CHINA: China said yesterday it opposed the use of force against Iraq and repeated its call for a solution through the UN, as Washington stepped up its war rhetoric.
Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Tang Jiaxuan, made the remarks, repeating a long-standing position, during a meeting with visiting Iraqi counterpart Mr Naji Sabri.
"Using force or threats of force is unhelpful in solving the Iraq issue and will increase regional instability and tensions," Mr Tang said.
"The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq should also be respected," he added. He also stressed that the Iraq issue should be resolved by diplomatic means within the framework of the UN, including Iraqi compliance with UN Security Council resolutions.
In a meeting with Mr Sabri in Beijing's government compound, Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr Qian Qichen, said China was concerned about the issue and did not agree with the use of force against Iraq.
"China does not agree with the practice of using force or threatening to use force to resolve this issue," Mr Qian said.
Other countries, including India, Germany and Egypt, have also expressed opposition to US military action in Iraq, casting doubt on US assurances that it would find international support if it decided to invade the country. Diplomats said China has long preferred to see tensions like the Iraqi crisis resolved within an international framework rather than unilaterally.
Beijing, which says it has an even-handed policy in the Middle East, was also keen to ensure US action did not open the door to potential interference in its own back yard, one diplomat said.
"If the US goes and does it anyway, it could set a precedent," the diplomat added.
"All bets would be off for Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet and central Asia.
"The US could come in," the diplomat said. - (Reuters)
