Q: Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi said
yesterday that he thought he had won Beijing's understanding
for Japan's military role in the US-led war against
terrorism. Does this actually reflect China's position? Does
China think that the US has swept the UN aside in deciding
to launch air strikes against Afghanistan and this was done
despite calls for such a decision to be made by a broad
coalition?
A: On the issue of Japan,
it is our view that combating terrorism is a task facing the
whole international community. We hope that relevant parties
will make their due efforts in light of the actual
conditions and the purposes and principles of the UN
Charter. Due to historical factors, what kind of role Japan
plays in the military field is very sensitive. We have kept
reminding the Japanese side to act
prudently.
Last night, President Jiang Zemin
had a phone conversation with President Bush, during which
he elaborated on China's consistent position. The Chinese
government has all along opposed all forms of terrorism. We
support the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly
and the UN Security Council. We support anti-terrorism
activities. We have noted that President Bush has indicated
on many occasions that the relevant military actions are
only aimed at specific terrorist targets, rather than
Muslims or Afghan people and the US will take measures to
avoid injuring innocent civilians. We believe that adhering
to the above-mentioned principles is conducive to combating
terrorism effectively.
Q:
Following Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to China, are there
definite plans for China and Japan to meet to discuss trade
disputes or do you plan to discuss that issue at the APEC
conference?
A: Japanese Prime
Minister Koizumi paid a one-day working visit to China on
October 8, during which he visited the Chinese People's
Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance against Japanese
Aggression at Marco Polo Bridge. When meeting with Chinese
leaders, Koizumi once again expressed apology and mourning
towards those Chinese people who died in the war against
Japanese aggression. He also expressed remorse for Japan's
history of aggression against China. Prime Minister Koizumi
expressed the hope that the 30th anniversary of the
normalization of China-Japan relations which falls next year
can be used as an opportunity for bilateral friendly
relations and cooperation to register further development.
We welcome his move and statements. Besides, China and Japan
also exchanged views on the issue of terrorism. Due to time
constraint, the two sides did not have time to cover other
issues.
Q: Does China consider
Prime Minister Koizumi's apology yesterday enough
appeasement or enough to end the problems between China and
Japan concerning history?
A: As I
mentioned before, Prime Minister Koizumi first visited the
Chinese People's Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance
against Japanese Aggression at Marco Polo Bridge. Koizumi
once again expressed apology and mourning towards those
Chinese people who died in the war against Japanese
aggression. He also expressed remorse for Japan's history of
aggression against China. We welcome his move and
statements.
Whether Japan handles the issue of
history correctly bears on the political foundation for
maintaining and developing China-Japan relations. In recent
years, on the issue of history, negative factors have
cropped up from time to time which have disrupted the normal
development of bilateral ties such as visits to Yasukuni
Shrine and the issue of history textbook. China's position
on these issues is consistent. In order for China-Japan
relations to develop in a sound and stable manner, the two
sides should earnestly adhere to the Sino-Japanese Joint
Statement, Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship,
Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration and the consensus reached by
the two sides about using history as a guide and looking to
the future. The key to all these issues is that the Japanese
side should have a correct
attitude.
Q: Is China concerned
that APEC meetings will only be focussed on American
military action against Afghanistan and relevant
anti-terrorism issues? Are there any other issues on the
APEC agenda?
A: Though in the wake of
the September 11 Incident, there are some new developments
in the international situations, the APEC meetings will be
held in Shanghai as scheduled. During the meetings, the
leaders of the APEC member economies will discuss economic
cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and the development of APEC.
This is going to be the first major international meeting
after the September 11 Incident and the US military action.
The relevant members will take this opportunity to exchange
views on relevant questions and make clear their common
position.
Q: In the phone
conversation, did President Bush ask President Jiang to make
any contribution to the American war against
Afghanistan?
A: During the phone
conversation last night, the two sides talked about China-US
relations and China-US cooperation against terrorism.
President Jiang stressed that being two countries carrying
considerable weight in the world, China and the US shoulder
common responsibilities for the maintenance of peace and
stability in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large. The
Chinese side stands ready to work together with the US side
to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and contribute to
world peace, stability and
development.
Q: On October 3,
members of the US Embassy briefed the officials from the
Ministry of Foreign Ministry on the evidence that the US has
gathered to show that Bin Laden was behind the September 11
Incident. Could you provide details on that briefing? Does
China consider the evidence gathered by the US and explained
to China sufficient to warrant the attacks the US has now
launched in retaliation?
A: On the
issue of combating terrorism, China and the US have begun
their cooperation and consultation. The Chinese government
has consistently reiterated that China firmly opposes and
condemns all kinds of terrorism and stands ready to
cooperate with all countries in the world in the
anti-terrorism field, particularly those countries that are
directly attacked or threatened by terrorism. After the
September 11 Incident, the judicial departments of the US
briefed the Chinese side about their investigations into the
Incident. The public security departments of China have
taken measures and assisted in the investigations. Once
Chinese police gather important clues or intelligence, they
will brief the US side in a timely manner. On the question
of evidence you mentioned, we oppose all forms of terrorism
and support the relevant resolutions of the UN Security
Council. It is our view that these resolutions should be
implemented earnestly.
Q: Does
China believe that the evidence being presented to you by
the US sufficient to show that Bin Laden has some sort of
role in the September 11 Incident? The Chinese side told us
that for our own safety, we can't go to the China-Pakistan,
China-Afghanistan border. Is the border closed to only
journalists or to travelers and traders as
well?
