Following is a translation of the full text of the statement:

On 20 March, bypassing the UN Security Council, the United States and some other countries launched military operations against Iraq. The Chinese government hereby expresses its serious concern.

The Chinese government has all along stood for a political settlement of the Iraq issue within the UN framework, urging the Iraqi government to fully and earnestly implement the relevant Security Council resolutions and calling for respect for Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity by the international community.

Security Council Resolution 1441 adopted unanimously last November is an important basis for a political settlement of the Iraq question. It is the widely-held view in the international community that the strict implementation of Resolution 1441 can deny Iraq weapons of mass destruction through peaceful means. The Chinese government has worked tirelessly with various countries to this end.

War will inevitably lead to humanitarian disasters and undermine the security, stability and development of the region and the world at large. People throughout the world detest war andwant to see peace preserved. The Chinese government is always committed to peace and stability in the world. We stand for settlement of international disputes by political means and rejectthe use or threat of force in international affairs. The Chinese government strongly appeals the relevant countries to stop military actions and return to the right path of seeking a political solution to the Iraq question.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2003)