Chinese FM Talks on Phone with British CounterpartChinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan exchanged views with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in a phone call Wednesday on the international situation and bilateral relations.When talking about anti-terrorism, Tang reiterated China's principled stance. He stressed that striking against terrorism is a long-term, difficult task that requires protracted international cooperation, especially the due role of the United Nations and its Security Council. He said that military actions against terrorism should be aimed at specific terrorist targets only and should not spread to or affect other countries or harm innocent civilians. All actions should be taken to secure a reasonable and fair solution of the Afghan issue, to restore peace and stability in the region and to safeguard world peace and development. Tang said that under present conditions, it is especially necessary for China and Britain, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, to exchange views on important issues in a timely way. China is willing to increase consultation and cooperation with the British side on international issues, including the issue of anti-terrorism. Straw expressed appreciation for the stance of the Chinese side, saying he hopes to keep in consultation with China and to reinforce coordination and cooperation between the two sides in both the UN and the Security Council. |
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