PRESS CONFERENCE WITH A
FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON

CHINA FOREIGN MINISTRY

June 17, 2003

Excerpts

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Q: France has renewed its support for sending an international force to the occupying land of Palestine while the Israeli Prime Minister Sharon continues to reject the international force from entering into it. Does the Chinese side support the initiative of sending international force to Palestine? Will you send troops to attend it? Secondly, in face with the current situation in Iraq, will you introduce any new developments of the Iraqi embassy in China? In addition, when will Ambassador Zhang Weiqiu return to Baghdad?

A: On your first question, it is the due responsibility and obligation of the international community to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East. The Chinese side welcomes and supports any initiative and effort that are conducive to the realization of security and stability in the Middle East and we also hope that relevant parties can be flexible and show sincerity on the Middle East question, implement the “Roadmap” as soon as possible so as to enable the Middle East question to embark on a road of peaceful development. At the same time we are of the view that the international community can increase its input in the Middle East question.

As to the situation of the Iraqi embassy in China, China has stopped its official contact with the personnel of the Iraqi embassy in China in light of great changes in Iraq. According to my knowledge, there are still some Iraqi diplomats in China and the Chinese side will handle the relevant issues according to international law and China’s domestic laws.

As to when Ambassador Zhang Weiqiu will return, I have no news to tell you at this stage.

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Q: The Bush administration has begun to study the plan of sending customs personnel to ports and airports to prevent the proliferation of weapons, missiles or drug. Will China cooperate if such an effort requires a currently not existing coalition? Can you confirm any of China’s ports, e.g. Shanghai, will provide such cooperation? Secondly a follow-up question on the personnel of the Iraqi embassy in China, how much longer will you allow them to stay in China?

A: On the question of proliferation, China is opposed to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and has taken many important measures to this end. We maintain that countries should conduct good cooperation on this question to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Chinese and the US sides have common interest on this question and will conduct more effective cooperation on this question through specific consultation.

As to some specific questions, e.g. whether there is such monitoring organ in Shanghai, I am not clear about it and I can enquire for you.

As to when Iraqi diplomats in China will leave, the Chinese side will handle properly according to international law and domestic law. I will introduce to you at the time.

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Q: Back to the Iraqi issue. The US side announced yesterday that it might take four years to set up a democratically elected government in Iraq. If so, will China choose to establish ties with a government set up by the occupation force, or to wait for the establishment of the democratically elected government in Iraq?

A: As for what type of government should be set up in Iraq in the future, China believes that Iraq should hold a democratic, just, free and transparent election with the help of the international community, and in particular, under the UN supervision. It should be up to the Iraqi people to choose the new government according to their will. The new government should be widely represented, pursue the policy of good-neighborliness and friendship, abide by the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, and in the meantime, live up to the relevant international commitments. It is our hope that Iraq will soon restore its normal social order and the Iraqi people will soon live a stable life, so that it will facilitate the exchanges and cooperation between other countries and Iraq.

Q: It is reported that China’s Defense Minister will visit the US this autumn. Could you brief us once again the timetable of the China-US military exchanges?

A: By the end of last year, in order to implement the consensus reached between US President Bush and the then President Jiang Zemin, the military exchanges between China and the US have gradually been restored and developed, and the two sides have carried out a series of military exchange activities. These activities have played a major role in enhancing the understanding and trust between China and the US in the military field. The military exchange constitutes a major component of the overall China-US relations. China adopts a positive attitude towards enhancing the military exchanges between China and the US. As for the details of the military exchanges for the next phase, I refer you to the Ministry of Defense.

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