regulations. What will the police and law enforcement agencies do to intensify oversight and crack down on related crimes? Regarding the supply of LPG for residential use, there were long queues outside LPG stations during the National Day holidays. I'd like to know how many liquified natural gas stations there are in the city, how many are functional and what will the government do to ensure their supply?

Jiao Yang: Dangerous chemicals-transportation covers different areas. Separate regional controls will not now take effect as expected. Therefore, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province and the Shanghai Municipality have been studying the creation of a Yangtze Delta region joint-control mechanism, with contributions from the safe-production control authorities, and the cooperation of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau and public transportation and marine authorities. we've gained the support from such provinces as Jiangsu and Zhejiang to try to create such a mechanism in order to share information and enhance cooperation. We've already started with the issue of the transportation of dangerous chemicals. Our measures are as follows. First, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang have published a list of the companies in their region that are qualified for such work. We'll exchange our lists and share it online. The list will include the company names, vehicle license-plate numbers, drivers' profiles and supercargo numbers. We'll check the vehicles at every entry and exit point of the cities and provinces so as to strictly crack down on unqualified companies, transporters, or on drivers who haven't been properly trained. Secondly, we'll settle the cases and implement punishments and inform the authorities of the cities where the companies are registered. The authorities will then issue warnings, stop their operations until corrective steps are taken and even take back their certificates. Thirdly, the safe-production supervision authorities, the police, the public transportation, marine and port authorities will launch regular checks, put more efforts into investigation,  disclosure and publicity, and intensify supervision from the whole of society. Now the mission has begun, we're developing it and making progress. The mechanisim is expected to be perfected gradually, with the accumulation of time and experience.

The reporters asked about the issue of scrap metal recycling just now, wondering how the police will crack down on illegal activities. Such wrongdoings as we talked about is really appalling. It seems that while criminals steal only a small portion of electrical wire, cable or fire main nozzles, they actually disturb city security, residents' lives and properties and normal work and life. The public security authorities have kept a close eye on the issue and commenced measures to crack down on such deeds systematically, in response to the requirements of the Party committee and the government. Firstly, they have worked on the draft of the regulations on the implemention of scrap metal recycling management. They are also coordinating with other departments to draft the notice on the changing of business certificates, draft the rules on the recyclers' permits and related procedures and requirements. Secondly, they are collaborating with other departments on macro-management and planning. Thirdly, they'll step up efforts to investigate un-settled cases, and will designate a special group to take-on difficult cases and stop the criminals. They'll also try to improve procedures in the issuance of permits, intensify management and control of recycling stations, get to the root of problems and eradicate them. The police in key areas will intensify patrols so as to catch thieves in the act. At the same time, district police will step up surveillance of key targets to collect clues and raise efficiency. They are cooperating more with the commercial and business authorities and industry associations to form a long-term management mechanism on the scrap metal recycling industry, while making the management more transparent to the public and launching correction programs in target areas. They are setting-up and perfecting a unified reporting system with the government departments and their representatives, and a case-handover system to keep the exchange of information smooth and timely so that work is reviewed and any possible faults are avoided. They are also increasing inter-provincial cooperations to keep real-time track of the criminals and issue precaution notices. Meanwhile, they'll initiate spot-checks, in conjunction with neighbourhood police, on criminal groups and the buyers of the stole articles.

Just now, the reporter referred to a notice from the pricing authority on price changes for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).  Since LPG prices are greatly influenced by international oil prices, they often see fluctuations.
To ensure regular LPG supplies and stabilize the market, as well as to protect the interests of both sellers and buyers, Shanghai introduced an LPG pricing system in 2002, under which retail LPG prices are linked to oil prices or imported LPG prices.  According to the oil or imported LPG price and based on a certain price ratio between LPG and gasoline, the pricing authority periodically announces the mid-level of retail LPG prices and the range within which they can fluctuate. 
When it comes to the current price changes, media reports have given detailed coverage and I will not elaborate here.  The price changes can be checked on the government website.  Depending on the market, the oil companies can set retail prices within the government-allowed range.

