(27 Sep 1996) Mandarin/Nat
China has called for Israel to promote peace in the Middle East.
In a wide ranging Foreign Ministry briefing China also warned that the meeting between the Dalai Lama and Australian Prime Minister John Howard would damage relations between the two countries.
And as tensions continue over disputed Diaoyu chain of islands, a Foreign Ministry spoke voiced China's growing concern over the issue.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Shen Guofang said Australia had failed to heed Beijing's repeated objections to the Dalai Lama's 15-day trip and meetings with Howard and other Australian officials.
Shen again accused the Dalai Lama of promoting Tibetan independence from China. The Dalai Lama ruled the Himalayan region before fleeing into exile in 1959.
China customarily objects when foreign governments play host to the exiled leader.
SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
"We hope that the Australian government should correct its wrong position and wrong activities on this problem so as to prevent the Sino-Australian relationship from being further affected."
SUPER CAPTION: Shen Guofang, foreign ministry spokesman
In a more direct move, Beijing postponed a visit by Germany's foreign minister after the Bonn parliament passed a resolution demanding China improve human rights in Tibet.
Shen was quoted on Wednesday as saying that China viewed Canberra's actions as similar to Germany's, but did not mention any retaliation.
Concerning China's continuing dispute with Japan over the Diaoyu Islands, Shen again called on Japan to bring its right-wing elements to heel.
SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
"The Chinese side wants the Japanese side to match its deeds with its words and to stick to its stated commitments and promises through concrete actions. Also they should eliminate the bad effects caused by the troubles made by Japanese right wing groups on the Diaoyu Islands."
SUPER CAPTION: Shen Guofang, foreign ministry spokesman
Reports of the death of one Hong Kong protestor near the Diaoyu Islands Thursday had only just reached China and Shen said he didn't have the full details.
SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
"Of course, it would always be a regretful thing if there were real casualties happening. The Chinese government has been very much concerned about the situation around the Diaoyu Islands and that of the boat."
SUPER CAPTION: Shen Guofang, foreign ministry spokesman
Concerning the sensitive issue of Taiwan's pursuit of official status in the United Nations, Shen strongly criticised a U-S House of Representatives resolution supporting Taiwan.
SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
"Such a move taken by the U-S House of Representatives that goes
against the universal will of the international community and the historical trend and means to split China and bring damage to Sino-US relations are doomed to failure."
SUPER CAPTION: Shen Guofang, foreign ministry spokesman
Following days of violent clashes in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Shen also called on Israel to keep the Middle East peace process alive.
SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
"We think that the Israeli Government should promote the peace process together with the other countries in the Middle East. The promotion of the peace process in the middle east is in the interest of Israel as well as of all the other middle east countries.
SUPERCAPTION: Shen Guofang, foreign ministry spokesman
The call for negotiations to end the fighting is echoed by many around the world.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
