Q: In his interview with the Italian
newspaper La Stampa last Saturday, Foreign Minister Tang
Jiaxuan listed the five conditions for the future of
Afghanistan. And the day after, Mr. Prodi, President of the
European Commission, commented by saying that these five
conditions by Mr. Tang were reasonable and said that the
United States should not be left alone in deciding the
future of Afghanistan. Does the Foreign Ministry have any
comment on Mr. Prodi's remarks?
A: At
the moment, the post-war government arrangement in
Afghanistan is a question being closely watched by various
sides. The international community has already reached some
consensus on this issue. The Chinese side has stressed on
many occasions that the final settlement of the Afghan issue
should be decided independently by the Afghan people
themselves. There is clear agreement on this point in the
relevant resolutions by the UN and its Security Council. The
Afghan history has shown that any foreign force could not
individually dominate the affairs in Afghanistan. We hold
that, at the moment, the UN and the international community
should guide and encourage the various parties in
Afghanistan to step up their political dialogue and reach an
consensus as soon as possible on the composition of the
transitional government and other issues.
Q: Last week, the Dalai Lama
claimed in Portugal that China is carrying out
"cultural genocide" in Tibet. What is your
comment?
A: Anyone with some
knowledge of the situation in China's Tibet will not agree
to the Dalai Lama's claim. Over the years, great progress
has been made in Tibet. The Tibetan culture is also under
well protection. The recent remarks by the Dalai Lama are
entirely out of ulterior motives. They do not deserve a
comment.
Q: The International
Liaison Department of the CPC lately announced that
Secretary General Nong Duc Manh of the Communist Party of
Viet Nam will pay an official visit to China shortly. What
is your comment on the visit?
A: It
is quite true that Party Secretary Nong Duc Manh will pay a
visit to China soon. The relevant departments of China are
making full preparations for the visit. China enjoys sound
relations with Viet Nam. We believe that the forthcoming
visit will greatly push ahead the bilateral ties in the new
century.
Q: It is reported that
there are massive Afghan refugees along its border with
Iran. Does China have any plan of
assistance?
A: The humanitarian
situation in Afghanistan is very grave at the moment. In
particular, with the onset of the winter, the afghan
refugees are in a more and more dire situation. Under such
circumstances, the international community should pay more
attention to their plight and step up their assistance. Over
a long period of time, China has provided assistance to the
Afghan refugees on several occasions. Not long ago, we
provided assistance to Afghan refugees through Pakistan and
the relevant agencies of the UN. Out of humanitarian
consideration, the Chinese Government is also providing some
assistance to the Afghan refugees in Iran through the
Iranian government. The Chinese side is consulting with Iran
on the assistant commodities, the transportation and other
issues.
Q: After the attacks
by the Maoist group, Nepal has announced a state of
emergency. What is your comment? Does China have any plan to
provide military assistance to Nepal in the fight against
the Maoist?
A: China has closely
followed the situation in Nepal. As its friendly neighbour,
we hope and believe that, under the leadership of the
Nepalese King and government, Nepal will maintain peace,
stability and development.
In our relations
with Nepal, we always adhere to the principle of
non-interference in each other's internal affairs. We trust
that the Nepalese government will properly handle its own
affairs.
Q: A few days ago,
Israeli troops used heavy weapons to attack Palestine,
leading to heavy casualties. The Palestinian side accused
Israel of intentionally creating an incident. What is your
comment?
A: China condemns the
Israeli armed invasion of Palestine controlled areas,
leading to heavy casualties. We are greatly unease at the
escalation of tensions between the two. China hope that the
two sides, especially the Israeli side, earnestly adopt
measures to implement the cease-fire agreement and actively
go along with the international mediation efforts, so as to
bring an early end to the violence.
Q: What is China's comment on
the current situation in the Middle East? Will there be some
high level Chinese delegations to the Middle East
shortly?
A: I have just made clear
our views and position on the current situation in the
Middle East. We hope the relevant parties take concrete
measures to carry forth the cease-fire agreement, so as to
bring an early end to the violent conflict.
China, as a permanent member of the UN
Security Council, has been closely watching the development
of the situation in the Middle East. We have made our
efforts for an early restoration of peace in the Middle
East. We have been in close contact and links with the
countries of the Middle East. The Chinese side is also
talking with the relevant countries on the topic of possible
high level visits. If there is any news, I will brief you in
due course.
Q: It is reported
and speculated that, after the end of the military action in
Afghanistan, the Untied States may expand its anti-terrorist
war to other countries. Iraq and Somali may be the next
target. What is your comment?
A: Our
position against terrorism is very clear. We are resolutely
opposed to all sorts of terrorism. We support the series of
resolutions by the UN and its Security Council. We are in
favor of the fight against terrorism. At the same time, we
hold that the combat should be based on concrete evidence,
aimed at specific targets and avoid harming the innocent.
The fight against terrorism is a long-term, arduous and
complicated task. International efforts should be stepped
up. The UN should play a leading role. In this fight,
comprehensive measures should be adopted, dealing not only
with the symptoms, but also the root-causes. Efforts should
be made to eradicate the international terrorist forces.
Q: There is speculation that
President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan will visit China
shortly. Could you please confirm?
A: At the invitation of President
Jiang, President Musharraf will visit China before the end
of the year. The specific programme of the visit is being
discussed through diplomatic channels. On the date and
programme of the visit, I will brief you in due course.
Q: Deputy Foreign Minister
Wang Guangya will go to Washington for consultations on
non-proliferation. Could you please brief us on the
visit?
A: China and the United States
will hold consultations on arms control and
non-proliferation issues at the deputy foreign minister
level in Washington on 30 November. Deputy Foreign Minister
Wang Guangya will lead the Chinese delegation. We are
looking forward to having in-depth exchange of views with
the United States on missile defense and other issues.
Q: It is reported that Deputy
Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Pakistan lately. Could
you please confirm?
A: At the
invitation of Foreign Secretary Enamul Haq, Deputy Foreign
Minister Wang Yi left Beijing on the afternoon of 26th
November for Pakistan to attend the annual diplomatic
consultations. The two sides will exchange views with each
other on bilateral issues, Afghan issue and other
questions.
Q: Has China begun
its consultation with Japan on nuclear and bio-chemical arms
control? If so, what level will it be? What will be the
topics?
A: This morning, China and
Japan held arms control consultations at the
director-general level in Beijing. The two sides exchanged
views on international security and arms control situation,
nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, conventions on the
prohibition of biological and chemical weapons, conference
on disarmament and other issues. It is a regular
consultation on arms control.
Q: You mentioned last time
that China and Russia will hold consultations on terrorism.
When will it be? Who will lead the Chinese
side?
A: The first meeting of the
Sino-Russian anti-terrorist working group will be held in
Beijing on 28 and 29 November. Deputy Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing and his Russian counterpart A. E. Safonov will
exchange views on the international fight against terrorism
and ways to strengthen Sino-Russian anti-terrorist
cooperation.
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