Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said at a regular press
conference yesterday that China remains a developing country though
the official size of economy has risen after taking its emerging
service industries into account.
The measured size of the economy changed yesterday on the
announcement of the results of a survey that gathered more accurate
data on restaurants, retailers and other service businesses, which
were previously underreported, bringing GDP last year to 15.9878
trillion yuan (US$1.981 trillion).
China will not change its diplomatic policies, and will remain
dedicated to economic development, raising people's living
standards and safeguarding a peaceful and stable environment, Qin
said.
Noting that China's per capita GDP ranks below the 100th
position in the world, he said, "Our current task is to concentrate
on construction and development."
He said China would remain a "positive force" in safeguarding
world peace and development no matter how developed China is in the
future.
Fund-raising meeting for bird flu
prevention
An international meeting will be held in Beijing to raise funds
for bird flu prevention and control from January 17 to 18, 2006,
Qin said.
The meeting is being co-sponsored by the government, EU
Commission and World Bank, he said, to evaluate funds and
technology required to control bird flu and mobilize all to collect
funds and establish a donation management mechanism.
"Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing has sent an invitation to relevant countries and
international organizations to participate in the meeting," he
added.
He said a senior official meeting will be held on the first day
to evaluate the current status of the bird flu epidemic and the
required funds and technology. The ministerial-level meeting will
be held on the second day to confirm the donations from certain
countries or organizations.
A declaration will be passed during the meeting to reflect the
political resolve of all nations to cope with the bird flu, he
said.
"China will take advantage of the meeting to push forward
international cooperation on bird flu prevention and control," he
said.
Six-party talks
Qin urged all parties concerned to take the overall situation
into account and respect each other so as to advance the process of
the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue.
He said all concerned could solve problems through negotiation
and consultation although the talks are currently plagued by some
uncertainties.
To denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and ensure a durable peace
and stability on the peninsula accords with the interests of all
parties participating in the talks and is their common goal, he
added.
He said all parties should fulfill their commitment as they
agreed at the fourth round of talks and the first phase of the
fifth round, which adopted a joint statement and a chairman's
statement respectively.
He also denied China has proposed to hold an informal meeting
for the chairmen of all delegations to the talks in Dandong of
northeast China's Liaoning Province.
"As the presiding state, China will, as always, advance the
process of the six-party talks by negotiating and consulting with
the other parties," he said.
Speaking on the resolution adopted on Friday by the UN
expressing serious concern about reports of human rights abuses in
North Korea, Qin said China has always been opposed to putting
pressure on countries and creating political confrontation in
defense of human rights.
Enhancement of non-governmental exchanges with
Japan
China is willing to enhance non-governmental exchanges with
Japan in various fields, including culture, Qin said in response to
a question about the film "Memoirs of a Geisha" directed by Rob
Marshall, which stars Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi.
Cultural exchange constitutes an important component part of
Sino-Japanese relations, Qin said, and China has always stood
for stepping up communication in every field between the people of
the two nations to promote mutual understanding and friendship.
Qin said China has repeatedly reiterated its interest in making
joint efforts with the Japanese side to push forward exchanges and
cooperation in various fields.
Dual standards in combating terrorism opposed
Qin said it is imperative to abide by the UN charter and the
international law in fighting terrorism and China is opposed to
dual standards in combating terrorism and to linking terrorism with
any specific religions.
He made the remarks in response to a question about a statement
made by US President George W. Bush on December 18 that he will
continue to authorize intelligence agencies to eavesdrop on
international phone calls without court approval as long as the
country remains threatened by terrorism.
Qin said China's stance on fighting terrorism has always been
firm and clear. China opposes terrorism in any form but believes
that fight against terrorism should be "conducive to safeguarding
the peace and security of humankind and promoting the civilization
and prosperity of the society."
Kyrgyzstani foreign minister's coming visit to
China
Kyrgyzstani Foreign Minister Alikbek Jekshenkulov will visit
from December 20 to 24, Qin said.
During the visit, Chinese leaders and officials are scheduled to
meet him to exchange views on "regional and international issues of
mutual concern as well as cooperation within the framework of
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (
China and Kyrgyzstan are both members of the SCO, a regional
organization which also includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan.
"China and Kyrgyzstan, as friendly neighbors, have expanded
cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and culture since
the two countries forged diplomatic ties," he said.
The two countries have completely settled boundary issues and
signed a friendly cooperation treaty, he said.
He said the visit, also taking Jekshenkulov to south China's
Shenzhen City, will help cement friendly cooperation.
(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2005)