Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao said at a regular press conference yesterday that China hopes US President George W. Bush's imminent visit to the country will advance overall Sino-US relations.

"We expect that Bush's visit, scheduled for November 19 to 21, will encourage consensus, step up mutual trust, expand exchange and cooperation, and promote Sino-US constructive and cooperative relations in the 21st century in an all-round way," Liu said.

When asked to comment on President Bush's remarks in Kyoto on Tuesday, which touched upon Sino-US relations, human rights and religion, Liu said that China pursues a path of peaceful development.

Noting that China has made progress in the field of human rights, the Chinese people, in accordance with laws, enjoy democracy and freedom, including the freedom of religious belief.

"All countries should hold exchanges and dialogues on human rights on the basis of equality, mutual respect and non-intervention in internal affairs," he said.

US attorney general to visit China

Attorney General of the US Department of Justice Alberto Gonzales is scheduled to visit China from November 17 to 19.

Gonzales was invited by State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhou Yongkang, Liu said.

He said Chinese leaders will meet the US delegation during their stay in Beijing, and Zhou will meet with Gonzales.

Leaders of the Supreme People's Procuratorate and the Ministry of Justice of China will also meet with the delegation.

Liu said the two sides will mainly exchange views during their meetings and talks on such subjects as striking cross-border crimes, anti-terrorism and strengthening cooperation in law enforcement.

No legal basis for remarks on 'Taiwan independence'

Liu said that there is no legal basis for the remarks that Taiwan is an "independent sovereign state."

"Relevant parties have signed a memorandum of understanding on Taiwan's status at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting," Liu said, hoping that they could act in accordance with the principles of the memorandum.

A former official from Taiwan's administration said during the APEC meeting that Taiwan is a "country with independent sovereignty."

Liu said there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing China.

This fact is acknowledged by most countries in the world and by majority member states of the UN, he added.

"We cannot accept any remarks saying that Taiwan is an 'independent sovereign state' by any means, whether made out of ignorance or for a political motive," he said.

Pakistan post-quake reconstruction

China will attend the international donors' conference on Pakistan's post-earthquake reconstruction, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on November 19, Liu said.

He said that the Chinese government delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei will consist of officials from the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Commerce and Seismological Bureau.

An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale jolted Pakistan on October 8. Statistics from Pakistan show the disaster has left more than 86,000 dead and over 100,000 injured so far. Three million people have been rendered homeless.

Liu said the Chinese government attaches great importance to Pakistan's reconstruction work and will continue to offer help.

"We hope and also believe that the international community will take active and effective measures to help the Pakistani government and people to rebuild the disaster-hit areas," he said.

To date, the Chinese government has offered aid worth US$26.73 million.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2005)