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President Jiang surprised at India citing Chinese threat to justify N-tests

Chinese President Jiang Zamin has expressed ''surprise'' at India citing his country as a reason for its May 11, 13 nuclear tests.

''I really don't know what kind of threat China poses,'' he told Newsweek magazine, shortly before US President Bill Clinton's nine-day visit to his country this week.

Jiang, when asked what he would do when Clinton asks China to stop selling missiles to Pakistan and Iran at their upcoming summit, says, ''The answer, very simple, is that we don't plan to sell missiles.''

He said he was astonished by India's recent nuclear tests. ''In November 1996, I paid a successful visit to India. I was accorded a very friendly reception by the then government and the people of India. That visit left me with very good memories,'' he added.

''I was very surprised that they (India) conducted nuclear tests. I was even more surprised that they cited China as a reason for their nuclear tests,'' the Chinese president said, adding, ''I really don't know what kind of threat China poses.''

Jiang also discussed the importance of Clinton's trip to China. ''The overall objective is to promote the further growth of Sino-US relations and to promote mutual understanding between our two peoples.''

''During my visit to the United States last year, President Clinton and I decided that China and the United States should work together toward a constructive strategic partnership.''

''Since then, China-US relations have constantly improved. The two countries have consulted and cooperated with each other on a series of major international issues such as promoting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, mitigating the Asian financial crisis and easing tensions in South Asia,'' the Chinese president remarked.

Discussing the growing process of economic globalisation, Jiang maintains that because the economies of the world are increasingly inter-related, there "ought to be common standard when dealing with these economies.''

''It is inadvisable to commend the effort of one country for maintaining the value of its currency while giving tacit approval to another country that devalues its currency,'' he said.

He said, ''I have seen some developments in this regard, and I find it hard to understand.''

''It is necessary for the leaders of major countries to take a long-term view. They should not narrow their vision to one event at a time. China and the US have a common interest in helping stabilise the Asian economies.''

The Chinese leader confirmed that his country would sign the United Nations covenant on civil and political rights. ''We intend to sign the convention on political and civil rights this fall.''

UNI

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