US Urged to Stop Activities in Chinese EEZ

Home>>China

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, September 27, 2002

US Urged to Stop Activities in Chinese EEZ

China Thursday called on US vessel to stop its activities in China's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), observe the principles of international law and respect China's rights and interests in its zone.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

China Thursday called on US vessel to stop its activities in China's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), observe the principles of international law and respect China's rights and interests in its zone.

"We consider that such an act violates the principles of international law, infringes on China's rights and interests as well as jurisdiction over the EEZ, ", commented Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue on recent activities of the Dowditch, a US naval vessel, in China's EEZ without approval.

But Zhang said she did not know when or where the alleged incursion took place or what complaints were made to the United States government.

"We think it violates the international maritime law and we have made several representations to the US side," Zhang said.

When asked about Chinese media reports that a fishing vessel collided with the American ship, Zhang offered no information. "The important thing is not the details, but that the U.S. side abide by international laws and stop its activity in China's exclusive economic zone," Zhang said.

Zhang also welcomes the recent reconciliation trend on the Korean Peninsula. Improvement has been apparent recently in the relations between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States, Japan and Russia, noted Zhang at a regular briefing, "Today the Chinese side has learned that the US will send a special envoy to the DPRK for discussions over security issues, " Zhang said. "We regard this as another positive step."

In addition, China hopes all sides involved will further improve relations with DPRK to enhance bilateral trust through honest dialogue so as to further promote the trend, she added.

In a telephone conversation with South Korean President Kim Dae-jung on Wednesday, US President George W. Bush said an envoy would be sent "at an early date," according to the White House.

James Kelly, the US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, has been designated as the head of a US delegation which will stay in Pyongyang for a week.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) yesterday welcomed the US decision and said the trip was to take place early next month.

"We welcome the resumption of dialogue at an early date, as it will contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," said South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Kim Eui-taek.

The ROK's Yonhap news agency said US and DPRK representatives met in New York on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the US envoy's visit.

Zhang also reiterated the priority task in resolving the Iraq issue is the return of United Nations (UN) weapons inspectors to Baghdad as soon as possible and their on-the-spot inspections.

China is prepared to contribute to the working out of a fair resolution of the Iraq issue through political means and within the UN framework, said Zhang.

"The Chinese Government is conducting a serious study of Britain's dossier," Zhang said.

The British dossier, issued by Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday, said Iraq could launch a chemical or biological warhead with only 45 minutes' notice, according to reports.

In elaborating on China's position on international hot spot issues, the spokeswoman said all the governments that attended the general debates of the 57th UN General Assembly shared the following consensus.

Firstly, all the nations stressed the importance of multilateralism in resolving international issues; also, the UN Charter should be obeyed and the UN should play a bigger role in international affairs, she said.

The nations also agreed to give priority to development and they hoped that further co-operation and comprehensive methods be fostered in the fight against terrorism, She said.

Turning to the Cote d'Ivoire, Zhang said China, as a friend of the Western African nation, is deeply concerned over the recent turbulence there. The Chinese Government supports the positive efforts made by the current president of Cote d'Ivoire to maintain stability and promote national reconciliation, she said.

Hailing the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Germany, which falls on October 11, she said the Chinese Government is eager to improve overall relations with the newly elected German Government through mutual efforts.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Hot Int'l Issues Should be Settled by Political, Peaceful Means: FM Spokeswoman

'Taiwan Independence': Greatest Threat to Taiwan Straits Peace ( 5 Messages)