PRESS CONFERENCE WITH THE SPOKESPERSON

CHINA FOREIGN MINISTRY

November 26, 2002

Excerpts

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Q: The U.S. State Department issued a report yesterday, quoting a Ukrainian official as saying that Ukraine had sold four radar tracking systems to China. The U.S. side claimed that the systems might now be in Iraq. What is your comment? Does China know the where-about of the systems?

A: On the Iraqi issue, China has all along strictly adhered to the relevant UNSC resolutions on sanctions. There is totally no such a question as re-selling radar systems to Iraq. The friendly cooperation between China and Ukraine in various fields, including in the military field, has followed international practices in strict accordance with the respective international obligations.

Q: Has the U.S. Government made inquiries with the Chinese Government about the four radar systems? Where are the systems? Have they been sold? For what purpose?

A: As I said, there is totally no such a question as re-selling the radar systems to Iraq. China has all along strictly adhered to the relevant UNSC resolutions on sanctions.

Q: Russian President Putin will visit China from 1 to 3 December. Could you please tell us the programme of the visit? Will he meet with Hu Jintao?

A: At the invitation of President Jiang Zemin, President Putin of the Russian Federation will visit China from 1 to 3 December. The two heads of state will use the opportunity to have an overall review of the development of bilateral ties over the past decade. They will also make strategic plans for the future development of the relations. It will be a very important visit of major significance upon the future of the bilateral ties. According to my knowledge, President Jiang Zemin and Vice President Hu Jintao will meet with and have talks with President Putin.

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