The gas administration department has asked the oil companies to operate business strictly by the rules so as to ensure regular supplies.  Those violating the regulations will be punished.  Previously, as the reporter observed, some gas stations had encountered problems.  In so far as we know, the situation has been improving markedly.  The pricing authority and the gas administration department have held meetings and circulated the order that the market must operate in a regular fashion to ensure market supplies and that those breaking the rules will be punished by law. 
With demand for natural gas increasing, both the city's total LPG supply and supplies during peak periods have become insufficient. Responding to global shortages and the erratic oil price, Shanghai is taking positive measures to refine the price relation between LPG and its alternatives as well as to perfect the LPG pricing system.  By reinforcing price management on the buyers' side, improving the structure of the local energy market and quickening natural gas development, we will strive to ensure Shanghai's energy security as well as its sustainable socio-economic development.

5.  National Business Daily:  I have two questions.  One is about F1. For the recent F1 event, we notice that this year's deficit stands at 500 million yuan.  Though ticket income has grown 6 percent, total income has slipped 15 percent.  So, my question is: when do you think the event will start to make a profit?
My second question is about Yangshan port.  How is its first phase of the project progressing? When will it open?  Regarding the bidding for the second phase, what considerations will Shanghai use when evaluating potential investors in the deep-water port project? Thankyou.

Jiao Yang: I don't think the government is the one to answer your first question, because F1 is a market-orientated business operation.  Therefore, for business operations, including its profitability, you should contact F1's management for firsthand and detailed data.

Since the Yangshan Deep-Water Port is a key part of the national strategy of building a shipping center in Northeast Asia, the City Party Commission and government attach great importance to it.  As reported by the media, the first phase is progressing well and the city government's priority project for this year is expected to complete by year's-end.  Constructors and enterprises are encouraged to advance the construction to meet the government's timetable.  As to the date of completion, I want to say it is definite that the bridge, port and new city will open by the year's end and commence formal operations. 
With regard to the second phase project,  preparations are now actively underway.  But I'm not clear on the details as to which enterprises have bid or have won selection.  I suggest you contact the deepwater port's construction headquarters for details.

6.  Dragon TV:  PVC cling film reportedly has the potential to cause cancer.  Is it available at Shanghai supermarkets?  How will the Shanghai government ensure food-packaging safety for citizens? What measures will be taken?

Jiao Yang: The City Party Commission and government attach high importance to food safety.  We have noticed reports addressing this issue and checked with related departments.  Currently, PVC cling film is not banned in some developed countries for use as food-wrapping.  In fact, many countries have defined standards for the composition of chloroethylene monomer residue,  the raw material of PVC, and the variety, application, scope and dosage of plasticizers in PVC. 
In our country, there are two sets of standards regarding food-use PVC plastic.  One is "Health Standards on Chloroethylene Products for Food Wrapping", and the other is "Health Standards on Plasticizers for Food Containers and Packaging".  The two sets of standards specify regulations on chloroethylene monomer and plasticizers in respect of index and dosage, which conform to international practice.

Most cling film now available in Shanghai, that which consumers buy directly from stores or supermarkets, is made from PE.  Unlike PVC films which are produced from chloroethylene, PE, or polytene, is poisonless and quite safe.  It's notable that there are two types of PE films.  One is for use under normal temperatures and the other is for heating, and the two should not be confused.

Food packaging materials have been a key area of routine spot checks by the food and drug supervision department. No substandard products have been found in the checks of recent years. 
In regard to the current situation, the city food and drug supervision authority has conducted random inspections of PVC film used at some local supermarkets and launched a comprehensive evaluation on whether PVC films can cause cancer.  The results will be disclosed to the public along with a consumer advisory. 
Also, the quality and technology supervision department will keep a close eye on PVC-use and standards abroad and research the safety and stability of PVC materials used in China. If health hazards become apparent, it will alert citizens and the relevant departments immediately and take appropriate action.

