Li Peng Condemns Hegemony

Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries must be the guiding principles in international affairs, NPC Chaiman Li Peng said on Monday.

Hegemony and power politics have caused global instability and regional skirmishes, Li said during talks with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

When confronted with such situations, it is important to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, he said.

Each nation seeks a development mode suitable for its circumstances and the choice must be respected, said Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress.

Milosevic said that pushing multi-polarity is conducive to global peace. China is the major force for advocating multi-polarity and fighting hegemony, he added.

Multi-polarity means that all nations should have a role in world affairs - not just a single superpower.

China strongly opposed US-led NATO's, 79-day bombing campaign against Yugoslavia last year and believes the air strikes caused all ethnic groups to suffer.

Li said the decades-long friendship between China and Yugoslavia has stood the test of time. The statement on bilateral friendly co-operation signed by Milosevic and President Jiang Zemin in 1997 in Beijing is guiding the development of bilateral relations, Li added.

Milosevic said Li's visit will push bilateral co-operation in various areas. Yugoslavia wants to expand co-operation, he added.

Yugoslavs admire China's economic development and its reform drive, and appreciate the important role played by China in international affairs, Milosevic said.

Yugoslavia supports the Chinese central government's efforts to have Taiwan rejoin the motherland and upholds the one-China principle, he added.

Milosevic told Li that the Yugoslav Government has provided a site in Belgrade where a new Chinese Embassy will be built.

Li expressed his gratitude. He said he hopes both sides complete preparatory work as soon as possible and begin construction at an early date.

After the meeting, Milosevic presented Li with a "Yugoslav Star" medal, honouring Li for his dedication in promoting bilateral relations.

Li arrived in Belgrade on Sunday to start his three-day official visit to Yugoslavia.

Li's delegation flew into Ljubljna, capital of the Republic of Slovenia, Tuesday.



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