Addressing threats to the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty embodied in US plans for a theatre missile defence system (TMD), China yesterday re-emphasized its firm opposition to the proposed missile shield.

"We believe the ABM treaty is the cornerstone of global strategic balance and stability," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sun Yuxi said at a regular press conference yesterday.

"If such a treaty is undermined, the global strategic balance will be undermined, the international disarmament process will end, non-proliferation efforts will be obstructed and a new military arms race will commence."

China hopes the United States will continue to abide by the ABM treaty and other existing international treaties on disarmament and arms control, he said. "If the United States decides to send a special envoy here, we are willing to have consultations on the issue," Sun said.

Sun also revealed that China and the United States are planning to hold additional talks on the US EP-3E spy plane, which is still in Hainan since its collision with a Chinese fighter jet on April 1. "The US plane will not be allowed to fly back, but this does not mean the plane will not be returned," Sun said.

When the US team was inspecting the plane last week, China presented them with evidence showing responsibility lies fully with the US side.

The spokesman said the interception and following of US spy planes by Chinese jets is "necessary and very reasonable" and not without precedent in international practice.

Sun repeated China's request that the United States stop such flights to avoid the recurrence of a similar incident in the future.

When asked to comment on the recent failure of the United States to get re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, Sun said the Chinese government advocates dialogue and opposes confrontation on the issue of human rights.

"We are ready to continue our dialogue and co-operation with all countries, including the United States, to improve our human rights record and to make our contribution," Sun said.

On the recent tension between China and the Philippines centred on the South China Sea, Sun claimed the two nations are still "friendly neighbours" and the disputes could be resolved through friendly consultations.

(China Daily 05/11/2001)