China On High Alert For Anthrax

Chinese officials are working to keep the anthrax bacteria out of the country and have reiterated their call to annihilate bio-chemical weapons once and for all, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said Tuesday, according to Chinadaily.

China has staunchly opposed terrorism, including acts involving bio-chemical weapons, Sun said at a regularly scheduled news conference.

Joint efforts should be strengthened to combat bio-chemical terrorism, he said.

The State Postal Bureau confirmed Tuesday that no letters containing the anthrax bacteria had been found in China so far.

Authorities have tested letters from abroad for the bacteria and X-ray machines and police dogs are on hand in case of an outbreak, officials told China Daily.

China's exit and entry quarantine departments are urged to conduct strict inspections of plants, animals and other goods entering the nation, international mail and travellers' luggage, Sun said.

Any goods determined to be infected with the bacteria will be rejected from entering the nation, he said.

Sun vowed to safeguard the security of diplomats and consulates generals.

"Chinese police are taking the necessary precautions,'' Sun said. "And we hope the embassies and consulate-generals will strengthen security and inform us when any emergency happens.''

When asked to comment on Afghanistan, Sun said a coalition government with a wide-ranging basis should be formed in the nation on the condition that it can be accepted by all parties and is able to get along well with other countries, especially neighbouring countries.

Sun said that China has always held that the United Nations should play an active role in organizing a future Afghan government.

China has contacted all parties in Afghanistan to advise them to restore peace, Sun said.

In other news, the spokesman said, Vice-President Hu Jintao will pay a working visit to Russia on October 27 and an official visit to the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Germany from October 28 to November 11.






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