FM spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue held a regular conference Thursday in
Beijing and stated China's stance on issues like Dalai's Portugal
visit, situation in Nepal and expansion of anti-Terrorism war.
China is deeply dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the Dalai
Lama's visit to Portugal, Zhang Qiyue said.
Zhang noted that China has made repeated solemn representations
with Portugal on this issue, while the Portuguese side insisted on
inviting Dalai to visit the country and arranged meetings between
the Dalai Lama and the Portuguese President and some high-level
government officials.
She voiced the hope that Portugal would, taking into consideration
the general situation of bilateral relations, pay attention to
China's concern over this issue and take effective measures to
prevent similar situations from occurring so as to ensure a sound
and steady development of Sino-Portuguese friendship and
cooperation.
She pointed out that the Dalai Lama is not simply a religious
personage, but rather a politician in exile disguised as a
religious figure engaging in activities meant to split China and
damage national unity.
China is opposed to the Dalai's political activities in any
capacity and in any country or region aimed at splitting China and
damaging national unity, Zhang stated.
China is also opposed to all forms of invitations to and meetings
with the Dalai from government officials of any country or region,
Zhang added.
Opposing Wanton Expansion of Anti-Terrorism War
China is opposed to "wanton expansion" of the war against
terrorists to other countries, Zhang said.
Zhang made the remark when questioned at the press conference on
the possibility that the United States may extend the
anti-terrorism war to Iraq.
"We have noticed relevant news on it," the spokeswoman said,
reiterating that China supports the crackdown upon terrorist acts
of all forms, but maintains that such strikes must conform to the
purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the
international law, and be based on hard evidence.
"We are opposed to wanton expansion of the strikes," she said.
Hoping to See a Stable Nepal
China is following closely the latest developments in Nepal
and hopes to see peace, stability and development in the country,
the spokeswoman said.
Zhang said that the Chinese side has known that the King and
government of Nepal have taken effective emergency measures and the
situation there is under control of the Nepalese government.
She pointed out that the Chinese government resolutely supports all
moves taken by the Nepalese King and government to restore peace
and stability in the country.
"We hope and believe that Nepal will be able to continue to
maintain peace, stability and development," Zhang noted.
China Sends Message for Solidarity with Palestinian
People
China calls on all peace-loving forces in the world to provide more
assistance to the Palestinian people, and urges all parties
concerned to return to the negotiation table for an early peaceful
solution to the Middle East question.
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji sent this message to a United Nations
conference marking the International Day of Solidarity with the
Palestinian People scheduled for Thursday, said Foreign Ministry
spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue at the press conference.
Zhang said the message reiterated China's principled stand on the
Palestinian issue, and expressed sympathy for the current
difficulties faced by the Palestinian people.
(
November 30, 2001)