In a bid to maintain relations with Libya, China on Thursday
demanded the country cut all its official ties with Taiwan.
"We are strongly dissatisfied with Libya and have lodged solemn
representations with them," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu
Jianchao told the regular briefing.
Despite China's strong opposition, Libya permitted Taiwan leader
Chen Shui-bian to make a transit stop in Tripoli, capital of Libya,
Wednesday. The Libyan government also held talks with Chen on
mutually establishing representative offices.
"This is a serious violation of Libya's long-term commitment to
the one-China policy and will exert a negative impact on
China-Libya relations," Liu said.
"We demand that Libya live up to its commitment and immediately
cease all official exchanges with Taiwan in whatever forms so as to
maintain overall China-Libya relations," he added.
Liu also called for the United States to take substantive action
to display adherence to the one-China policy, three Sino-US joint
communiques and their commitment to opposing "Taiwan
independence".
His remarks came after the US Deputy Secretary of State Robert
Zoellick said Wednesday that the US did not support "Taiwan
independence" and that US forces would become involved
if?? independence was declared.
"In particular the United States should end sales of advanced
weapons to Taiwan and military exchanges," Liu said.
US report--China not manipulating currency
When commenting on the contents of the newly-released US report
relating to China, Liu said it was appreciated that China was not
listed as a currency manipulator.
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He said the report, released by the US Treasury Department on May
10, gave recognition to China's efforts in establishing a more
flexible foreign exchange market and stepping up financial
reforms.
The exchange rate of the RMB against the US dollar had
appreciated 3.4 percent by May 10 since the currency reform was
introduced last year, according to Liu.
He said the exchange rate of RMB against the US dollar could
fall or rise, adding that the two-way floating exchange rate and
the increased flexibility of RMB had reflected fluctuations of
major international currencies. Exchange rates were adjusted with
reference to a package of currencies and based on market supply and
demand.
Liu said China was furthering its economic reforms, increasing
domestic demands and adjusting the economic structure. It would
better manage its floating currency mechanism which accorded with
statements made by President Hu Jintao during his US visit in
April.
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UN Secretary-General to visit China
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will pay an official visit to
China from May 19 to 23 at the invitation of the Chinese
government, Liu told the press. He explained this would be Annan's
seventh visit to China since he took office.?
Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and State
Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will meet with him and exchange views on
international and regional issues of common interest and the
cooperation between China and the UN, said Liu.
Quick return to six-party talks
China was making every effort for an early resumption of
six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Liu
said.
He pinpointed the key obstacle as being the difference between
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the US on the
financial issues concerning the DPRK.
He declined to elaborate on the financial issues but asked
interested parties to take a flexible and pragmatic approach to
assist in removing the barrier. The talks involve China, the DPRK,
the US, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Japan.
Both China and the US agreed to solve the nuclear issue through
dialogue via the six-party talks, to establish a nuclear-weapons
free Korean Peninsula and maintain peace and stability, he
said.
The multi-lateral talks got underway in 2003. The first phase of
the fifth round was held in Beijing last November and a date for
the next stage has yet to be identified.
Peaceful solution to Iranian nuclear issue
Liu urged all parties to keep up diplomatic efforts for a
peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. China hoped that
those involved would remain patient and show restraint and
sincerity in resolving the difficulty, he said.
"China hopes all parties can start a new round of diplomatic
efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue in a peaceful manner
through negotiations," said Liu.
He explained China's position as firm support for the current
international non-proliferation system and seeking peace and
stability in the Middle East.
Asked to comment on a statement by a US official that China
would agree with the proposed sanctions on Iran, Liu explained that
China did not support threats of sanctions or force in resolving
international disputes.
Youth exchanges with Japan
When asked to comment on a Japanese invitation to 1,000 Chinese
students to visit, the spokesman said China would cooperate to
promote such exchanges and communication between young people to
improve and develop bilateral ties. "China appreciates the Japanese
efforts in promoting youth exchanges," he said. The first 200
students will leave next week.
China always supported non-governmental exchanges with Japan
which were intended to enhance mutual-understanding and friendship,
Liu said.
"I myself hosted some Japanese students who were in Beijing for
an exchange program when I was still a postgraduate at university,"
said the 42-year-old spokesman.
The present difficulty in Sino-Japanese relations was rooted in
the repeated visits by some Japanese leaders to the Yasukuni Shrine
where World War II criminals were honored, Liu said.
In a bid to improve bilateral ties, Liu noted, the two sides
were "in contact" to arrange meetings between the two foreign
ministers.
"China always makes efforts to overcome difficulties and improve
and develop relations with Japan," Liu said. "We hope the Japanese
will understand our sincerity."
(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2006)
