China regrets the civilian casualties in the US and British air strikes against Afghanistan, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sun Yuxi Thursday.
Sun, at the regular press conference, said China has always stressed that anti-terrorism actions should be aimed at specific targets, avoid hurting innocent people, and should not spread the war to other countries.
China believes that the fight against terrorism will be more effective if these principles are observed, and China hopes these principles be faithfully implemented, Sun stressed.
China has cooperated with the international community, including the U.S., in the counter-terrorism sphere, Sun said, noting that in view of the current situation, China has strengthened security measures along its border with Afghanistan.
All of China's institutions in Pakistan, including its embassy and counsel in Karachi, are working normally, Sun said, adding that those Chinese who work in Pakistan's bordering areas with Afghanistan have withdrawn to other safer places of that country.
(Xinhua News Agency 10/12/2001)
