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China, US to discuss nuke issues
By Le Tian (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-01-20 06:20
US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick is expected to visit China next
week amid continuing international concerns over the denuclearization of the
Korean Peninsula and disputed nuclear programmes in Iran.
During his three-day visit starting Monday, Zoellick will meet Chinese
officials to exchange views on China-US relations and on major international
issues, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said at a regular news briefing
yesterday.
"I look forward to a good exchange of views in Beijing on security and
proliferation issues particularly in Northeast Asia and Iran, among other
topics," Zoellick was quoted by AFP as saying.
Another point of discussion is preparations for the third China-US strategic
dialogue, which both sides have agreed to hold in the first half of this year,
Kong said.
Both China and the US are important stakeholders in the international
community and it will benefit both sides to listen to each other's views,
Zoellick was quoted by China News Service as saying, adding maintaining contacts
with China is very important.
Six-Party Talks
There was a flurry of diplomatic activity in Beijing this week as China, the
host of the Six-Party Talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, has
been prompting concerned parties US, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
(DPRK), Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia and Japan to return to the negotiation
table as soon as possible.
A meeting between US envoy Christopher Hill and DPRK's negotiator Kim
Kye-gwan was held in Beijing on Wednesday following a proposal by China. Chinese
negotiator Wu Dawei also joined the meeting.
"The meeting showed a positive attitude toward the resumption of the
Six-Party Talks," Kong said.
The talks had been at the top of the agenda during a recent visit by DPRK
leader Kim Jong-il to China.
"During his meeting with President Hu Jintao, both leaders said the talks
were the best way to make the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free and said they were
prepared to continue them," Kong said.
Taiwan question
Responding to a question concerning the relations between Libya and Taiwan,
Kong said China appreciates the Libyan Government's adherence to the one-China
policy.
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing is visiting Libya and has held talks
with Libyan top leader Moammar Khadafy.
Khadafy stated clearly that Libya will unswervingly stick to the one-China
principle whatever happens and his country firmly opposes "Taiwan independence",
and supports China's reunification cause.
Khadafy's remarks came after Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian said he is set to
visit Libya to cultivate bilateral ties.
(China Daily 01/20/2006 page2)
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