Q: While the French Foreign Ministry and the European External Action Service released statements on the departure of Ursula Gauthier, a Beijing-based correspondent for French magazine L'Obs, over half of the on-line comments in France voiced understanding and support for China's decision of not renewing press credentials for Gauthier. How do you comment on that?

A: We have noted the reaction of the French public. It shows that on the issue of counter-terrorism which is a matter of principle, most people in the international community stand for justice and against double standards.

I would like to reiterate that the Chinese side protects the lawful rights and interests of foreign journalists to conduct interviews and reports in China, but the Chinese government and people will by no means tolerate the act of speaking for terrorism.