An early restoration of stability in East Timor is in the interest of all the countries in the region, and China will continue to take a responsible attitude, and closely cooperate with relevant parties, so as to contribute to a stable transition in East Timor.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao told a press conference this afternoon that China takes a clear-cut position on the East Timor issue, saying China respects the choice made by the East Timorese people, and relevant issues should be properly solved under the framework of the United Nations.

At the conference, Zhu announced that Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao, leader of the independence movements of East Timor and chairman of CNRT, will pay a visit to China from January 24 to 27 at the invitation of the Chinese government.

During the visit, Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao and Vice-Premier Qian Qichen will meet with Gusmao, and Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan will hold talks with him, Zhu said, adding that the two sides are expected to discuss the situation in East Timor and China-East Timor relations in the future.

He noted that the situation there has been moving toward relaxation, saying "We hope and believe that a smooth transition will be achieved in East Timor with the assistance from the United Nations and the international community as well as the efforts made by the East Timorese people."

China hopes that the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor will play a positive role in promoting a smooth and stable transition in East Timor, the spokesman said.

Zhu said that eight Chinese have participated in the mission of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, and ten Chinese civilian policemen have been dispatched to East Timor to fulfill the UN peace-keeping mission there.