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UPDATED: February 14, 2007 from china.org.cn
FM Li's Japan Tour to Pave Way for Premier's April Visit
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations and will be a year of sports and cultural exchanges for the two countries
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Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's Japan visit is aimed at promoting the improvement and progress of bilateral relations and paving the way for Premier Wen Jiabao's official visit in April, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

Li's visit, first of its kind since 2004, will start from February 15. During his stay Li will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso, ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular news briefing.

China-Japan relations have improved since Abe's visit to China last October. Abe's landmark visit was widely seen as a "turning point" in bilateral ties.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations and will be a year of sports and cultural exchanges for the two countries.

South Korea called on to help fire victims

South Korea is being called on to ensure all proper arrangements are made for the families of the Chinese citizens who died in a fire at a detention center in Yeosu.

China requires South Korea to provide maximum convenience to the families of the dead and injured, Jiang said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy is urging South Korean authorities to provide a list of the Chinese casualties and to ascertain the cause of fire.

"Three of the dead still have not been identified as South Korea can only provide their names in English," said Zhao Dengyu, a consul at the Chinese embassy, adding that the South Korean authorities are trying to find Chinese names and pictures for each Chinese victim.

Chinese Ambassador Ning Fukui arrived in Yeosu yesterday to visit the injured and families of the dead and express his condolences.

Comments on Putin's criticism on the US

Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent speech concerning the US, Jiang said: "As the international situation is filled with opportunities and challenges, all countries should make efforts to create a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity."

Putin told a Munich security conference on Saturday that the US' "almost uncontained" use of force has led other countries developing weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons.

"All countries should step up cooperation, seize opportunities and cope with challenges," Jiang said.

China, Russia actively promote signing of treaty to prevent space arms race

In recent years China, Russia and some other countries have been actively urging the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva to sign a treaty preventing arms race in space through negotiations, Jiang said, adding that China has made some suggestions to clearly oppose the deployment of weapons in space.

China will continue to make efforts in this regard together with the international community, she noted.

Jiang reiterated that China pursues a peaceful way of development, an independent foreign policy of peace, and a defense policy that is self-defensive in nature.

China has always supported the peaceful use of space, stands for international cooperation and exchanges in this regard, and will never participate in any space arms race, she said.

Early repatriation of Lai Changxing urged

There's no change in China's stances on the repatriation of most wanted fugitive Lai Changxing, and an early repatriation is in the interests of both China and Canada, Jiang said.

Lai was accused of being the mastermind behind the country's largest smuggling ring. He fled to Canada in 1999 and remains there where he is confined to his home.

Beijing wants to bring him back to face charges of smuggling, bribery and tax evasion. However, Canadian officials have been unwilling to allow Lai's extradition because he could be sentenced to death. Recently, Canada's federal court held a hearing on the risks evaluation of Lai's repatriation.

Sri Lanka president to visit China

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse will pay a state visit to China from February 26 to March 4, Jiang announced.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency, China Daily February 14, 2007)



 
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