CHINA

The entirety of today’s edition is about the Belarusian president’s trip to China and what new relations are planned between these two countries.


INTERVIEW BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS A.G. LUKASHENKO TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MASS MEDIA OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. NOVEMBER 28, 2005

Interview by President of the Republic of Belarus A.G. Lukashenko to representatives of the mass media of the People’s Republic of China. November 28, 2005

Lu Biao, correspondent of the China Central Television:
Distinguished Alexander Grigoryevich, first of all allow us to congratulate you on the victory of the Belarusian girl Ksyusha at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest where she gained the first place.
A.G. Lukashenko: Thank you very much for the congratulation. Availing myself of the opportunity, I would like to thank all the Europeans who voted in favour of the representative of our State, in favour of this little girl who is regarded as the personification of our country. Of course, we are pleased with this victory. Frankly speaking, we needed it greatly. We needed it as a recognition of the most concerned and respectful attitude of the State to the problems of children. Within the shortest time frame, we are going to take quite a few decisions to strengthen maternity and childhood. We are not stingy and allocate much money for that. To have gained this victory is natural. And it is good that the Europeans have confirmed this natural regularity. It is an objective recognition.

Lu Biao: How would you assess the current status quo and development prospects of the relations between Belarus and China?
A.G. Lukashenko: Not only do we have a good assessment of the current state of relations between both nations, but we also see that these relations have great prospects in the field of economy, politics, diplomacy — in fact, in all areas. Members of our Government — ministers, top officials — repeatedly met with high–ranking officials of the People's Republic of China, both in China and in this country. In fact, immense vistas of our cooperation lay open now.
You are well aware, I've never concealed it, that we are proud of the level of relationship that exists today between the great China and the Republic of Belarus. “We are often rebuked for causing kind of isolation of Belarus, Belarus allegedly is in isolation because some European states have adopted cool attitude towards Belarus and the United States of America is blocking Belarus. I am answering unambiguously as to these allegations: we have very good relations with China, Russia, India, many states of the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, the whole world. Therefore, it is ridiculous to be talking about any kind of isolation.
Today, we have brilliant relationship with China, the country whose population is as large as 1.5 billion, the country that has made gigantic strides in its economic development. So, I am saying that until we have such relationship with China, we simply cannot be isolated. Because, even in economic terms — and that is the essence and aim of my visit — China is able to “grapple” our economy and move it forward. And may God permit us to succeed in fulfilling the orders of the Chinese economy in those areas where we have goods not manufactured now by China. That is why it is ridiculous, to say the least, it is a gross exaggeration to be talking about any kind of isolation of Belarus while it has brilliant relationship with a giant — the People's Republic of China, an enormous country, and also with such friendly countries as Russia, India, and others which I've mentioned.
What is more, my political, and, if one may put so, international activities largely began in the People's Republic of China. When a parliament deputy, I visited China on several occasions, I was learning the experience of the People's Republic of China, starting from the free economic zones, from the “growth points,” which were established by you 15, or even 20 years back; I saw how you started, how you were growing. Another point, when a deputy, I suggested to our parliament to use China's experience. In those days, my proposals had not been accepted, either by the parliament, or by the government. When I became President, all the experience, all the best achievements attained by China — and I should say China has never concealed them from me — were taken advantage of and adjusted to the Belarusian land, to the Belarusian realities. The result is: 8–10 percent annual GDP growth. This is the highest growth rate in the post–Soviet space, in the former USSR republics. We surpassed the level of the 1990s long ago. As a result we have absolute stability in the society. Industriousness of our people — the people of our both countries are similar in this respect — their industriousness, purposefulness made it possible not only to preserve stability, but also to ensure the fundamental rights of our citizens, and, what is most important, to ensure security of our people.
Therefore, we have passed a long way together with the People's Republic of China. We have concluded more than 50 treaties with China, them being the basis for the present–day cooperation. During this visit we will sign the Declaration, which lays down the strategy of relations, and, secondly, we'll sign 10 interdepartmental, intergovernmental agreements. We count on this visit very much. I also think that a very balanced, very prudent China — I could feel it — is finally taking a unanimous decision: to cooperate with Belarus without any reservations. It is because we have never deviated from our agreements, and, in the long run, we have never, as one puts it here, let China and the Chinese leadership down.
By the way, we've seen a very strong interest towards us on the part of China's leaders, the past visits of Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin to our country is a clear indication of that. In this context, I wish to emphasize again what we especially appreciate: that China, a very prudent country in foreign policy, on the eve of our referendum, openly voiced through Jiang Zemin its support of Belarus. It was perceived very positively by our people, and the people do remember that.
That is why, these things, though somewhat hidden from the society, are very indicative, they testify to the fact that our prospects for developing relations with the People's Republic of China, the basis that exists, make it possible for us to build very close friendly relations. We have no closed topics in cooperation with the People's Republic of China. Today, we are prepared to meet any requests of our friends from China, any that we are able to meet. Our economy, our country in the centre of Europe, is of great interest for the Chinese State. In this regard, China can fully count on us. We will be guaranteeing any interests of China's leaders in our country, in Belarus.