A: On your first question, I
have already made clear our basic position. On your second
question, China's border with neighboring countries has all
along been effectively managed, controlled and patrolled. In
light of the fact that the US has launched military attacks
against certain targets inside Afghanistan, in order to
ensure the safety and stability in China's border areas, the
Chinese government has decided to close its border with
Afghanistan on a temporary basis, starting from October 8,
2001. It is against this backdrop and out of concern for the
safety of foreign journalists that we informed that the
border is not open to foreign journalists for the time
being. As for when the border will be open again, we would
notify you should there be new
developments.
Q: You just
mentioned that China has closed its border with Afghanistan.
What about the China- Pakistan border? Is the Kara-Koram
highway also closed?
A: As I just
mentioned, the Tash-Kurgan region borders several countries
and has been closed on a temporary basis. I did not say that
Khunjerab Pass is closed.
Q:
Has the Chinese side received notice who will represent
Taiwan on the upcoming APEC informal leadership meeting?
There have been complaints from Taiwan that there has been
no formal invitation from the host country. Is it true and
why?
A: The relevant APEC MOU has
explicitly provided for the participation of Chinese Taipei
in the APEC informal leadership meeting. Over the years,
APEC has formed established practice, which has been
strictly abided by all member economies. As long as the
candidate proposed by Chinese Taipei conforms to the MOU and
relevant established practice, we hold no
objection.
Chinese Taipei has already decided
to dispatch Dr. Chen Bozhi and Mr. Lin Xinyi to participate
in the APEC ministerial meeting. We have already issued a
formal invitation letter to Chinese
Taipei.
Q: US Assistant
Secretary of State Kelly is here in Beijing now. Please
brief us about his visit. Does China hope to know the US
position on the question of Afghanistan in more detail?
Would China be seeking to find out how long this campaign is
going to last? What other issues will be
discussed?
A: This morning, Assistant
Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong held talks with visiting
Assistant Secretary of State Kelly at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of
views on the current China-US relations, the upcoming summit
meeting between the two countries to be held in Shanghai,
anti-terrorism and other issues of mutual concern. The talks
are both positive and constructive. The two sides are of the
consensus that efforts must be pressed ahead to prepare for
the summit meeting in Shanghai to ensure the success of the
meeting as an impetus for further improvement and
development of China-US relations. As far as I know, during
Kelly's stay in Beijing, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and
Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also meet with him. Since
the meetings are yet to take place, we will brief you about
them in the future.
Q: The
Chinese police are conducting investigation in cooperation
with American efforts against terrorism. Is this
investigation concerning Chinese Muslims or other Muslims
inside China?
A: First, I would like
to make one correction. Fighting terrorism is never targeted
against certain section of the population, let alone against
Muslims. We are opposed to terrorist activities by anyone
regardless of his religious background. Just now I have
already briefed you about details of China-US cooperation in
fighting terrorism. These efforts are targeted at
terrorists, not at Muslims.
Q:
Israelis who have Chinese visa are no longer able to get
into China. They are also subject to questioning. What is
your comment?
A: I have taken note of
the report you just mentioned and have made inquiries to
relevant departments. I have learned from them that such
things have never happened.
Q:
Has there been any measure taken with any nationality with
Chinese visas? Is there change at all in China's visa
practice? In the run-up to APEC, will you restrict the type
of people who come to China in order to ensure the security
of the meeting?
A: The Chinese side
has made due adjustments to its visa practice at different
periods of time on technical grounds and for the safety of
foreigners who come to China. These technical adjustments
are by no means targeted against any specific country and
will not affect normal activities by foreigners who come to
China. Anyone who has China's invitation and confirmation
can acquire Chinese visa and come to China to pursue their
corresponding activities. For those who will come to China
for APEC or relevant purposes, such problems do not
exist.
Q: After the US began
military action, a lot of countries have put their army on
alert. Has China done the same?
A: At
present, against the backdrop that the international
community is making concerted efforts to fight against
terrorism, it is only natural and understandable that China
has tightened security in certain
areas.
Q: How will China deal
with the visa applications of thousands of Arabs? Are they
welcome to take part in the trade
fair?
A: China welcomes people from
all over the world including those from Arab countries to
come to China to take part in the trade fair. For those
business people who have been invited and confirmed by the
host of the trade fair, the visa authorities of China will
issue them visas in a timely manner and in accordance with
regulations.
Q: There have been
complaints lately that Arab passengers on Chinese airlines
are treated harshly by Chinese security. What is your
comment?
A: Just now I already made
clear that at present, Chinese airlines are adhering to
their usual practice, which is not affected. It is
understandable that all airlines in the world have stepped
up their safety measures against the current
backdrop.
Q: Is the border
between China and Afghanistan closed to all foreigners or
just journalists?
A: In light of the
present situations, the Tash-Kurgan region was closed from
October 6. We will let you know when it is open again. This
covers all personnel, including journalists and
travelers.
Q: Indian Foreign
Minister Singh postponed his visit to China. What is your
comment?
A: Due to Indian internal
affairs, Indian Foreign Minister Singh postponed his
scheduled visit to China. We understand this. Foreign
Minister Tang Jiaxuan welcomes him to visit China at his
convenience.
Q: What is China's
comment on the result of the Bangladesh general
election?
A: We congratulate Khaleda
Zia on her election as Bangladesh Prime Minister. As
friendly neighbors, China and Bangladesh have conducted
fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation in various
fields over the years. China stands ready to work with the
new Bangladesh government to promote the development of
bilateral good-neighborly and friendly relations and
mutually beneficial cooperation.
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