7. Eastern Television Taiwan: My question concerns the bird flu situation in the city.  According to some foreign news agencies, aniseed, as the only and most effective medicine to prevent the disease till now, is mainly grown and traded by the mainland of China. The reports also indicated the extreme shortage of current Aniseed stocks. How is the supply situation of Aniseed in Shanghai?
Second question, has Shanghai prepared another specific medicine, Oseltamivir, against Bird Flu?  If yes, how are preparations going and are stocks adequate?  Thank you.

Jiao Yang:  I haven't heard any news about a shortage of Aniseed in Shanghai or in any other city.  We do have a certain amount of Oseltamivir in store.  As Imentioned just now, what we have been dedicated to these past several years is creating a long-term mechanism that includes storage of some specific medicines for use at any moment. So, I am confident in our preparations.  Thank you.

8. News Channel STV (Shanghai Television Station): This year, the city has won a big victory in curbing the insect pest "rice fly flea". So, I'd like to know if rice yields this year will meet the target set at the beginning of the year?
My second question is about the Cholera situation in the city.  Soon after the detection of several Cholera cases in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, a further seven cases occurred in Shanghai.  Could you please tell us what precautionary measures the city has taken to stop the spread of this infectious disease?
Finally, regarding the management of dangerous chemical plants, the city might close or discontinue the operations of those unable to provide authoritative permits as of next January 1st.  How many plants, among the over 6,000 chemical plants or relevant enterprises in the city, are faced with closure in your estimation?  Thank you.

Jiao Yang: The questions you asked relate to important issues touching people's lives. The big win, as you described just now, owes much to the effective control of insect pests in rice plants. And the precautions are still under way. Consequently, the rice output of this season is secure, and local people shouldn't be too worried about the rice they eat.  It is safe for human consumption.
I just received definite information from the municipality, which says it's a good harvest this year, despite some impact from pests. The target for this year of 1 billion kilograms could be achieved.
There were several cases of Cholera in the city's neighboring areas during the past few months, and the latest statistics for cholera cases in Shanghai show seven so far this year.  Actually, the incidence of cholera from January to September eased by 21.17 percent, compared to previous years, almost recording a record low. 
This is due to the effective and comprehensive precautions that have been taken since the beginning of autumn, which is invariably a high season for outbreaks of enteric infectious diseases and agent infectious diseases, namely cholera, diarrhea, malaria or epidemic hemorrhagic fever (EHF).
Meanwhile local public health departments suggest that ventilation, warming and sanitation work should be conducted assiduously in public areas, such as schools and hospitals.  Timely hospitalization, as soon as symptoms of respiratory infectious disease become apparent, will greatly reduce the spread of the above diseases.

As for the last question, there is a total of over 6,000 factories in the city dealing with the production, storage, transport, use, disposal and trade of dangerous chemicals.  During the procedures of approving and granting Safe Production Permits, some chemical plants will be ordered to stop production or relocate should they fail to meet safety standards.
Some preliminary statistics show that 43 of 591 chemical plants inspected are operating illegally due to their lacking production permits. The plants which lack permits should cease production as of next January 1.

Now, the municipal administration for safe production has finished investigation of those conducting illegal operations, demanding detailed information on their capital situations, employee numbers, personnel structure and so on.  The city is also preparing for the transfer of employees, capital compensation and debt re-scheduling which will come with the closeure of these plants.
In the event of closure or relocation, the relevant government departments and shareholders, as responsible bodies, will take the necessary steps to resolve all outstanding issues.

9. Mainichi Broadcasting System: The municipal government promised to compensate the losses of Japanese-owned shops which were damaged by the anti-Japanese demonstrations in April. According to what our reporters have learned, the government paid 5,000 yuan as a symbolic gesture to a store whose loss totaled 800,000 yuan, and was a far cry from the sum the store had demanded. What is the government's attitude toward the disagreement? Do you think the issue has already been settled by the payment, or will you consider the store's demands and negotiate a settlement? Thank you.

