China against extending anti-terrorism campaign: FM
( 2001-12-22 17:07 ) (8 )

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan has reiterated that China is against indiscriminately extending the ongoing anti-terrorism campaign out of unilateral political considerations.

After arrival in Beirut Friday afternoon for a two-day visit, Tang met separately with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

During the meetings, Tang stressed that China condemns all forms of terrorism, especially those targeting innocent civilians.

"We are also against linking terrorism with a certain religion, region or nation," he said.

"As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China pays close attention to the situation and developments in the Middle East. We would like to play an active role in pushing the Mideast peace process forward," he added.

He said that China is deeply concerned about the situation in the region, especially in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel.

China maintains that Israel should be mainly responsible for the deterioration of the Mideast situation and believes the root of problems in the region is Israeli occupation of Arab territories, the Chinese foreign minister stressed.

"Solving the Mideast problems as soon as possible will help eradicate the hotbed of international terrorism," Tang added.

On the Sino-Lebanese relations, Tang expressed gratitude to Lebanon for its adherence to the "one China" policy and rejection of having official ties with Taiwan,

He voiced hope that the two countries will work together to promote cooperation in the economy and trade.

Lebanon is the first leg of Tang's tour in the region, which will also take him to Syria, Jordan and Egypt. He is scheduled to leave Lebanon Saturday afternoon.