China
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan
Meeting with Vice-President Dick Cheney
Washington, D.C.
September 20, 2001
On the afternoon of September 20, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, who is on a visit to the United States, met with US Vice-President Cheney at the White House.

Cheney warmly welcomed Tang to visit the United States. Tang conveyed to him greetings from Vice-President Hu Jintao. Cheney expressed thanks and asked Tang to convey his greetings to Vice-President Hu.

Tang said that after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, President Jiang Zemin expressed, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, deep sympathy to President Bush, the US government and people, and profound condolences to the victims.

Tang said that the Chinese government consistently opposes and condemns all forms of terrorist activities. The Chinese side cares about the progress of rescue efforts and stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the US side. Terrorism has become a serious threat to international peace and stability. The Chinese side is committed to working with the US and the rest of the international community to strengthen consultation and cooperation in jointly fighting terrorism. At the same time, the fight against terrorism should have a clear target, and avoid harming innocent people. The UN Security Council should play its due and important role.

Cheney said that President Bush appreciates very much the concerns and sympathy expressed by President Jiang Zemin in his telegram and over the phone to the US government and people. The terrorist attacks have not only brought about a disaster to the United States, but also engendered damage to the whole world. The US side thanks China for its support and looks forward to exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese side in the anti-terrorism field. He agrees that the fight against terrorism should avoid harm to the innocent.

Tang said that the upcoming summit between President Jiang and Bush this fall and President Bush’s visit to China are of great importance to the development of China-US relations. It is hoped that the Chinese and US sides work hard together for the preparations and ensure the success of the summit and visit. The Chinese side is ready to develop a constructive and cooperative relationship with the US side on the basis of the three China-US joint communiqués.

Cheney said that the US side values China-US relations as one of the most important bilateral relationships. The US hopes to develop good relations with China. President Bush looks forward to visiting China. It is believed that his upcoming visit will achieve positive results.

END