China and the United States have extensive common interests as
well as some disputes, but the common interests enjoy the top
priority, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in an interview
with the German magazine Der Spiegel last Wednesday.
According to information from the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday,
Li said good
China-US relations comply with the fundamental interests of the
two nations and benefit peace, stability and development of the
Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.
Li said China holds that the China-US relations should be built
on the principles specified in the three China-US joint
communiques.
Only by following the principles, especially the principles of
mutual respect of national sovereignty and territorial integrity,
non-interference in internal affairs and mutual benefit, and only
by properly handling the Taiwan issue, can China-US relations grow
healthily and steadily, Li said.
On the issue of anti-terrorism, Li said international terrorism
is one of the major threats to the whole world and China has always
actively participated in the international cooperation in fighting
against it.
Some people said China persecuted minorities including Uygur
people by using anti-terrorism as excuse, which is totally
groundless and irresponsible, Li said.
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has achieved obvious social and
economic progress and the policy of China's central government has
received the support of all minorities including Xinjiang Uygur
people, Li said.
Li emphasized that no sovereign country will sit idle with
separatist activities and no responsible government could ignore
the danger surrounding its people.
China's fight against the "East Turkistan" terrorist force is to
maintain Xinjiang's regional peace and stability and the secured
life of local people.
Li said he hoped those who have misunderstandings on the issue
could come to China and see the country by themselves so as to
avoid being misled by people with ulterior motives.
(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2003)