Yue Liango, correspondent of Xinhua News Agency: I have a very profound feeling towards Belarus, as it is my third trip to Belarus. I had a privilege: three years ago I was having my probation studies here. That is why, I, maybe, know Belarus better that my comrades, I was witnessing a very good, very rapid development of our relations. I also know that you have visited China not just once. What do you expect from your upcoming visit to China in concrete terms? What topics are going to be touched upon during your visit?
A.G. Lukashenko: I've just said that we are going to sign the Declaration which identifies the prospects of our cooperation, and 10 intergovernmental, interdepartmental agreements. As regards the areas of cooperation, as you know, over 9 months of this year we have surpassed the half–a–billion mark in our commodities turnover. We are resolved to reach the trade turnover level of more than one billion dollars within the next shortest period. This is a great deed.
But, of course, the main avenue of cooperation between China and Belarus is in trade and economic relations. Not because, generally speaking, trade and economic relations are fundamental, classical, but because we have no problems in the field of foreign policy, we have no problems in the field of culture, education, science; we have no problems at all in these areas. We have been cooperating with the People's Republic of China in the field of science — our academies are closely cooperating. We've been cooperating with the People's Republic of China in education field — nearly one thousand students are studying in this country, and we are prepared to provide the state–of–the–art learning opportunities for as many students as it is needed in some of the areas that are of interest for the People's Republic of China. We are cooperating today within the United Nations Organization and other international agencies. We are co–founders (or co–authors) of some documents, and we've always been successful in this respect. We share the same point of view for the world processes. The top–ranking officials, when visiting Belarus, confirmed the fact. That is why, we will be developing our cooperation in these avenues, following the already existing traditions.
What is more, let me repeat, we have no closed topics for cooperation with China. To put it in a focused, conceptual way, this is a gigantic economy, a gigantic country, not only in population terms, but also in territorial dimensions, in the striving to the future, which your country has proved by entering the cosmic space — this enormous motive force is spreading its wings today. Our economy can be in demand in this context, because we have highest technologies, nanotechnologies, highest research facilities, and we are able to offer this to China. In this way, China, like an enormous bulldozer, is able to “grapple” our economy and move it forward together with us. It will give rise to a colossal development inside Belarus, it will be also beneficial for China.
We are also prepared to cooperate with you in rolled metal sales. We have a developed instrument–building, and you buy much of those products. You buy our potassium fertilizers, trucks, machine tools. We are very glad at being able to meet the demands of consumers in the People's Republic of China as regards quality and prices. And we are ready to work along these lines. We are prepared to establish joint ventures.
I would like to stress once more — we in Belarus are prepared to represent any interests of the People's Republic of China, in this continent, here, in the centre of Europe, in the centre of an enormous territory comprising Russia, Ukraine, Europe. That is why I think that the upcoming visit will furnish a great impetus in implementing these plans.

