China has decided to sign the International Convention for the
Suppression of Financing of Terrorism,
Foreign Ministry spokesman
Zhu Bangzao announced Thursday.
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan will submit the documents concerning
China's accession to the International Convention for the
Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and sign the International
Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism when he
attends the 56th
session of the UN General Assembly, according to Zhu.
The spokesman said China supports activities in combating
terrorism, adding the relevant military strikes on terrorism should
be targeted at specific objectives to minimize civilian causalities
and damage to civilian property.
"We are worried about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan,"
said Zhu.
When asked about developments in the investigation into the killing
of Chinese students in the United States, Zhu said the Chinese
Government is keeping a sharp eye on the investigation.
"We have sent officials to collect information and help with
funeral arrangements," Zhu said.
Yang Jianqing, a student at the University of Arizona, and his wife
Chen Yuyun, were found slain Saturday morning at their apartment on
North Country Club Road after their 6-year-old daughter called 911
and said she could not wake her parents.
Zhu admitted that there has been no further progress in the
investigation, but the Chinese side has established communication
channels with the relevant departments in the United States.
Turning to the agreement between China and ASEAN on the
establishment of a free trade area, Zhu said it is the natural
outcome of the deepening economic ties between China and ASEAN in
recent years.
At
Monday's "ASEAN--1 (China)" meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, both
Premier Zhu Rongji and ASEAN leaders decided to establish a free
trade area.
Calling the decision a "win-win" deal for both sides, Zhu said it
is conducive to regional peace and development.
This proposal was raised by Premier Zhu at the "ASEAN--1" meeting
convened in Singapore last year.
"We are glad to see that leaders from both China and ASEAN ratified
this proposal at this meeting," said Zhu Bangzao.
Authorized ministers and high-ranking officials of the respective
countries will start talks soon, according to the spokesman.
Chinese analysts believe it is encouraging that the half billion
people of the 10 ASEAN countries are now linking up with China.
Zhang Yunling, director of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at
the Chinese
Academy of Social Sciences, said that in order to achieve
long-term and substantial development, "East Asian nations have to
deepen relations not only in the economic field, but also in the
areas of science, education, culture and even security, where
mistrust still prevails."
Commenting on China's upcoming accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Zhu
said China will regulate its own behavior in accordance with WTO
rules.
"China has a good reputation in fulfilling its international
obligations," said Zhu.
(China
Daily November 9, 2001)