NATO Secretary-general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Monday that
the transatlantic alliance attaches great importance to relations
with China.
But he proposes a step-by-step approach should be taken in the
development of ties, saying it is important that the two sides lay
a foundation for good relations first.
"I attach great value to a good China-NATO relationship," de
Hoop Scheffer told Chinese journalists at a NATO reception.
"China is a very important nation indeed -- economically,
politically, militarily. So what happens in China, and what policy
China has is relevant to NATO allies."
NATO's operations are also relevant to China, he said, citing
NATO's quake relief activities in Pakistan and its peace-keeping
mission in Afghanistan, two of China's neighbors.
He said he has been in touch with the Chinese ambassador in
Brussels so both sides remain updated on NATO's activities and the
situation in China.
Asked whether he anticipates any regular dialogue with China, de
Hoop Scheffer said he preferred an incremental process.
"Let's take a step-by-step approach. Let's not build a big
castle before we have laid the foundation. We need a foundation
first."
(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2006)
