China is firmly opposed to the sales of weapons of any kind to Taiwan by any country, Kong said at a regular press conference held in Beijing.

Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio extended his government's respect for China's stance on this issue during his visit to China, said Kong, adding that China appreciates Spain's position.

A proper handle on Taiwan issue is the political basis for a good relationship between China and countries that have diplomatic ties with China, said Kong.

In response to a foreign journalist's question concerning reports of high-explosive device tests linked to nuclear weapons development carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the spokesman said keeping the Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons is of vital importance for the peace and stability of the region.

Kong said China had not heard such information, but he reiterated China's stance on the DPRK nuclear issue, urging that the peninsula should be free of nuclear weapons.

But Kong said the DPRK's proper concerns over security should also be addressed. The final purpose of all efforts on the DPRK nuclear issue is to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and Asia as a whole.

He said Chinese president Hu Jintao and visiting President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed in Beijing that the DPRK nuclear issue should be settled peacefully through talks, and the Korean Peninsula should be nuclear free.

At the press conference, the spokesman announced at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Lassana Traore, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali, will visit China from July 15 to 20.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2003)