China Closes Border with Afghanistan

China Closes Border with Afghanistan

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China has temporarily closed its border with Afghanistan, following the recent US air strikes.

The measure was taken on Monday, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi, who added that Taxkorgan -- where China borders Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan -- has been sealed for all foreigners, including travellers and journalists.

According to Sun, the mountain pass of Kunjirap, that links China and Pakistan, is still open to traffic.

Sources with the Red Cross Society of China said that the organization Tuesday donated US$30,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help the Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Last week, the US Embassy in Beijing briefed the Chinese Government on its investigation of the September 11 terrorist attacks in Washington and New York.

Sun told the press that China and the US have started a strategy of co-ordination and co-operation for anti-terrorism.

He said that the Chinese police have taken measures to co-operate with the US, and promised that China will inform the US once it has collected vital information.

He reiterated China's position on anti-terrorism, saying that it firmly opposes and condemns any forms of terrorist activities, and stands willing to co-operate with other countries to fight terrorism.

He added that China hopes the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council will be carried out earnestly.

The topic of anti-terrorism is expected to come up next week, when leaders of the members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gather in Shanghai. The gathering will be the first major international meeting after the terrorist attacks.

"I believe relevant members will take this opportunity to exchange views on the latest situation and make clear their common position,'' he said.

The spokesman Tuesday also said that Chen Po-chih and Lin Hsin-yi will represent Chinese Taipei in attending the APEC ministerial meeting next week.

Formal invitations have already been sent to them, said Sun.

Sun welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's apology made on Monday at the Memorial Museum of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression but urged Japan to handle the historical issues, following the principles of relevant Sino-Japanese documents.

"Such issues cannot be solved completely with just one or two remarks,'' said Sun.

Concerning the on-going visit by US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly, Sun said that his meeting with Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhou Wenzhong Tuesday morning was "positive and constructive.''

Sun said that they touched upon various issues, including Sino-US relations, the meeting between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his US counterpart George W. Bush on the sideline of the APEC informal summit and anti-terrorism.

Kelly will also meet Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Yi, before winding up his visit that paves way for the presidential meeting next week.