Any proposed solution "should contribute to the weapons inspections, to the verification of the weapons of mass destruction and to a political settlement of the Iraq issue," ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Tuesday.

"So long as it can meet these objectives, we are ready to earnestly consider any such proposals."

The spokesman had been asked to comment on France and Russia's opposition to the United States' pursuit of a single resolution that could authorize the use of force against Iraq.

In a draft resolution submitted on Wednesday last week, the United States dropped an earlier call for "all necessary means," while threatening Iraq with "serious consequences" - which, in diplomatic terms, could include military action.

Liu said that the most important thing is to allow the return of the UN weapons inspectors to Iraq as quickly as possible.

"This is an indispensable step and, according to the results of the inspections, it will be up to the UN Security Council to look at the next step to be taken," the spokesman said.

Also at yesterday's regular briefing, the spokesman confirmed that President Jiang Zemin has invited US President George W. Bush to visit China again and Bush has accepted.

He did not give dates for the planned trip or any other details.

The invitation was made during the leaders' meeting on Friday at Bush's ranch in Texas, according to another unnamed foreign ministry source.

The spokesman also confirmed that US Vice-President Dick Cheney is due to make an official visit to China early next year.

"This also marks the continuation of high-level exchanges between two countries and will be of major importance to the maintenance of strategic dialogue between the two," Liu added.

Commenting on the 10th annual economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum, Liu expressed China's satisfaction over the meeting, which adopted a declaration on economic growth and statements on counter-terrorism.

Liu said that the counter-terrorism campaign has won support and co-operation from most countries in the world.

Liu said that the fight against terrorism should not be linked to any specific ethnic group, religion or country.

(China Daily October 30, 2002)