In an interview with Chinese reporters covering the visit, Li described Hu's visit as a major diplomatic move taken by China so far this year which has contributed to enhancing mutual confidence and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the three countries.

Li, who accompanied Hu on the visit, mainly made the following comments in the interview given at the end of the visit:

Firstly, the visit has contributed to consolidating the political basis of China's relations with the three countries.

Hu's visit to the United States meant the maintenance of the momentum of high-level dialogue between the two countries.

During the visit, Hu and US leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, anti-terrorism, science and technology, environmental protection and energy, and agreed to take measures to resume and strengthen military exchange.

In Malaysia and Singapore, Hu and the two countries' leaders expressed a strong aspiration to further develop partnership based on good neighborliness and mutual confidence, and had in-depth exchange of views on how to further strengthen bilateral exchange and cooperation in all areas.

Secondly, the visit has contributed to enhancing China's understanding of both the domestic and foreign policies of the three countries, and promoting the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the three countries.

Hu's statement made during the visit that China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) represents a new starting point of China's reform and opening up and that it will therefore provide more business opportunities has made US enterprises more confident about increasing cooperation with China.

Hu's speech made in Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur on the development of China and the rest of Asia received positive reactions in the country and other neighboring countries.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad stated Malaysia has always regarded China as a friend and cooperation partner, while Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said the development in China will bring more new opportunities for Singapore in fields of investment and trade.

Thirdly, Hu's visit has contributed to strengthening the mutual understanding and coordination between China and the three countries in handling major international issues.

During the visit, Hu expounded on many occasions China's attitude towards the current international situation and such issues of general interest as anti-terrorism.

Hu stated that China opposes all forms of terrorism and is willing to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation with all countries.

Speaking highly of China's principled stance in this regard, leaders of the three countries stated they attach great importance to the constructive role China plays in international affairs and expressed the hope to continue consultations with the Chinese side in international issues.

And fourthly, during the visit, Hu frankly exchanged views with US leaders on the issues of Taiwan, human rights and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The two sides agreed to reach consensus on a wider range of issues and appropriately handle their differences on the basis of mutual respect, equality and seeking common ground while reserving differences.

Hu reiterated that the US side should proceed from a broad view of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the development of Sino-US relations, and should play a constructive role in China's peaceful reunification process.

During Hu's visit, the US side stated that the Bush administration adheres to the One-China policy and abides by the three US-China Joint Communiques, and that it neither supports "Taiwan independence" nor encourages the development of the "Taiwan independence" force.

Hu's visit to the United States has contributed to enhancing mutual understanding between China and the United States, and will produce positive influence on implementing the agreement reached between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and US President George W. Bush and promoting Sino-US relations of constructive cooperation.

The visit to Malaysia and Singapore meant a solid step in strengthening China's relations with the two countries.

(People?s Daily May 5, 2002)