Foreign and Military Affairs

China wants more dialogue with US

By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-01-30 09:42

China and the United States will step up their dialogue with each other and strive to evolve a consensus on contentious issues, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Thursday.

Yang and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held discussions on some of these issues on the sidelines of the London conference on Afghanistan, attended by leaders and ministers from more than 60 countries

Speaking to reporters, Clinton said she had raised the Google issue with her Chinese counterpart during the talks.

"It was an open and candid conversation", Clinton said adding that the two sides have agreed to continue their dialogue.

"We had a very positive exchange," she said, stressing that the US still remains concerned about Internet freedom in China.

The two leaders also agreed to promote bilateral ties by implementing consensus, stepping up dialogue and communications, and properly dealing with their differences.

Yang also held discussions with his Russian, British and EU counterparts on bilateral ties and other global issues.

Meanwhile the foreign minister on Thursday reiterated China's support for a full transition to Afghan governance of Afghanistan.

Yang said the London meeting evolved wider international agreements on the measures needed for a stable and secure Afghanistan.

"We believe that the international community should focus on Afghanistan and offer greater support and assistance," Yang said, adding "it was essential to help the country strengthen its sovereignty, ownership and development capacity."

Yang said China would maintain its long-term commitment in Afghanistan by setting up more enterprises and providing funds and personnel.

Since 2002, China has provided more than 900 million yuan ($132 million) aid to Afghanistan and canceled all its mature debts.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said world leaders have agreed to contribute $140 million for a fund proposed by Afghan President Karzai to provide jobs for the Taliban fighters who agree to lay down weapons.

"So far we have got commitments worth $140 million for the first year of the national reintegration program and we are committed to seeing that through," Miliband said.

Observers said the Afghan reconstruction has entered a new phase, due to the concerted international efforts .

Nigel Inkster, director of transnational threats and political risk with the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies told Xinhua that the fund would make the Afghan government capable of implementing a serious and lasting reconciliation plan.

Inkster said the London meeting indicated the importance of local economic development and the contribution made by the regional countries to the security in Afghanistan.