Lu Biao: Can you make us familiarized with the internal political and economic situation in Belarus?
A.G. Lukashenko: It is a very vast topic, you know. Of course, we can make you familiarized with the situation, not only verbally. You yourselves, living in Moscow, visiting Minsk, can learn a lot. Your Embassy is doing a very good job. The new ambassador is indeed a nice person who has a brilliant command of Russian. The same holds true for the previous ambassador who loved Belarus very much. We are lucky to have such diplomats from China. They can tell you a lot about Belarus unofficially, and, I think, it'll be good information for you. The more so that you yourselves can look at and assess the life in Belarus.
Speaking generally, I must tell you that Belarus today is the most stable and dynamically developing country in Europe. We are the leader in the post–Soviet space among the former Soviet republics in many areas. As I've already said, we have surpassed the economic development level of the 1990s. At present, we produce 6 percent of the world's tractors, 13 percent of potassium fertilizers, 30 percent of heavy–duty trucks. As I've said, we manufacture machine–tools, optical instruments, military–technological goods and a lot of other things. We have a highly developed economy, an open economy, like that in many highly developed countries of the world.
That is why, as regards economy, the result can be generalized as follows: 8–10 annual GDP growth. One should also bear in mind that we reached the level of the Soviet period, and that is why it is not easy for us to keep such pace of development. But I want to say that it does not imply that we do not see the problems we have still to address. What is more, we do know we have many shortcomings, which must be overcome and eradicated. But, nonetheless, I am satisfied with the economic growth rates of Belarus.
As far as the most important point is concerned, as I've said, we have secured the main right for our people — the right to life and security. We have ensured the right to work — today every individual can get a job in this country. The level of unemployment is somewhere around 1.5 percent. But I want to stress again: those who wish to work, they can get a job today, all of them, because it is like it used to be in the past Soviet times, many enterprises advertise job vacancies: “wanted, wanted, workmen wanted.” We need work force in agriculture because we are reviving villages, and our agriculture will double, and, maybe, triple its production over the next five years. That is why in this area of activities — in ensuring the rights of our citizens — we are working aggressively, resolutely and have reached successes.
As regards our foreign policy activities, you are well aware that we have good relations with Russia, China, India — these gigantic states. We have excellent relations with countries of the Muslim world, America, Africa; also our trade and economic relations with Europeans states are not bad, despite, sometimes, misunderstandings in the field of foreign policy. That is why in these areas we do not have big problems. That is, the country is developing, the country is living.
Just to underscore again: we are taking much from your experience. And I am sure, five years more — and we will no longer be saying what we used to be, what we became, we will be just moving forward, like China, we will be dynamically developing, and all the states will know and will believe that Belarus is one of the most advanced countries on our planet.

Yue Liango: How would you assess the level of development of relations between Belarus and Russia and other foreign states? What are the Belarus foreign policy priorities?
A.G. Lukashenko: I've just partially touched upon this question. Indeed, we have the closest relations with our brotherly Russia. Practically, it is the same people — Russians and Belarusians. Throughout the history we have always been together. We have been together always! We always fought against common enemies, we were together in wars, and we were mostly winners. That is, the historical memory pushes us towards the need of having the kindest, brotherly relations with our Russia. And these relations are indeed taking shape. We have signed the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State of Belarus and Russia and we are moving forward successfully in this direction. We have established the single economic space. Certain problems are still available in this respect, but they are being resolved. We are working for creating equal conditions for our citizens and we have largely succeeded in it. Today, we are creating the common Constitution of our Union for the future, this issue is being now finalized. Today, we are forming the common fuel and energy balance, with Russia taking an obligation to supply certain amount of energy resources to the Republic of Belarus. Accordingly, we are assuming our own obligations. In short, the process of forming our Union as, basically, a single state, is going on, like it goes on in a single state — I refer to planning, to strategy elaboration, to vision for prospects for the future. Russia has been supporting us always and everywhere, just like the People's Republic of China, in the international scene, especially after the Foreign Ministry was headed by Mr. Lavrov. What else is there to be said? Brilliant are our relations with the Russian Federation. Albeit there are some problems in the course of the work — lack of understanding, misunderstandings. The more so that our Union is not unanimously perceived in the Russian society. We also have people, especially with nationalist ideas, who do not accept close relations with the Russian Federation. Nonetheless, we manage to overcome obstructions and barriers on this way and to build the kindest relations, to build our Union State with the Russian Federation.
The relations with the People's Republic of China — and I am saying it for the third time — I would place them at the same level. The relations with India are very close to this level. We have good relations with Arab countries, the Middle East. We are developing relations with Latin America and Africa. Traditionally (we live in Europe) our trade and economic relations with our neighbours — Ukraine, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia — are not bad, rather they are good.
Now we are trying to reach the same level of our relationship with Scandinavian states. And we have successes along these lines. We are very much interested in their performance in energy sector. We are very similar to them in this respect. In order to ensure our energy security we have much to learn from the Scandinavians. The climate is similar, the conditions are similar, especially in Sweden, Finland, and in Norway, perhaps, too. That is why we are looking forward to them with hope, adopting their experience.
And, of course, a highly technological Europe. A highly technological Europe, with which we cooperate, produce highly technological equipment jointly, something that we lack, we buy from them, we update our economy. That is why we have very good relations with them.
Our commodities turnover with the USA is growing despite misunderstandings in the political sphere. Americans too, no matter how they criticize us, do not create obstacles to the trade of Belarus and Ukraine, realizing that, as a matter of principle, they [the obstacles] will result in nothing, they will be detrimental for them as a powerful state which is trying to “press down” Belarus.
That is why, generally speaking, we do not have great problems in cooperation with the states of the entire world, but we do have priorities, I've already talked about them, and they imply the highest level of cooperation.

