China has decided to sign the International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao announced Thursday.

Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan will submit the documents concerning China's accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and sign the International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism when he attends the 56th session of the UN General Assembly, according to Zhu.

The spokesman said China supports activities in combating terrorism, adding the relevant military strikes on terrorism should be targeted at specific objectives to minimize civilian causalities and damage to civilian property.

"We are worried about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan," said Zhu.

When asked about developments in the investigation into the killing of Chinese students in the United States, Zhu said the Chinese Government is keeping a sharp eye on the investigation.

"We have sent officials to collect information and help with funeral arrangements," Zhu said.

Yang Jianqing, a student at the University of Arizona, and his wife Chen Yuyun, were found slain Saturday morning at their apartment on North Country Club Road after their 6-year-old daughter called 911 and said she could not wake her parents.

Zhu admitted that there has been no further progress in the investigation, but the Chinese side has established communication channels with the relevant departments in the United States.

Turning to the agreement between China and ASEAN on the establishment of a free trade area, Zhu said it is the natural outcome of the deepening economic ties between China and ASEAN in recent years.

At Monday's "ASEAN--1 (China)" meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, both Premier Zhu Rongji and ASEAN leaders decided to establish a free trade area.

Calling the decision a "win-win" deal for both sides, Zhu said it is conducive to regional peace and development.

This proposal was raised by Premier Zhu at the "ASEAN--1" meeting convened in Singapore last year.

"We are glad to see that leaders from both China and ASEAN ratified this proposal at this meeting," said Zhu Bangzao.

Authorized ministers and high-ranking officials of the respective countries will start talks soon, according to the spokesman.

Chinese analysts believe it is encouraging that the half billion people of the 10 ASEAN countries are now linking up with China.

Zhang Yunling, director of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that in order to achieve long-term and substantial development, "East Asian nations have to deepen relations not only in the economic field, but also in the areas of science, education, culture and even security, where mistrust still prevails."

Commenting on China's upcoming accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Zhu said China will regulate its own behavior in accordance with WTO rules.

"China has a good reputation in fulfilling its international obligations," said Zhu.

(China Daily November 9, 2001)