Chinese Leader Holds Talks with British PM

Chinese leader Li Ruihuan said Monday in London that China will make concerted efforts with Britain to increase bilateral cooperation in all respects so as to promote the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks when meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street.

China and Britain have strengthened mutual trust and understanding through dialogue and cooperation since they established diplomatic ties over three decades ago and both sides should cherish this hard-won situation, the chairman said.

Li pointed out that both China and Britain have great influence in the world and should join efforts to maintain world peace and stability and promote global progress. To this effect, he said, frequent exchanges and frank dialogues on an equal footing are necessary.

On the international situation, Li said China supports all efforts against terrorism in all forms and supports the relevant anti-terrorism resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council.

In order to maintain the momentum of international cooperation in fighting against terrorism, he said, double standards should be avoided and the scope of anti-terror fight should not be expanded at will. He emphasized that the United Nations and its Security Council should always play a dominant role in anti-terrorism activities. In addition, he added, it is of particular significance that China and Britain, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, increase cooperation in this regard.

Each country should in the next stage formulate anti-terrorism measures in accordance with its own domestic conditions as part of the comprehensive and systematic international strategy in the fight against terrorism, he said.

Li proposed that nations seek common grounds while reserving differences in dealing with international issues. He stressed that China is against employing simplistic means in this respect, such as arbitrary sanctions or military actions, which will only make things more complicated and lead to more detrimental consequences.

Referring to the current situation between India and Pakistan, Li said that China, as a neighbor and friend of both countries, hopes that they will show restraint and settle their disputes peacefully in the interests of peace and tranquility of the region and the world.

Blair said he is in favor of consultations between Britain and China on important international issues and expressed the hope that China will make greater achievements in economic development.

Li is paying a six-day visit to Britain at the invitation of Lord Chancellor Right Honorable Lord Irvine of Lairg. This is the last leg of his four-nation European tour, which has also taken him to Bulgaria, Slovenia and Ukraine.

Li's visit to Britain coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level between the People's Republic of China and the United Kingdom.

( May 28, 2002)