Anti-terrorism is a long, arduous task that requires protracted
international co-operation and the due role of the
United Nations and the UN Security
Council, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said yesterday.
Military actions against terrorism should be focused only on
specific terrorist targets and not spread to or affect other
nations or innocent civilians, Tang told his British counterpart
Jack Straw, via telephone.
Every effort must be taken in Afghanistan to ensure regional peace
and stability as well as to safeguard world peace and development,
he added.
Tang also focused on anti-terrorism efforts in a face-to-face
meeting with James Kelly, US assistant secretary for East Asian and
Pacific Affairs. Kelly is in Beijing meeting with several senior
Chinese officials.
The Chinese Government has consistently opposed terrorism of any
form, backed relevant resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly
and the UN Security Council and supported actions against
terrorism, Chinese officials said.
The Chinese side reiterated its stance on the Taiwan issue and
concerns for recent US actions and statements in this regard,
pointing out that this matter has always been the most important
and sensitive issue in bilateral relations.
Kelly noted that the US understands the Taiwan issue is central to
bilateral ties and he reiterated that the US Government will
continue to follow the one-China policy.
(China
Daily 10/11/2001)