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Chinese experts, against the backdrop of mounting US pressure and preparations for military action against Iraq, have said that China is making constructive efforts, within the limits of its capability, to achieve a political solution of the Iraq issue, and continues to display a peace-loving and responsible image in the international arena.
Vice President Su Ge of the China Institute of International Studies said that China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has a special responsibility with regard to this issue.
China has been making persistent efforts for a peaceful solution of the issue, which has been highly valued by all parties concerned, Su said.
China's insistence on preserving the authority of the Security Council and on disarming Iraq with regard to any weapons of mass destruction reflects China's peaceful and independent foreign policy, he said.
China has intensified exchanges and consultations with the United Nations, the United States, Russia and France on the Iraq issue, and has lent its support to the recent joint declaration announced by France, Germany and Russia, along with other measures taken by the international community to avoid war.
Resolution 1441 represents the collaborative efforts and the will of the major powers, and the authority of the United Nations must be respected, something which is in the interest of all of the world's people, Su said.
China's stance on the Iraq issue is a reflection of the maturity of Chinese diplomacy, which is widely supported by the international community and which serves China's fundamental interests, he said.
Sino-US relations will not be greatly affected by a potential war against Iraq, said Professor Ye Zicheng with the Beijing University.
The United States values the special role China plays in safeguarding world peace, and leaders of the two countries will continue to manage Sino-US relations from a strategic perspective, Ye said.
China attaches great importance to cooperation with France, Germany and Russia, he said, noting China will not change its strategic goal of peace and development and the stability of the region will not be greatly affected, regardless of how the crisis plays out.
Professor Liu Jianfei, with the Party School of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, said China's stance on the Iraq issue serves its diplomatic goal of pursuing a peaceful international environment.
(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2003)
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