China Monday reaffirmed its opposition to terrorism, urged the United States to avoid hurting civilians during its retaliation and called for peace to be restored quickly.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman made the remarks in response to the US strike on targets in Afghanistan.
US President George W. Bush on Sunday announced that the United States had launched military strikes on Taliban targets and the Al-Qaeda organization led by Osama bin Laden, who has been accused by Washington of masterminding the September 11 attacks.
Meanwhile in Hong Kong, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa expressed support for international efforts to combat terrorism.
"Acts of terrorism are totally unacceptable, and we support international efforts to combat terrorism,'' Tung said Monday. "In Hong Kong, we are acting in accordance with the central government's directive to carry out the latest United Nations resolutions.
"Obviously, we are watching very closely the developments in Afghanistan. Earlier this morning I had a meeting with the chief secretary, financial secretary and the secretary of justice to review the situation.
"We are also working closely with the United States and other international organizations in the fight against acts of terrorism.''
Tung said that Hong Kong is stable and safe and that Hong Kong Police are capable of preserving that order.
(China Daily 10/09/2001)
