An anthrax scare on Wednesday resulting in the sterilization of the British Embassy in Beijing is still under investigation - with no answer, as yet, by authorities to the nature of the powder.
The suspect mail, received from an unidentifiable sender, comprised an English printed note and a paper package containing white powder.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said Chinese public security and health authorities rushed to the scene after receiving a call from the embassy.
"The authorities brought the paper package back for examination, while the embassy has been sterilized," said Zhu yesterday, who was unable to say when the investigation would bear results.
However, Zhu stressed China is still clear of any actual anthrax contamination - which has caused a public scare in the United States - while preventative measures, including tightened checks on public border controls, are in place.
"Border, customs and quarantine departments are staying watchful to keep the bacteria out of China, and antibiotic medicines and other vaccines are in copious stocks."
In the press briefing, Zhu asked some Republic of Korea (ROK) media members to stop the distorted coverage that China executed a drug vendor, a 41-year-old man surnamed Shin, in August without notifying the government of ROK. The man was charged with making, delivering and selling illicit drugs in China.
"We not only informed the ROK of Shin's arrest and custody but also forwarded the time and location for Shin's legal case one week in advance," said Zhu, "and a notice of Shin's death punishment was sent to ROK's consulate in Shenyang."
In another development, Zhu said China is expected to deepen economic bonds with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as leaders from both sides will discuss further the establishment of a regional free trade zone in next week's two-way summit meeting in Brunei.
(China Daily November 02,2001)
