Korean nuclear issue and the Iranian nuclear issue and urged the parties involved to reach peaceful solutions through negotiations. China has taken an active part in international peacekeeping operations to safeguard world and regional stability. China strictly honors its WTO commitments and observes WTO rules, and is opening its market in phases. It supports free trade based on equality and makes positive efforts to promote progress in the Doha Round multilateral trade talks. China calls for the settlement of trade disputes through consultation on an equal footing within the framework of the multilateral trading system.

China has actively participated in international cooperation against terrorism. We are opposed to associating terrorism with a particular nation or religion and are against applying double standard. We should take a comprehensive approach in fighting terrorism and address both symptom and root causes. In particular, high priority should be given to alleviating poverty and resolving regional conflicts so as to remove the causes of terrorism.

China pursues a transparent defense policy. The policy is defensive in nature, and it is aimed at safeguarding China's national security and unity. China is firmly committed to international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. It is a party to relevant international conventions on non-proliferation and supports their implementation. Moreover, China has put in place a comprehensive export control legal regime covering all aspects of non-proliferation and has taken effective steps to enhance law enforcement in this regard.

China is committed to meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals. While not a rich country itself, China has provided selfless assistance with no political strings attached to other developing countries. In the fight against SARS, avian influenza and natural disasters, China has participated in international cooperation in a responsible manner. And we have provided financial and technical assistance to countries struck by the Indian Ocean tsunami and the South Asian earthquake and to the international cooperation programs on combating avian influenza.

Mr. Chairman,

One thing we in China have learned from the reform and opening-up drive in the past 20 years and more is that China cannot develop itself in isolation from the world. Only by actively participating in international cooperation can China make greater progress in its development endeavor. We will continue to develop friendly relations and cooperation with our Asian and European partners and other countries in the world and work with them to build a world of harmony, durable peace and common prosperity. I look forward to seeing you again in China at the Seventh ASEM Summit in 2008.

(Source: www.fmpnc.gov.cn)