Chinese officials said Tuesday they hope US Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit to the Middle East can push Israel's withdrawal from Palestinian-held regions and bring the peace talks back on track.
In a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Zhang Qiyue, rebuked Israel's stepped-up military strikes into Palestinian territories and urged for a complete withdrawal.
"Israel should commit itself to the resolution (1402) adopted by United Nations Security Council calling for a full retreat,'' said Zhang. "And they should do it with no strings attached.''
Powell began his four-nation tour to Spain and the Middle East on Monday in the latest diplomatic mission to help settle the boiling confrontation between Israel and Palestine. He is expected to talk with leaders in Morocco, Egypt, Spain and Jordan.
Israel withdrew from two West Bank towns Tuesday but raided another village and continued a tight grip on other Palestinian-controlled regions it has occupied since recent assaults.
Zhang said Beijing noted Israel's withdrawal from the two towns but she said they wanted a complete retreat.
"They should resume peace talks with the Palestinians and free Yasser Arafat from virtual siege immediately,'' said Zhang.
China has kept in close contact with the UN Secretary General and other UN Security Council members on this issue, she added.
In another development, Zhang condemned a speech last Saturday by Japan's opposition Liberal Party leader, Ichiro Ozawa, that claimed Japan could easily produce nuclear weapons.
She said the remarks were irresponsible and represented an outdated Cold War mentality.
"The words go against the lasting desire of the Japanese people for peace and friendship with their Chinese counterparts,'' she said.
However, Zhang said Beijing and Tokyo have agreed to advance ties and strengthen exchange and co-operation in various areas..
She said the official eight-day visit by National People's Congress Chairman Li Peng to Japan, which ended Tuesday, was successful and helped build bilateral ties.
Li's visit is the latest in a string of high-level official exchanges marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Japan in 1972.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will tour China on Thursday and attend an economic conference in South China's Hainan island.
(China Daily April 10, 2002)
