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The Iraq issue is now at the most crucial juncture of war or peace and China will spare no efforts to avoid war together with the international community, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Monday evening.
During a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov, Li said China still insists on a political solution to the issue within the framework of the United Nations, according to sources with the ministry.
Ivanov briefed Li on Russia's view of the current situation regarding Iraq, saying relevant parties should make the utmost effort to solve the problem through political means.
He said that the Russian-China relationship has entered a new stage of development thanks to the joint efforts of both sides.
The long-standing friendship between the two countries is in the common interest of both peoples and serves as a strong guarantee for peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region and the world as a whole, Ivanov said.
Li agreed with Ivanov's comment on the China-Russian ties, saying that China is willing to make joint efforts with Russia to continuously advance the Sino-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation so as to benefit both peoples.
(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2003)
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