Spokesman Stresses Cooperation on Terrorism

China reiterated Thursday that it opposes all kinds of terrorist activities and that international co-operation should be enhanced.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao, at a regular press briefing, said the United Nations (UN) and the UN Security Council should play a dominant role in anti-terrorist efforts.

"China has put forward a position paper at the UN Security Council and is willing to discuss any proposal that will work for this aim,'' he said.

Zhu also said that China and Central Asian countries have kept close contact in the past and enjoyed mutual trust and friendship whenever terrorism became an issue in the world.

He said the Shanghai Co-operation Organization hopes to play a unique role in maintaining regional and internal peace and stability.

"China is promoting and participating in the co-operation (against terrorism) within the framework of the Shanghai Co-operation Organization,'' Zhu said. "We hope the relevant members will fulfill their commitments, too.''

In addition, the spokesman said China has closely watched the situation involving the Afghan refugees. China has offered aid to Afghan refugees in years' past and hopes that the international community will work together to properly resolve the current refugee issue before it deteriorates any further.

The spokesman further told reporters that preparations for the Ninth Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, to be held on October 20-21 in Shanghai, is progressing smoothly. The meeting will be held as planned.

He said China understands US President George W. Bush's decision to postpone a visit to Beijing, Japan and the Republic of Korea because of the current terrorist threat, he said.

Zhu also said that China and the US have agreed that President Jiang Zemin and US President Bush will instead meet in Shanghai to exchange views on Sino-US ties.

Meanwhile, Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian cannot attend the APEC meeting.

Instead, Taiwan can send "minister-level'' officials in charge of economic affairs.

The Chinese mainland has given Taiwan a schedule of the APEC meeting and will issue formal invitations after the island sends its participants, Zhu said.

On relations with the Vatican, the spokesman said: "So far, we don't have any new developments to discuss, but China's position on this issue remain very clear.''

To establish official relations between the countries, the Vatican must recognize the one-China policy as well as the government of the People's Republic of China; It also should not interfere in China's internal affairs, especially on the pretext of religions, the spokesman said.

(China Daily 09/28/2001)