Yue Liango: Assessments with regard to the CIS differ. How would you assess the current situation with the CIS?
A.G. Lukashenko: The Commonwealth of Independent States that arose on the ruins of the Soviet Union could have been much more successful. Today, one can say frankly, there are more problems in the CIS, than solutions. Of course, the Americans, and the Europeans too, will never agree to our having very close relations, brotherly relations, maybe, of a union type, within the Commonwealth of Independent States. Obviously, the mighty of the world would like to have disunity among us…
Therefore, there are certain problems. But the fact itself of the existence of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the meetings of presidents, ministers, heads of government, their discussion of the problems that exist is a worthwhile tool. In this context, we are casting glances at the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), a very dynamic organization. Its last moves especially, they make it possible for many nations of the world to hope that another centre of power can emerge, another pole on our planet, and the world will no longer be a unipolar world. That is why I should say to you, that, in this context, Belarus is very thoroughly learning this experience as it is very useful for us.
We do have what and from whom to learn, to gain experience. It seems to me, that, looking objectively, the circumstances will make us to develop the Commonwealth of Independent State and to adhere to this organization. Because it is an enormous market, nearly 300 million people. As regards the territory, energy resources, capital — you cannot but agree that this is an enormous piece of the planet, which can compete with any state — whether the USA, Europe, and the People's Republic of China, cooperate and compete in the international scene. I believe the leaders of the CIS states are well aware of that.

Lu Biao: They say that during your upcoming visit to China you'll be having contacts with the Chinese Olympic Committee. Maybe, there will be some cooperation with China in this area?
A.G. Lukashenko: You know, it is for the first time that we going to discuss this issue at such a level. Successes of your athletes are astounding… I hope at heart that the People's Republic of China will disclose us some secrets and will help us in training athletes on many aspects. It is very important, of global importance in the field of sport, it is our strategy — to join you and learn as far as one can in several years, even not in ten years, but in 3 to 5 years, to attain such heights and actually become a leader. It seems to me that in 2008 the People's Republic of China will be the winner of the Olympic Games, it will take the first place in these global competitions. And we will all be rejoicing.
You must realize that, in general, we rejoice in your successes. When you launched the fist man into space we, perhaps, were rejoicing like we did when the first Soviet cosmonaut was launched. It is because we have good attitude to the Chinese people and to the Chinese State.
The same holds true regarding sports. We always rejoice in the successes of your athletes. I am very well aware of the situation in sports. Even in biathlon, where you are the rivals of the Belarusian team, we rejoice very much in the successes of your guys, whose level rises, in the successes of your female teams especially. We would like you to share some of your experience with us. And we are ready to share our experience with you.
Secondly, as regards the Olympic Committee. In 2008 you will have the Olympic Games and we wish to have our athletes worthily accommodated and represented at the Olympics in the People's Republic of China. In this respect, I have no doubts that China will be able to help us considerably.

