An allegation of a Chinese connection to a reported terror threat in the US is as yet unsubstantiated, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kong Quan said. "All media reports say the information is 'uncorroborated,'" he said at Thursday's regular news briefing.

 

He was responding to a question on an ongoing US Federal Bureau of Investigation probe into an unconfirmed report of a "dirty bomb" threat in Boston in which four Chinese nationals are suspected to have played a role. The FBI released photographs of them and said the four were being sought in connection with an unspecified and uncorroborated tip-off.

 

"We've been firmly supporting the concerted efforts made by the international community to fight all kinds of terrorist activities," said Kong. "China is among the victims of terrorism."

 

Kong also ruled out of the possibility of a weapons "shopping spree" if the EU lifts its arms embargo against China.

 

"Lifting the embargo will certainly not lead to massive imports of weapons because China adheres to a defensive principle," he said. Commenting on reports that EU arms sales to China have soared over the past year, he added, "I doubt the truthfulness of such reports."

 

He described the embargo as an anachronism and a result of the Cold War and "political discrimination."

 

The embargo will be a key topic in discussions with UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who is in Beijing today on a one-day visit, and is scheduled to sign a memorandum with the National Tourism Administration to make the UK a Chinese tourist destination.

 

Kong said China strongly objects to sanctions imposed by the US this month on eight Chinese companies that it said were helping Iran with its missile programs.

 

China opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their transport vehicles, he said, and has laws against it. Chinese organizations or individuals are not allowed to be involved, and any violations will be brought to justice, he added.

 

Kong said China opposes any country providing an opportunity for Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian to advocate independence.

 

Taiwan authorities are using every possible chance to do this, including "transit diplomacy."

 

According to Taiwan media, Chen is planning to stop by Guam on his tour of southern Pacific nations later this month.

 

Grenada, a Caribbean country who recognized the Taiwan regime for 15 years, resumed diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China yesterday.

 

Kong said, "China and Grenada can carry out cooperation in a wide range of fields, not only in the political, economic and trade arenas, but also in education. The two sides have decided to send ambassadors as soon as possible, and to help each other construct embassies."

 

He reiterated that for countries that have diplomatic relations with China, non-governmental trade?exchanges with Taiwan are accepted, but the one-China policy must be fully implemented as a fundamental political basis.?

 

On the eight Chinese nationals taken hostage in Iraq, Kong said China will continue its efforts to rescue them. "China's stance is to uphold the Iraqi people's fundamental and long-term interests," he said. "We call on the kidnappers to release the hostages as soon as possible."

 

Kong said China will take an active part in Japan's Aichi Expo 2005 and that it will provide a platform for all countries in the world to exhibit themselves.

 

Turning to Vice President Zeng Qinghong's tour of Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica from January 23 to February 3, Kong said China expects to have closer cooperation with Latin America. Zeng will attend the opening ceremony of the first Ministerial-level Meeting of the China-Caribbean Economy and Trade Cooperation Forum 2005.

 

Commenting on the Ukrainian Supreme Court's confirmation of Viktor Yushchenko as president yesterday, Kong said China and Ukraine are friendly countries, and China respects the choice of Ukrainian people.

 

Kong said the China Seismological Bureau will host a seminar on tsunami early warning systems with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from January 25 to 26, as proposed by Premier Wen Jiabao at the international summit in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this month.

 

Approximately 30 experts and officials from ASEAN, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the US, Japan and the UN have confirmed their participation, Kong said, and they will explore conditions and technologies and discuss further cooperation.

 

Kong said Vanuatuan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sato Kilman reiterated his government's firm adherence to a one-China policy during his current visit to China. Kilman arrived in Beijing on Monday evening and will stay until January 24 as guest of State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan.

 

Kong announced Vice Premier Huang Ju's attendance of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) from January 28 to 30. Huang, Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, will deliver a speech at the meeting.

 

Created in 1971 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the WEF is a forum for political and business leaders, economists, and officials from international organizations to discuss major global issues. The upcoming meeting will focus on "taking responsibility for tough choices."

 

Kong also announced that Singaporean Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yong-Boon Yeo will come to visit from January 28 to February 3 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

 

Li talked over the phone with Yeo on issues concerning tsunami relief in the Indian Ocean several days ago. They have previously held talks in 2004 when attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial meeting in the Chilean capital of Santiago.

 

(China Daily, Xinhua News Agency, CRI.com January 21, 2005)