Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan expressed profound grief and concern over the safety of Zhang Zhongyi, a Chinese national held by a Philippine rebel group since mid-August.
At a meeting with Philippine Vice President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teofisto Guingona Jr., Tang urged sustained efforts from the Philippine side to ensure Zhang's safety and push for his early release.
"We hope the Philippine government will do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of all Chinese citizens living in the Philippines," said Tang.
Zhang and his interpreter Lim were kidnapped by a kidnap-for- ransom gang on August 12, when they were trying to rescue Zhang's brother, earlier abducted Zhang Zhongqiang, from the kidnappers.
A week later, Zhang Zhongqiang and his Chinese companion Xue Xing were killed in a gunfight between government troops and the kidnappers on August 19. Lim was released in September, but Zhang Zhongyi has remained hostage.
Guingona, who is here to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meeting, expressed condolences once again for the Chinese victims and said the Philippine law enforcement departments will do all that they can to ensure the safe release of Zhang.
(Xinhua News Agency 10/17/2001)