Yue Liango: There's another international problem connected to this issue. I wish you tell us about the position of Belarus in fighting against terrorism, because double standards are being introduced now on this problem. What is the position of Belarus?
A.G. Lukashenko: I want to say that we always and everywhere oppose this evil. We are among the signatories of the world–level agreements on combating terrorism. This is first. You should have a clear idea of that. And we are going to follow this way, because ours is a transit country: an enormous quantity of people, a lot of commodities cross it; and those who cross our borders are not always honest persons.
You know, however, that “actively” fighting against terrorism today are also those who contribute to the existence of terrorism in the world. NATO and the United States of America have destroyed Iraq by their bombs. Do you think there will be no people to defend themselves? There will be a lot of them. Another example — the policy towards Iran. They are very active people, the Muslims, they will be struggling for their rights and they are struggling.
What is the good for the world that came out of the destruction of the Balkans, of the fact that Yugoslavia no longer exists? One will have to wait long before peace and calm will be there again. Well, but that was done by the mighty of the world, by the Americans! And today they are claiming they are fighting against terrorism. One should not have created prerequisites for the emergence of terrorism. And, generally, I must tell you: the problem lies in poverty, in diseases, especially in Africa, and in other parts of the world too. One must help people in overcoming this — and, I am sure, the problem of terrorism will be considerably reduced.
That is why you should understand clearly that we, and the People's Republic of China, pursue a definite policy on this issue, in the interests of peace–loving forces of our planet; we see, however, that, as you have said, there are double standards in tackling this problem.

Lu Biao: What would you like to wish the Chinese people?
A.G. Lukashenko: I am emphasizing again: everything positive that is being done in China today, everything you are proud of is also our pride, Belarusians' pride. Because we value highly our relations. Because they are very advantageous for Belarus. We rejoice in your successes. On the eve of the visit to the People's Republic of China, I want to wish prosperity to the Chinese people. Myself, and the entire people of Belarus, want China to be rich and powerful country. It is in our interests too. We have very kind feelings towards the Chinese people. I hope very much that this will result in ever closer relations between us. I am convinced that if China has such a willingness, we will do everything to have brotherly relations between our nations. The Chinese people can be confident that the interests of China in Europe will be fully observed from the positions of Belarus, and we will be able to comply with your interests in Europe, we are prepared to do everything to represent the interests of the great Chinese people in the European continent.
I thank you.
Lu Biao: We wish you great successes in your upcoming visit to China.
A.G. Lukashenko: Thank you.


PRESIDENT OF BELARUS FINISHES HIS VISIT TO CHINA

Several stories from Belta

THE STATE VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF BELARUS TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAS FINISHED. ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO HAS LEFT FOR MINSK.

At a news briefing Alexander Lukashenko underlined that the two sides reached great results – the signed contracts totaled about USD 0,5 billion.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that “staying in China I felt quite at home, the same as being in the Russian Federation. We have good relations with Russia and try to develop such cooperation with China”.

The president noted that the joint declaration signed in Beijing is of great importance: it outlines cooperation prospects between the two states. “Our partnership will be based on mutual trust, understanding and friendship”, the president noted.

The head of Belarusian state paid special attention to the fact that China as a partner is “very careful”. “However, the Chinese leadership has determined on the future cooperation”, Alexander Lukashenko stated.

The president noted that Chinese experience in economic reforms and development of science and high technologies will be used by Belarus.


BELARUSIAN PRESIDENT MEETS WITH CHAIRMAN OF OLYMPIC GAMES ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE IN BEIJING

Belarus counts on support of China for Belarusian athletes at the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko told chairman of the organizational committee of the Olympic Games “Beijing 2008”, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Liu Qi. “We would like you to support our athletes and help them feel comfortable here”, the Belarusian leader stressed.

“I think, Beijing became the center of the 2008 Olympic Games with my strong support. Once I told you that everything would be good and Beijing will be the one. Time has come to pay beck”, Alexander Lukashenko joked.

“We agree to give gold to Chinese athletes and take silver in the most competitive sports”, the president continued joking.

Mr. Liu Qi underlined that the visit of the president of Belarus to China is an important event in the bilateral relations.


