Chinese Vice-premier Meets ASEM Foreign Ministers

Chinese Vice-premier Qian Qichen met Friday with the foreign ministers attending the third ASEM foreign ministers' meeting.

Qian said that it is the first time in the new century for foreign ministers from 25 Asian and European countries and the foreign affairs member of the European Union Commission to gather in Beijing.

They held in-depth discussions on strengthening the Asia-Europe partnership in the new century so as to realize the proposal of the third ASEM summit, he added.

He noted that the meeting will link the past to the future for Asia-Europe cooperation and exert a positive impact on the healthy development of the international situation.

Qian pointed out that Asia and Europe have different ideologies and policies, but the two sides have promoted mutual understanding, trust and cooperation through exchange of high-level visits and equal and frank dialogue and consultation.

The equal partnership among the ASEM members contributes to safeguarding world peace and promoting human development, and offers enlightenment to the countries in other regions, he said.

Qian noted that the current international situation is tending to improve, but the world is still uncertain, as conflicts between states left over from history still exist and new transnational problems arise.

The interests for different parties overlap, thus the problems can only be resolved through the joint efforts of all nations and regions, Qian said.

He added that as long as all nations resolve problems with a constructive attitude and seek common ground while maintaining differences, they all will benefit.

Qian exchanged views with the foreign ministers on the environment, arms control, and other international and regional issues of common concern.

He expounded on the Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue, stressing that peaceful reunification and "One Country, Two Systems" are the fundamental guidelines to resolving the issue.

Qian noted that it is dangerous that some people in Taiwan try to conduct Taiwan independence activities with the support of some people from elsewhere of the world. Their motives will come to no good end, Qian said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan was present at the meeting.






People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/