FM spokesman: China welcomes Obama's visit

BEIJING - China welcomes US President Barack Obama to China and the 22nd APEC economic leaders' meeting in Beijing next month, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said here Thursday.

Hong told a regular press briefing that Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Obama will discuss the new relationship between the two countries and international issues of common concern, including joint action on Ebola, terrorism and climate change.

"We hope that through this visit, the two sides will enhance strategic trust, reduce strategic uncertainty and increase strategic cooperation so as to advance the new type of relationship between China and the United States," Hong said.

Hong said China opposes all forms of terrorism and it is ready to cooperate with the rest of the international community to this respect.

International anti-terrorism cooperation should give full play to the role of the UN and its Security Council and abide by the principles and guidelines of the UN Charter. The fight against terrorism should also respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the countries concerned, he added.

Hong said anti-terror efforts should address both the phenomenon and causes of terrorism, not apply double standards or focus on any particular ethnic group.