Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao revealed this in response to a question posed by journalists on whether the two ministers had had any contact during the first pan-Asia dialogue convened in Cha-am in Thailand.

Touching on the issue of the intrusion into the ROK embassy in China by some people who had illegally entered China, according to Liu, Tang expounded on China's stance. He said on this issue, it was important for both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint and hold correct attitudes.

Tang said China agreed that the two sides should keep in touch at a working level to solve the problem at an early date and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

Liu said Tang hoped to get across to the ROK that China would not allow foreign diplomatic institutions in China to serve as channels for illegal entry and exit.

Tang said this year marked the 10th anniversary of the forging of diplomatic ties between China and the ROK, and he hoped the normal development of their bilateral relations would not be affected.

According to the spokesman, Choi Sung-hong said the ROK fully understood the importance of safeguarding the two countries' ties and he hoped the problem would be solved through friendly negotiation as soon as possible.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2002)