Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan Tuesday responded to the
mutual launch of trade and economic representative offices by
Taiwan and Mongolia by saying that Beijing does not oppose
countries having civil, economic and cultural exchanges with
Taiwan.
However, he urged all countries that have established diplomatic
ties with Beijing to abide by their commitments and stick to the
one-China policy.
"We strongly oppose those countries establishing any official
relations or having any official exchanges with Taiwan," Kong told
yesterday's press briefing.
"At the same time, we strongly oppose Taiwan developing official
relations and making 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan' in the
international community under the name of various causes," he
added.
Turning to the situation in Iraq, Kong said China has always
believed that the issue should be solved in a political and
diplomatic way within the framework of the United Nations.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri visited China last week.
Kong said Vice-Premier Qian Qichen told Sabri that China considers
the use or threat of force as not conducive to solving the
issue.
Qian also urged Iraq to completely and effectively implement the
relevant UN Security Council resolutions and co-operate with the UN
to avoid further complicating the issue.
"China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, will
continue to make unremitting efforts towards a just and reasonable
solution to the Iraq issue," Kong said.
Kong said Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan will head the Chinese
delegation to attend the 57th Assembly of the United Nations next
Monday.
(China
Daily September 4, 2002)