SCO Defense Ministers Stress Military CooperationDefense ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members, namely, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, issued a joint communique Thursday on strengthening military cooperation.The military cooperation is meant to ensure coordinated efforts mof the armed forces of the member nations to crack down on terrorism, separatism and extremism and to oppose the plan of a few countries to deploy the theater missile defense system in the Asian-Pacific region, says the communique. The ministers believe that the new type of cooperation between defense ministries of the six countries will help maintain long- term regional peace, stability and security, the communique says. The ministers agree that the fruitful military cooperation based on that of the "Shanghai Five" has set an example for regional military cooperation after the Cold War, which is not only conducive to promoting the long-term healthy development of the friendly cooperation among the SCO members, but is also of great significance to maintaining regional and world peace and stability, says the communique. The ministers hold that when the world enters the 21st century, the international situation is developing toward relaxation on the whole, but peace and development are still being threatened. Local conflicts triggered by such factors as nationalities, religions and natural resources have taken place from time to time. Global problems such as the environment, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and refugees are becoming prominent. Terrorism, separatism, extremism and certain other ulterior factors have posed a serious threat to the tranquillity and stability of Central Asia. The ministers advocate that the SCO member nations should continue to strengthen military cooperation to guarantee that military forces of their respective countries can coordinate in fighting against terrorism, separatism and extremism. They suggest a study into joint exercises for this purpose be carried out. They hold the effort of Asian countries for the convening of a meeting on the measures for coordination and trust in Asia is a positive process. The ministers reiterated that the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty reached in 1972 remains the foundation for global strategic stability and a precondition for disarmament, the communique says. Any violation against the treaty will greatly damage the long- term cooperation among the international community on arms control and disarmament and finally destroy stability and security in both the region and the world, they noted. The ministers are opposed to the plan of a few countries to deploy the theater missile defense system in the Asian-Pacific region. The ministers once again voiced their support to the proposal by Central Asian countries to declare the region a nuclear-free zone, the communique says. They reiterated that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The Taiwan issue is China's internal affairs and no external forces are allowed to interfere in the resolution of this issue. They stressed once again they support China's opposition to the attempt of any country to bring Taiwan under the cover of the theater missile defense system in any form. Expressing concern over the issue of Afghanistan that have remained unresolved for long, the ministers held that military means can not help settle the conflict. They firmly support the efforts made by the United Nations and relevant Central Asian countries in resolving the issue and call on all parties concerned in Afghanistan to seek a political solution through peaceful negotiations, the communique says. The ministers voiced support the efforts made by heads of state of the SCO countries and the consensus they have reached for promoting world mutli-polarization and establishing a new international political and economic order that is just, rational and democratic. To this end, the ministers pledge to make their due contribution in the military field. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |