On the afternoon of September 20, Foreign Minister
Tang Jiaxuan, who is on a visit to the United States, met
with US Vice-President Cheney at the White
House.
Cheney warmly welcomed Tang to visit the
United States. Tang conveyed to him greetings from
Vice-President Hu Jintao. Cheney expressed thanks and asked
Tang to convey his greetings to Vice-President
Hu.
Tang said that after the terrorist attacks
on the United States on September 11, President Jiang Zemin
expressed, on behalf of the Chinese government and people,
deep sympathy to President Bush, the US government and
people, and profound condolences to the
victims.
Tang said that the Chinese government
consistently opposes and condemns all forms of terrorist
activities. The Chinese side cares about the progress of
rescue efforts and stands ready to provide all necessary
assistance to the US side. Terrorism has become a serious
threat to international peace and stability. The Chinese
side is committed to working with the US and the rest of the
international community to strengthen consultation and
cooperation in jointly fighting terrorism. At the same time,
the fight against terrorism should have a clear target, and
avoid harming innocent people. The UN Security Council
should play its due and important role.
Cheney
said that President Bush appreciates very much the concerns
and sympathy expressed by President Jiang Zemin in his
telegram and over the phone to the US government and people.
The terrorist attacks have not only brought about a disaster
to the United States, but also engendered damage to the
whole world. The US side thanks China for its support and
looks forward to exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese
side in the anti-terrorism field. He agrees that the fight
against terrorism should avoid harm to the
innocent.
Tang said that the upcoming summit
between President Jiang and Bush this fall and President
Bush’s visit to China are of great importance to the
development of China-US relations. It is hoped that the
Chinese and US sides work hard together for the preparations
and ensure the success of the summit and visit. The Chinese
side is ready to develop a constructive and cooperative
relationship with the US side on the basis of the three
China-US joint communiqués.
Cheney said
that the US side values China-US relations as one of the
most important bilateral relationships. The US hopes to
develop good relations with China. President Bush looks
forward to visiting China. It is believed that his upcoming
visit will achieve positive results.
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