China is and will remain committed to the principle of cooperation and dialogue in its security policy, Deputy Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui said Sunday.

 

"Cooperation for security is a core principle in China's security policy," Zhang told a high-profile security meeting during the 43rd Munich security conference.

 

"Threats to international security are becoming more multi-directional and globalized, and only with closer international cooperation can we effectively cope with the rising and changing security challenges," he said.

 

Zhang said every country's right to independently choose its social system and path of development should be respected.

 

He called on the international community to solve the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation. "A long-term and comprehensive solution has to be found," he said.

 

Zhang said China is committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, calling all parties involved to solve the crisis through dialogue.

 

"We have been working closely with all parties to resume negotiations," Zhang said.

 

Some 250 top officials from over 40 countries, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and EU chief diplomat Javier Solana, participated in the three-day Munich security conference which ends on Sunday.

 

The conference, entitled "Global Crisis, Global Responsibilities," also focuses on NATO's role, the Middle East peace process, transatlantic relations, the West's relations with Russia and the fight against international terrorism.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2007)