China is opposed to the buildup of a national missile defense system by the United States,and is concerned over its plan to withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing on December 13. She said it is a matter of great importance to maintain the international system of arms control and disarmament and the world's strategic balance and stability.
China hoped that the US will listen to the advice from the international community, and take careful steps on the issue of the ABM treaty, she said.
Zhang said that the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for joint efforts to strengthen and preserve the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty for consecutive three years. On November 29, the United Nations General Assembly once again passed the resolution, which fully demonstrated that the world hoped to keep the resolution and its function of maintaining worldpeace and stability, said Zhang.
She pointed out that China and the United States are important countries in the world, sharing same responsibilities and interests in maintaining the global peace. She added, China is always ready to join hands with the international community for the issue concerned, and hopes that the countries concerned could find solutions through constructive dialogue.
(Xinhua News Agency December 14, 2001)
