Chinese President Jiang Zemin and US President George W. Bush talked over the phone on Monday night as arranged earlier.

President Bush thanked the Chinese government for its strong statement against global terrorist networks. He said that the international community should stand united to fight the threat of terrorism.

Bush said that he looks forward to meeting with Jiang during the up-coming APEC meetings in Shanghai to exchange views on a wide range of topics, so as to promote cooperation between the two countries.

President Jiang thanked Bush for the call. He reiterated that the Chinese government has always been opposed to all types of terrorism. China backs related resolutions passed respectively by the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations and supports anti-terrorism activities.

Jiang noted that President Bush has for many times said that related military actions are aimed at specific targets of terrorist activities only and not against the Afghan people and Muslim, and measures will be taken to avoid injuring the innocent. The Chinese side believes that adhering to the above-mentioned principles is very important for effectively fighting terrorism.

Jiang stressed that China and the US, both having major influence in the world, shoulder common responsibility for protecting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. He said that the Chinese side is willing to work together with the US side to reinforce exchanges and cooperation, and make efforts to protect the world's peace, stability and development.

(China Daily 10/08/2001)