Kong made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a question on allegations that China resold radar systems bought from Ukraine to Iraq.

The Chinese government is always strictly implementing the UN Security Council Resolutions concerning sanctions on Iraq, said Kong.

Kong said cooperation between China and Ukraine in various areas including the military is in accord with international conventions, and such cooperation is carried out following the international obligations of each side.

Commenting on the upcoming visit to China of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kong said separate meetings have been arranged between the Russian president and his Chinese counterpart Jiang Zemin and Vice-President Hu Jintao.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that Putin will visit China between December 1 and 3 to discuss with the Chinese leaders the development of bilateral relations in the past decade and draw up a strategic plan for the future development of ties.

They will also exchange views on international issues of common concern, which may include the issue of nuclear weapons in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Kong Tuesday reaffirmed that China's stance is to oppose the proliferation of nuclear arms and other weapons of mass destruction on the Korean Peninsula.

Asked to respond to NATO's eastward expansion, Kong expressed the hope that NATO would consider the concerns and interests of all European countries, and act in the interests of peace and stability.

He stressed that there could be a peaceful international environment of long-term stability and security only with a concept of security that stresses trust, reciprocity, equality and cooperation.

The two countries swapped views on the exchange of maps of the line of control on their border and on ways to build trust. Kong described the talks as "candid and friendly.''

Having narrowed their differences, the two sides have agreed to hold talks between their diplomatic and military experts on the border issue in Beijing next January, Kong added.

Kong also briefed the press on the recent border talks between China and India.

(People?s Daily November 27, 2002)