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Premier Zhu and Schroeder Discuss Anti-Terrorism, Bilateral Relations
Chinese, German Heads of Government Discuss Anti-Terrorism Issue
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Wednesday that China opposes terrorism in all forms and supports attacks on terrorist organizations.
However, China holds that anti-terrorist actions should be quick and well-targeted and avoid harming the innocent, Zhu said during talks with visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who arrived in Beijing earlier Wednesday on a three-day official visit.
Zhu said a bigger role played by the United Nations should be stressed in particular.
He noted that the September 11 attacks in the United States revealed that terrorism, as a public scourge in the international community, influences regional and international stability and threatens peace and security of the human society.
China's fight against the "East Turkistan" terrorist forces is also part of the international action against terrorism, and international cooperation in this regard should be strengthened.
Zhu said China and Germany share identical positions on this issue, and China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Germany and the European Union in this field.
China hopes that terrorist activities will be curbed and peace be restored in the relevant areas at an early date.
On what kind of government should be established in Afghanistan, Zhu said China holds the Afghan people's choice, as a priority, should be fully respected, and it should conform to the fundamental interests and requirements of Afghan people of all ethnic groups.
Afghanistan's history has shown that any government composed of only one ethnic group can not bring about real peace for the country, said Zhu.
He stressed that a moderate coalition government that has a broad basis, can be accepted by all parties and treat all countries, especially its neighbors, in a friendly manner is in the interests of all countries and conducive to lasting peace and stability in the region.
Schroeder said he agreed to China's view on the fight against terrorism and the future arrangement in Afghanistan, and emphasized that actions against terrorism must have clear targets and avoid harming civilians.
Germany holds that military action can not solve all problems and effective measures in political, diplomatic, economic and humanitarian fields should also be taken, Schroeder added.
The future Afghan government should be one set up by the Afghan people independently and be acceptable to all parties. Otherwise, success can not be achieved, he pointed out.
The UN should play a bigger and stronger role in this regard and the UN Security Council should also make more effective efforts, Schroeder said.
Heads Satisfied with Bilateral Cooperation Both China and Germany are pleased and satisfied with the sustained development of bilateral cooperation in various fields and they are confident of the prospects of the bilateral ties, said Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Wednesday.
Zhu made the remarks while holding talks with visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who arrived here earlier Wednesday on a three-day official visit as Zhu's guest.
In his opening remarks, Zhu said this is the third visit by Schroeder in the past two and a half years, which fully demonstrates that Germany has attached great importance to the Sino-Germany friendly cooperation of mutual benefit.
Zhu said Schroeder is leading a big entrepreneurs' delegation on this trip and he believes Schroeder's visit will yield substantial results and promote bilateral ties in an all-around manner.
Germany is one of China's most important trading partners in Europe. The trade volume between the two is the biggest among all China's trade partnerships with European countries, and moreover, the direct investment in China by Germany has sharply increased and Germany has become the biggest investor in China out of the European countries, Zhu pointed out.
Zhu went on to say that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany, and China is willing to join efforts with
Germany to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level, especially in maintaining exchanges of visits between high-level leaders of the two countries as well as in enhancing consultations and coordination on international issues.
This is not only in the basic and long-term interests of both countries and both peoples, but is also beneficial to world peace and stability, Zhu noted.
Schroeder, on his part, said currently there are no problems arising between Germany and China in terms of politics.
The economic cooperation between Germany and China has witnessed rapid and robust development and maintained excellent momentum, he said.
He stressed that Germany regards China as a major partner for cooperation of mutual benefit, and Germany attaches vital importance to exchanges of visit between high-level leaders of the two countries. Germany and China hold the same or close views on a series of international issues.
While expressing congratulations to China on the successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Shanghai as well as on winning the bid to host the Olympics in 2008, Schroeder said Germany will cooperate with China in preparation for the sports event.
The two government heads also exchanged views on anti-terrorism in their talks.
After the talks, they attended a contract-signing ceremony, held a press conference and met with German entrepreneurs. During the meeting, Zhu briefed German business people on China's economic development, encouraging them to invest in China.
On Wednesday evening, Zhu hosted a welcoming banquet in honor of Schroeder, and prior to the talks, Zhu presided over a welcoming ceremony for Schroeder.
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