Q: Could you please brief us on the visit of Ambassador Taylor, US Coordinator for Counter-terrorism Issues? Who did he hold talks with?

A: US Coordinator for Counter-terrorism Issues Ambassador Taylor arrived in Beijing on 4 December. He held consultations in Beijing yesterday and today. During the visit, he met with Chinese Deputy Foreign Ministers Li Zhaoxing and Wang Yi and Deputy Chief of Staff Xiong Guangkai of the PLA. He also held consultations on anti-terrorism with the Director-General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Foreign Ministry.

During their bilateral meeting around the October Apec Economic Leaders' Conference in Shanghai, President Jiang and President Bush reached an agreement on the formation of a medium and long-term bilateral mechanism for exchanges and cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The current round of consultation is an important follow-up to the above agreement between the two leaders.

During the consultation, the two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the regional and international anti-terrorist situation, the situation in Afghanistan and Sino-US cooperation against terrorism. Wide-ranging consensus was reached.

The two sides reiterated that terrorism has become a serious threat to world peace and development. The international community should step up their cooperation and adopt comprehensive measures to jointly crack down on terrorism in all their forms. The important role of the UN and its Security Council on this issue should be brought into full play.

The two sides believe that China and the United States should enhance their anti-terrorist cooperation in various fields. The establishment of a medium and long-term bilateral mechanism for anti-terrorism exchanges and cooperation serves the two countries' common interests. It will contribute to the building of a constructive relationship of cooperation between China and the United States. It will also push ahead international anti-terrorist cooperation.


Q: As its neighbour, what has China done to push for a political settlement of the Afghan issue?

A: As its neighbour, China has closely followed the situation in Afghanistan. We have played our due part in an early peaceful settlement of the Afghan issue. Please allow me to give you some details:

After the September 11th incident, there were profound changes in the Afghan situation. We timely put forward our five principles on the settlement of the Afghan issue. We have stressed that the future government in Afghanistan should be broadly based, represent the interest of various ethnic groups and live in harmony with other countries, especially its neighbours. The United Nations should play an important role in this undertaking.

At the same time, we have maintained close exchanges and consultations with the international community. President Jiang had phone conversations with leaders of the other members of the UN Security Council, Pakistan, Egypt and some other countries. During the phone calls, they exchanged views and opinions on the international anti-terrorist fight and the Afghan issue. Wide-ranging consensus was reached.

Foreign minister Tang Jiaxuan also talked over the phone with foreign ministers of several dozens of countries on ways for a political settlement of the Afghan issue. Foreign Minister Tang also attended the 6+2 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Afghanistan and the UN Security Council Foreign Ministers' Open Meeting on Afghanistan. During the meetings, Minister Tang elaborated on China's position towards the changing situation in Afghanistan.

China's Deputy Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Pakistan in mid-September as the special envoy of President Jiang. During the visit, Mr. Wang had an in-depth exchange of views with  Pakistan on the international anti-terrorist struggle and the Afghan issue. Besides, China's Foreign Ministry has sent delegations to Central Asian and Arab countries to coordinate positions on the fight against terrorism and the Afghan issue.

China attaches importance to and has actively participated in the international efforts to rebuild Afghanistan and provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. After the September 11th incident, the Chinese Government brought into play its emergency assistant mechanism. We have timely provided commodity assistance to Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran. The Chinese representatives have also participated in the Senior Officials Meeting on the rebuilding of Afghanistan held in Washington and the meeting on the post-war reconstruction of Afghanistan held in Islamabad. Senior diplomats from China's Embassy in Germany attended the Bonn meeting and had wide-ranging contacts with the various parties of Afghanistan. China supports the work by Brahimi and appreciates and encourages the efforts of the various parties in Afghanistan for national reconciliation.

It is not difficult to see from the above that the Chinese Government has been working actively for a political solution of the Afghan issue. We hope to see an early restoration of peace and tranquility by the Afghan people. We are ready to keep on playing a constructive role in this field. We believe that, under the joint efforts of the international community, this objective will be achieved. This will not only serve the fundamental aspirations and interests of the Afghan people, but also contribute to regional and world peace and stability.


Q: A signed article from the Washington Post recently advocated that the United States should give up its one-China policy on Taiwan. What is your comment?

A: Whatever changes in the domestic situation in the Taiwan island can not change the basic fact that Taiwan is a part of China.

The US Government has made clear-cut commitments to the Chinese side on the Taiwan question that it abides by the one China policy, the three Joint Communiqués and does not support Taiwan "independence".

Any remarks or activities that advocate for giving up the one China policy run against facts and the historical trend. They will lead to nowhere.


Q: South African President will visit China soon. What is your comment on the current bilateral ties?

A: Peoples of China and South Africa enjoy long-term traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in January 1998, China and South Africa have witnessed all-round healthy development of their relations. There are frequent exchanges of high-level visit. Economic and trade relations have grown in a rapid and steady manner. Cooperations in culture, science and technology and other fields have been further expanded and enhanced. In April last year, President Jiang paid a state visit to South Africa. During the visit, President Jiang and President Mbeki signed the Pretoria Declaration on the Partnership between China and South Africa. There is a good momentum for the development of bilateral ties. At the invitation of President Jiang, President Mbeki will pay a state visit to China from 9 to 11 December. During the visit, the two leaders will officially kick off the national bilateral commission and co-chair the first plenary session. We believe that the forthcoming visit will add new vitality to the all-round friendly cooperation between the two countries in various fields.