China, US Work Together to Combat Terrorism

China will co-operate with the United States and other countries in fighting against international terrorism in line with the United Nations Charter and the universally recognized norms, a Chinese diplomat said in Washington on Tuesday.

He Yafei, minister and deputy chief of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Washington, said that he was "shocked and indignant" about the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington last Tuesday. He offered sympathy and deep condolences to families of the victims.

"We condemn all forms of terrorism. The Chinese people stand with the American people and with the international community in fighting against terrorism. Our hearts go to the American people," he said at a press conference in the Chinese Embassy.

He said that anti-terrorism will become "one of the key subjects" of consultation and dialogue between the two countries when Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan visits Washington today.

Tang, who was scheduled to arrive last night, is expected to meet with Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice for talks on a wide range of issues. The visit will be followed by a tour of Beijing by US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage in early October.

The high-level exchanges are preparing for US President George W. Bush's visit to China in late October, the first since he took office last January, which will "provide great impetus to move our bilateral relations forward," He said.

The Chinese diplomat said that China and the United States have common interests in promoting peace and prosperity not only in Asia but also in the whole world. "Our common interests certainly far outweigh our differences," he emphasized.

China and the United States share common interests in combating terrorism. "We support all actions which are conducive to reducing and eliminating the danger of international terrorism.

"We're firmly opposed to any form of international terrorism. We condemn international terrorism. So I believe all countries, whether they are developed or developing countries, large or small, permanent members or nonpermanent members of the Security Council, should all unite to fight terrorism," He said.

He said that China favours an international approach in rooting up terrorism and supports the United Nations for playing a leading role in this aspect, because terrorism is "a scourge" to the world community and threatens peace and stability everywhere.

The Chinese diplomat also said that anti-terrorism actions "should be based on solid evidence and concrete targets, and should reduce collateral damage, especially the loss of the innocent lives.

He denied allegations of China's links with the Taliban, but he confirmed that the anti-Taliban alliance has an embassy in Beijing which has been functioning well.

"We hope that the Afghan issue could be resolved peacefully as early as possible. We support the United Nations to take a leading role in resolving this issue peacefully. We support all efforts which will contribute to a peaceful solution of the Afghan issue," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency 09/20/2001)