Q: During his visit to Russia, President Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan announced that the Kyrgyz Government decided to close the US air base in Manas, Kyrgyzstan. How do you comment on this?

A: China has noted the announcement of the Kyrgyz Government on its decision to close the US air base in Manas, Kyrgyzstan, and respects its decision as a sovereign state. China would like to see peace, stability and development in Central Asia.