The Foreign Ministry yesterday criticized Washington for
imposing sanctions on four Chinese companies for alleged
involvement in arms sales.
The ministry's spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular news briefing
that the US action was "completely unreasonable and
irresponsible."
"We express our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition," she
said.
On Tuesday, the US imposed a prohibition on all transactions
with four Chinese companies alleged to have helped Iran acquire
weapons of mass destruction including missiles.
Washington said the companies supplied Iran with missile-related
and dual use components.
The Chinese companies involved are Beijing Alite Technologies Co
Ltd, LIMMT Economic and Trade Co Ltd, Great Wall Industry
Corporation, and China National Precision Machinery Import/Export
Corporation. China National Precision is represented in the US by
GW Aerospace Inc, based in California.
"The US government did not provide any evidence before they
froze transactions on the four Chinese companies. This is
completely unreasonable and irresponsible," Jiang said.
She noted that proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
threatens peace and security, and does not serve China's
interests.
"The Chinese government is firmly opposed to the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction, and does not allow any companies or
individuals to support or engage in proliferation of any form," she
said.
"This is our clear and firm stance."
China and the US share common interests on non-proliferation,
but the latest sanctions have "severely harmed" bilateral
cooperation in this regard, as well as the further development of
bilateral relations, she added.
Jiang urged the US to correct its mistakes and stop exerting
sanctions and pressure on China.
On China-Japan relations, Jiang said: "We hope the Japanese
leaders will make the right decision ... and help create healthy
and stable ties as soon as possible."
She said China has always attached great importance to
China-Japan relations.
President Hu Jintao has said many times that the two
nations should be committed to peaceful coexistence, long-term
friendship, mutual-beneficial cooperation and common development,
she noted.
Turning to China-Africa ties, Jiang said Hu has sent formal
invitations to African leaders to attend the third ministerial
meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum slated for
November.
The invitations were well received by African countries, she
said, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic ties between China and African
countries.
Jiang said China and many African countries are developing
nations and therefore share common interests and consensus on many
issues.
The long-lasting friendship between China and African nations is
a result of mutual support, equality, cooperation and common
development, she said.
It is important for China's diplomatic policies to consolidate
and develop cooperation with African countries, she noted.
China hopes to carry on the traditional friendship and develop a
new type of strategic partnership with African countries, she
added.
Premier Wen Jiabao leaves on a seven-nation African
tour tomorrow.
Jiang said that Wen will hold talks with leaders of the seven
countries and discuss promoting bilateral relations and other
issues of common concern, based on the spirit of deepening
friendship, enhancing mutual trust, and expanding cooperation and
common development.
China published earlier this year an African policy document and
Hu visited three African nations in April.
At Hu's invitation, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade will
visit China from June 21 to 26, Jiang announced.
(China Daily, Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2006)