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Release of US Crew Doesn't Mean End of Plane Collision Case, Premier Zhu
Premier Zhu Rongji said Thursday that the release of the crew members of the US reconnaissance plane does not mean the end of the case and China reserves the right to affix the responsibility with the US side for the plane collision incident.
At a meeting with visiting President of the 55th United Nations General Assembly Harri Holkeri, Zhu expounded the solemn position of the Chinese government on the incident.
He said that the Chinese government, out of humanitarian considerations, has allowed the 24 crew members of the US reconnaissance plane to leave China. However, it must be pointed out that the case has not concluded yet.
Zhu said that the US reconnaissance plane had intruded into China's airspace and caused the crash of a Chinese fighter jet and the missing of the Chinese pilot. The US side bears full responsibility for the incident, he said.
Speaking of global issues, Zhu said that the international situation is undergoing the most profound changes since the end of the Cold War.
The general international situation is developing toward detente, he said, adding that pursuing peace and development has been the common aspiration of the people in the world.
But securing world peace and development will not be easy, he stressed. Zhu noted that multipolarization is the inevitable trend of the times, saying that under the current situation, sovereign equality and non-interference in other's internal affairs are not outdated concepts, but instead should be the basis of establishing the new international political and economic order.
While economic globalization has helped world economies to develop, it has also widened the gap between the rich and the poor worldwide, and now the conflicts between the North and the South have become even more significant, he said.
If this situation continues, it will be difficult to advance the common development of all nations and to realize the common prosperity of the world, Zhu said.
The premier said that the authority and important role of the United Nations, the most representative inter-governmental organization in the world, cannot be replaced by other international or regional organizations.
At the turn of the new century, mankind faces both new opportunities and challenges, he said, adding that strengthening the role of the U.N. in the new century is in the best interests of all countries. Holkeri shares Zhu's comments on the international situation and the role of the U.N.. He stressed that peace and development are inseparable.
The UN has made a great contribution to the development, peace, and security of the whole of mankind, he noted, adding that facts have shown the principles of the UN Charter are still effective.
Holkeri also said that the UN should reform itself in order to meet the new challenges and strengthen its role in the new century.
Holkeri spoke highly of China's important role in international affairs and the UN.
He said that he appreciates the positions of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, on major international affairs, adding that China is sure to make further contributions to the role of UN.
Zhu also briefed the guest on China's domestic situation. He stressed that China will resolutely carry out the reforms and opening-up policy and continue its independent foreign policy of peace.
Holkeri started his first China trip Monday at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan.
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