Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said in Beijing January 27 afternoon that the China tour of East Timor leader Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao was a crowning success.

He made the remarks in response to a reporter's question at a regular press conference.

Zhu said that Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao and Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen met with Xanana during the four-day visit. Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and Xanana held official talks, and Xanana also met with high-ranking Chinese officials from the ministries of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, Agriculture and Public Health.

In his briefing with the Chinese on the latest developments in East Timor, Xanana said that the situation in the territory had improved, according to Zhu.

Xanana also described the cooperation between the CNRT, the organization he led, and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor as "smooth" and stressed that the East Timor needs more assistance from the international community and all friendly countries, Zhu told the press.

Under the current situation, Zhu said, China is relieved by the positive progress the territory has made. He reaffirmed that within the framework of the United nations, China is ready to continue its support and participation in the activities for independence, such as sending civilian officials to UNTAET at any time or providing assistance to help the smooth transition in East Timor.

Xanana expressed his appreciation for the support and aid provided by the Chinese government and people.

On the future relationship between China and East Timor, Zhu said that the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and reached consensus. "China hopes East Timor will become a friendly and cooperative partner in the region," he said.

China is a "reliable friend" of the East Timorese, and East Timor would like to develop "cooperative and friendly relations with China," Zhu quoted Xanana as saying. Also, East Timor hopes China will set up a representative office in East Timor at an early date, Zhu said.

"China will consider and welcome the establishment of East Timor's representative office in China," Zhu stated.

In line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, Zhu said that China is also willing to form official ties with the East Timorese government as good friends and good neighbors.

On the Taiwan issue, Zhu said that the East Timor leader reiterated his adherence to the "one China" policy, adding that China appreciates this stance.

Zhu announced that China will donate 50 million yuan (about 6 million US dollars) this year for East Timor's reconstruction. The East Timorese side expressed their gratitude and will provide a detailed list of most-needed materials, according to Zhu.

Zhu said that the East Timorese side hopes China will engage in the cooperation in such fields as agriculture and public health, and China will consider their proposals. (Xinhua)