"China supports activities in combating terrorism," said Zhu, during a meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Schroeder arrived Wednesday to begin his third visit to China since 1999.

Zhu said the relevant military strikes on terrorism should be targeted at specific objectives, so as to minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian properties.

On the Afghanistan problem, Zhu said that the establishment of "an Afghan coalition government," which can be accepted by all parties and is able to cooperate with neighbouring countries in a friendly manner, will be beneficial to the Afghan people and conducive to regional peace and stability.

"The history of Afghanistan shows that a single-ethnic-government cannot bring it long-term peace," Zhu was quoted as saying by a Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Zhu stressed the establishment of a regime in Afghanistan should be based on the respect towards Afghan people's will.

The Chinese government opposes terrorism of any form, said Zhu, saying there is a wide range of issues in various fields where China and Germany can strengthen cooperation, including fighting terrorism.

Schroeder echoed Zhu's remarks by saying that military means cannot resolve all the problems.

Economic, diplomatic and humanitarian ways should be strengthened, he said, stressing the huge role of United Nations in dealing with such issues.

Schroeder said his visit to China is aimed at continuing to expand and deepen the close and comprehensive relations, especially the economic and trade ties, that exist between the two nations.

Germany is China's largest trade and investment partner within the European Union, while China is Germany's second largest trading partner in Asia.

"China is a very important partner for Germany in political, economic, cultural and scientific terms," Schroeder said.

Joint projects, such as the construction of the transrapid magnetic levitation train line in Shanghai, show the potential for bilateral cooperation, particularly in high-tech areas.

This time, the chancellor was accompanied by a high-ranking trade delegation. This is a reflection of the strong interest the German industry has in the Chinese market, Zhu said.

The German leader said his nation is willing to cooperate with China in the constructing facilities for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Both leaders agreed more attention should be paid to exchanges between peoples in various fields of the two countries.

"We have made good progress in the dialogue on the rule of law," said Zhu. The dialogue was initiated by Zhu and Schroeder in 1999.

Thursday, both sides are expected to sign 26 agreements on co-operations, mainly for economic purposes.

(China Daily November 1, 2001)