Chinese President Hu Jintao vowed Monday that China would continue, with the international community, to help reconstruction and the restoration of peace and stability in Iraq as soon as possible.  

Hu told visiting US president special envoy James Baker, who also served as US secretary of state from 1989 to 1992, that the prompt restoration of peace and stability and reconstruction was the common expectation of the international community.

Hu said China and the US should maintain frequent exchanges and close communication and consultation on international and regional issues to foster the development of a constructive partnership and world peace and stability.

Baker said the two countries cooperated well on issues such as Iraq and the Korean nuclear issue.

Baker said the reconstruction process would benefit the Iraqi people and help achieve regional peace, which would also serve the common interests of the US and China.

He hoped that China would join with the US to solve the Iraq debt issue.

Hu also reiterated China's principles and position on Taiwan.

(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2003)