China Monday hoped for an Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire as soon as possible to help create the necessary conditions for the early resumption of peace talks.

Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan told visiting Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres that violence cannot resolve any problem but only lead to deeper hatred.

Peres briefed Tang on the current situation in the Middle East, saying Israel appreciated China's efforts towards the Middle East problem and wished China to continue to promote the peace process.

Peres said Israel is willing to resume negotiations with Palestine to resolve their disputes.

Tang expressed China's concern over the further deterioration of situation in the Middle East, which has led to serious casualties, loss of property and a severe threat to regional security and peace.

China is opposed to Israel's invasion of the Palestinian territory and the damage of the presidential offices of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, as well as the prohibition of his personal freedom, Tang said, noting such actions are not only against principles of international laws and agreements reached by the two but also impair Israel's world image.

On the bilateral relations, Peres said Israel attached importance to the relations with China, saying bilateral relations can move steadily amid ups and downs.

Peres expressed Israel's hope to enhance cooperation with China in various fields, especially in agriculture and science and technology.

Tang said the development of healthy, stable and mutual-benefit cooperative ties are in the basic interests of the two peoples.

Tang concluded by expressing China's willingness to work with the international community to contribute to the peace in the Middle East.

Tuesday, Peres is scheduled to meet Premier Zhu Rongji and Vice-Premier Qian Qichen.

(China Daily March 26, 2002)