Jiao Yang: One thing's for sure, the municipal government will match its deeds to its words. The government departments concerned are dealing with the after-effects of the event according to regulations and the particular circumstances. I cannot tell you the exact sum and requirements. But I'd like to emphasize that the government will definitely live up to its word. The problem is, the government has never promised compensation. It only agreed to cope with the event's adverse effects on the city's environment and appearance.

10. Xinwen Wubao: I'd like to know how government departments cooperate to oversee the handling of dangerous chemicals. Secondly, some petrol stations are located either near residential areas or downtown. Is this a threat to public safety, and what preventive measures has the government taken to guarantee public safety? Thank you.

Jiao Yang: You've raised good questions here. I will answer the second one first. The distance between petrol stations and residential areas is a matter of concern of both the citizens and the media. Due to the peculiarity of petrol stations, which are run to suit the convenience of local residents, and their importance to the local economy and social life, quite a few of them are located along main roads in downtown and even residential areas. The very existence of petrol stations in these areas is an international norm.
Although the regulations on dangerous chemicals have no statutory restrictions on the distance between petrol stations and residential areas, the planning policies relevant to petrol stations have safe-distance requirements. Most petrol stations in the city can meet the requirements. Besides, only a very few types of dangerous chemicals are present at petrol stations and the chemical containers are buried underground. We have adopted appropriate safety measures to avoid the risk of lightning and explosion. Fire-fighting equipment such as extinguishers and coarse sand are adequate to deal with emergencies. Local risk-management measures conform to the required standards. The local Administration of Work Safety conducts inspections more frequently these days. Petrol stations failing the inspection will be pushed to rectify their problems and use anti-explosion devices. They will face closure if they fail the test a second time. I believe local residents can feel safe.
As to your question about inter-departmental cooperation on combating dangerous-chemical-related crimes, the departments concerned should attach great importance to the task and seek close cooperation in the field. Since no department can accomplish the task on its own, we should develop close inter-governmental cooperation, establish a mechanism which will exert an enduring influence and launch campaigns to rectify problems. From August through October 2004, the city waged a three-month campaign against toxic chemical pollution. More than 5,100 security loop-holes were found during the campaign which mobilized more than 10,000 inspectors and involved nearly 5,000 enterprises within the chemical industry. Actions were taken to eliminate the potential risks found in the campaign. For example, we have established a system which requires traders of liquid chlorine and chemicals with strong corrosive effects to report to the authority monthly.
With the aim of "preventing theft, loss, poisoning and accidents", the Shanghai Bureau of Public Security conducted safety inspections of more than 450 enterprises which use highly toxic chemicals, and managed to eliminate potential security risks. While campaigning against traffic violations, local traffic police increased scrutiny of the vehicles used for transporting dangerous chemicals. The police seized 34 tons of illegally-transported toxic chemicals and 89 tons of dangerous chemicals which were transported without permit, and detained 35 vehicles involved in unlawful transportation.
The local fire department has helped to define safety regulations for more than 3,000 chemical enterprises which are vulnerable to fire and explosion.
Great efforts are made by the traffic management department to ensure safety in the transportation of dangerous chemicals by road. Measures include regulating the activity of enterprises, improving the condition of vehicles and offering more training and education opportunities to escorts, drivers and loaders. From October 2004 through April 2005, the department launched a campaign to inspect for safety local tanker trucks which carry dangerous chemicals.
The maritime department has concentrated its attention on checking shipping containers. Maritime officials opened containers for inspection on 58 occasions and foiled 13 attempts to hide dangerous chemicals in containers. The cases involved 16 containers and 551,000 yuan in fines. The city strictly restricts the access of chemical-carrying ships to the Huangpu River.
The Shanghai Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision has carried out safety inspections of 88 companies which produce liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) containers and of nearly 100 LPG filling stations. In the second half of 2004, the bureau launched a special campaign to inspect local tanker trucks used for carrying compressed chemical products. 210, or 44 percent, of all the trucks of this sort were scrutinised. Meanwhile, the bureau is developing a new system of electronic identity tags for chlorine cylinders.