Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan Tuesday responded to the mutual launch of trade and economic representative offices by Taiwan and Mongolia by saying that Beijing does not oppose countries having civil, economic and cultural exchanges with Taiwan.

However, he urged all countries that have established diplomatic ties with Beijing to abide by their commitments and stick to the one-China policy.

"We strongly oppose those countries establishing any official relations or having any official exchanges with Taiwan," Kong told yesterday's press briefing.

"At the same time, we strongly oppose Taiwan developing official relations and making 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan' in the international community under the name of various causes," he added.

Turning to the situation in Iraq, Kong said China has always believed that the issue should be solved in a political and diplomatic way within the framework of the United Nations.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri visited China last week.

Kong said Vice-Premier Qian Qichen told Sabri that China considers the use or threat of force as not conducive to solving the issue.

Qian also urged Iraq to completely and effectively implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and co-operate with the UN to avoid further complicating the issue.

"China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, will continue to make unremitting efforts towards a just and reasonable solution to the Iraq issue," Kong said.

Kong said Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan will head the Chinese delegation to attend the 57th Assembly of the United Nations next Monday.

(China Daily September 4, 2002)