CHINA READY TO GRANT BELARUS CREDITS FOR PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION

China will grant Belarus credits for implementation of projects. Crediting is expected to make about USD 1 billion, president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told a BelTA correspondent.

The president of Belarus praised the signed contracts on developing telecommunications network and scientific technologies in Belarus. For these purposes China will give a credit to Belarus at low interests. As the president of Belarus underscored, in that way the Chinese leadership shows its respect to Belarus.


CHINA TO INVEST TO BELARUS’ UNIVERSITIES WITH CHINESE STUDENTS

A number of Chinese students in the Belarusian higher educational establishments will increase several times. A relevant agreement has been reached in Beijing by heads of the education ministries of the two states in the course of the state visit to the People’s Republic of China, president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told a news briefing.

According to him, Belarus can offer the Chinese side to take part in the project of setting up a student village in Minsk.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the profitability from training Chinese students in Belarusian higher educational establishments accounts for about 50 per cent. The authorized funds will help to develop Belarusian universities.

“Moreover, the Chinese side agreed to invest to the higher educational establishments attended by Chinese students”, the head of state added.


NEXT YEAR BELARUS TO HOST DAYS OF CULTURE OF CHINA

The Days of Culture of China in Belarus are expected to take place next year. The issues on the preparation of this large-scale event were discussed at meetings which culture minister Leonid Guliako held in Beijing.

As Leonid Guliako has told reported today the program of the Days of Culture in Belarus in the PRC is made up of the finest things of the Belarusian culture. In particular, this is an exhibition of renowned Belarusian graphic artists. The Belarusians will show one of its best ballets – Swan Lake.

As the minister said the Belarusian ballet has won fame and popularity in China. There is a special attitude to the Belarusian ballet in the PRC: the performances are always sold out”, he added.

The Days of Culture of Belarus in the People’s Republic of China will become a significant contribution to development of bilateral cooperation, culture minister of this republic Leonid Guliako stated today in Beijing at an opening ceremony of the Days of Culture.

This joint Belarusian-Chinese action gains special importance, as it has coincided with the state visit of the president of Belarus to China, Leonid Guliako underlined.

The minister took note of the similarity of the approaches of the two states to culture development. Cultural contacts between Belarus and China have considerably intensified recently, he noted.

According to Leonid Guliako, there is much in common in the national policy of Belarus and China, which is socially oriented and protects interests of common people.


CHINA, BELARUS GRANT EACH OTHER MARKET ECONOMY STATUS

From Asia Pulse

BEIJING, Dec 6 Asia Pulse - China and Belarus granted each other market economy status yesterday as a move to promote bilateral economic relations.

The announcement came as Belarusian President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko pays a three-day official visit to China, which is expected to conclude late today.

A package of economic co-operation agreements was signed yesterday as Lukashenko met with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao in Beijing, including a memorandum of understanding on recognizing China as a full market economy country.

So far, 51 countries have recognized China's full market economy status.

During the meeting, Hu said China is ready to promote bilateral relations with Belarus by maintaining high-level communication to deepen political trust and expanding pragmatic partnership to boost common development.

Meanwhile, he said, co-operation in culture, education, sports and tourism as well as exchanges between the two peoples should also be intensified.

"China is willing to work with Belarus to strengthen consultations and co-ordination in international and regional affairs to promote peace, stability and development in the region and the world," Hu said.

Hu expressed China's support for Belarus' accession to the World Trade Organization at the earliest date.

Responding to the Chinese President, Lukashenko said his country is committed to boosting economic links with China.

"Annual bilateral trade has hit US$500 million and we are determined to bring our trade turnover to US$ 1 billion," Lukashenko said.

It is his third visit to China as President of Belarus.

"China, as a rising economic powerhouse, can help the Belarusian economy grow faster," as economic and trade co-operation is the main dimension of Belarus-China ties, Lukashenko told Xinhua News Agency in the Belarusian capital Minsk on the eve of his visit to China.

China will provide non-reimbursable assistance as well as preferential loans to Belarus, according to the agreements signed yesterday.

Lukashenko is expected to meet with other senior Chinese officials today including top legislator Wu Bangguo, Vice-Premier Huang Ju, and Liu Qi, secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China.

