China attaches importance to relations with India, and would like to enhance bilateral ties in a healthy and stable way, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said at a regular press conference yesterday.

Qin made the remarks when commenting on the meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in Malaysia.

"The good neighborly relations between the two countries conform to the fundamental interests of both, and are conducive to the peace and stability of Asia and the world," Qin said.

During the meeting with Singh, Wen said he hoped India's participation in the East Asian Summit would help promote regional cooperation and cooperation with other regions, according to Qin.

Qin added that China and India have signed a memorandum of understanding to resolve their border issue, and the two countries will settle this issue through consultation.

Energy resource cooperation

China is ready to enhance cooperation on energy resources with other countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan, based on equality and mutual benefits, Qin said.

"China's stance on energy cooperation is clear," he said, noting China hopes to promote cooperation not only on oil and natural gas, but also on using renewable and clean energy.

The first phase of the 1000-km oil pipeline project between China and Kazakhstan opened yesterday.

This is China's first transnational oil project.

Qin said China has established strategic partnership with both Russia and Kazakhstan and has conducted cooperation on energy resources with them. This conforms to the interest of the three countries, and helps achieve common prosperity, he added.

China is promoting dialogue and cooperation with the other countries to safeguard security and stability of world energy resources, he said.

Bad quality US donations

With regard to the bad quality donations received from the United States, China has contacted the relevant US organizations and demanded they deal with the donations properly, Qin said.

"Charity is the noble cause, and a pure word," he said, adding: "We don't hope these dirty materials will bring disgrace to the word."

He noted that Chinese customs and the inspection and quarantine department had found and sorted through the donation consignment that included used and soiled medical equipment, and the State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine had made its report to the press.

The consignment included expired medical equipment, tubing, dirty bedding and used surgical clothes in four containers donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, Qin said. 

The consignment will be returned.

Rebiya Kadeer and Xinjiang

When asked to comment on Rebiya Kadeer's remarks attacking China's policy concerning the Xinjiang region, Qin said, Rebiya had committed criminal activities in China.

The US should not provide any platform for East Turkistan separatist remarks, he said.

China allowed Rebiya to go abroad to receive medical treatment out of humanitarian concern, he said.

"Rebiya's remarks prove that she is closely connected with the East Turkistan separatist movement," he said.

He called on the US to not grant any platform for her to engage in activities aimed at separating China or undermining its national unity.

There have been reports that Rebiya, a former businesswoman from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, had close relations with groups aiming to carry out terrorist and secessionist activities to sabotage the region's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Xinjiang has enjoyed fast economic growth and social stability in the past 50 years, and freedom and rights, including religious rights, have received full protection in the region, Qin said.

Iranian President's remarks about Israel

In response to a question on Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's latest remarks, Qin said the Chinese government is opposed to anything said or done that could harm state-to-state relations and regional stability.

It is reported that Ahmadinejad on Wednesday called the Holocaust a "myth" created by Europe to establish a Jewish state in the Middle East, renewing his call for Israel to be moved from the region.

"Israel is a member of the United Nations (UN), and its national rights should be respected," Qin said.

He pointed out that the UN General Assembly last month passed a resolution that rejects any denial of the Holocaust as a historical event.

"The UN resolution also represents China's attitude on the issue," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2005)