Interference in HK affairs opposed
By Qin Chuan (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-03-04 23:39

The Chinese Government resolutely opposes any attempts to interfere in its internal affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Thursday at a regular briefing in Beijing.

It has been reported that Martin Lee along with two members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Legislative Council will give evidence to a US Senate hearing on the issue of democracy in Hong Kong.

Liu said Hong Kong's democratic issues are part of China's internal affairs, and Basic Law provides guarantees for the development of democracy in Hong Kong and its people's democratic rights.

"The Chinese people are wise enough to handle Hong Kong's affairs according to law and any random comments are not necessary,'' he noted.

He added the Chinese Government has made clear to the United States its position and concerns over the issue.

Liu said the China appreciates Bangladesh's adherence to the "one China'' policy.

The government of Bangladesh has denied allegations that there are official institutions of Taiwan operating in the country, Liu said.

Bangladesh's prime minister has said his nation will continue to adhere to the "one China'' policy, acknowledging that Taiwan is a province of China, according to Liu.

The prime minister also indicated there is no sense in Taiwan authorities holding a referendum because they cannot legally hold such a vote without the approval of the central government of China, Liu said.

Also at Thursday's briefing, Liu announced that Afghanistan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah will visit Beijing on March 10 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

He said China cares deeply about the situation in Afghanistan and fully supports the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Bilateral trade between China and Afghanistan has been rapidly recovering in recent years, Liu said.

Last year the trade volume between the two nations reached more than US$27 million, up 35 per cent from 2002.

Chinese companies are starting economic and trade co-operation with Afghanistan and there is huge potential and a bright future for co-operation between the two sides, Liu said.

In 2002, China promised US$150 million worth of assistance to Afghanistan's reconstruction and nearly US$50 million of such assistance has been fulfilled.

Assistance projects include a hospital in Kabul, which will be completed this year, and a reservoir where ground will be broken in April.

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