He will wrap up his visit to China after attending the opening ceremony of the "Cultural Day of Belarus" in Beijing this evening.


Other stories about president’s trip to China from The people’s daily (China)

CHINA, BELARUS ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT, VOWING TO PROMOTE COOPERATION

China and Belarus issued a joint statement in Beijing Tuesday, pledging to promote China-Belarus relations and to enhance cooperation in various fields.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Belarusian President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko, who arrived here Sunday on a three-day official visit to China as guest of President Hu, issued the statement.

Leaders of the two countries agreed that to cement and promote China-Belarus relations accords with fundamental interests of both nations and peoples, and is conducive for safeguarding peace, stability and development of the region and the world at large.

According to the statement, both sides are satisfied with the healthy and fruitful development of bilateral relations, and China-Belarus relations has entered a new phase of all-round development and strategic cooperation.

China and Belarus are ready to maintain the active momentum of high-level visits and exchanges in other levels, and will continue to keep close cooperation in major issues concerning national independence, sovereignty, consolidation, territorial integrity and national dignity, in an effort to safeguard the fundamental interests of both nations, says the statement.

Belarus promised in the statement to abide by principles of China-Belarus political document on the Taiwan issue, to firmly support the one-China policy, to oppose so-called "Taiwan independence" in any form, to oppose Taiwan to join in the United Nations and other international organizations, and not to set up official links with Taiwan or sell weapons to Taiwan.

Belarus holds that Taiwan issue is China's internel affair, and supports the the Anti-Secession Law passed by China's National People's Congress, which accords with the common desire and fundamental interests of all Chinese people, says the statement.

China understands and respects Belarus's choice on its independent foreign and domestic policy, and supports Belarus's efforts to safeguard social stability and promote economic and social progress, according to the statement.

Both sides agreed in the statement that China and Belarus enjoy increasingly close and fruitful cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, military, culture, education, tourism, social insurance and press fields.

The two countries will jointly make effective measures to expand trade scale, improve trade service system in bank, insurance and arbitration, enhance cooperation in mechanical manufacture, telecommunication, energy, culture, science and technology, and increase exchanges between local governments of the two nations, says the statement.

China welcomes Belarus to take part in China's development of the western region and the strategy to revitalize northeast China and other old industrial bases, says the statement.

China supports Belarus to join in the World Trade Organization (WTO) at an early date. The two sides has finished the market access talks concerning Belarus's WTO entry, acknowledging each other's full market economy status. Both nations will strengthen cooperation under the WTO framework, says the statement.

According to the statement, the two countries affirm the roles of the UN Charter and the UN Security Council in dealing with international relations and safeguarding world peace and safety. Both sides hold that the UN Security Council should make reforms. The UN reforms should be conducted on the basis of coordination of all UN member states, without setting timetable or forced votes. The reforms should address the special concerns of developing countries, and be proceeded in line with the UN Charter.

Both sides will maintain frequent consultations within the framework of international and regional organizations, promote cooperation in issues concerning anti-terrorism, human rights and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, and support international efforts on the Middle East peace process and Iraq's reconstruction.

The two sides stress that the six-party talks are a practical and effective method for peaceful solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. They hope that all concerned parties would implement their promises in the joint statement issued during the fourth round of six-party talks, so as to make positive contribution to promoting the six-party talks process.

According to the statement, Chinese President Hu Jintao accepted the invitation offered by his Belarusian counterpart to pay a state visit to Belarus. The date will be consulted through a diplomatic channel.


CHINA, BELARUS AGREE TO UPGRADE ECONOMIC TIES

China and Belarus on Tuesday agreed to enhance economic and trade cooperation to upgrade bilateral ties.

At a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko, Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju highlighted the trade relations between the two countries, saying that the two are highly complementary in economy.

He suggested the two countries further open markets to each other and facilitate direct contacts between the business circles of the two countries.

Huang also suggested the two countries increase two-way investment, combine their resources for joint production, enhance cooperation in high-tech fields and exchange of technical personnel and improve consultation in international economic issues.

He reiterated China's support for Belarus' efforts in gaining access to the World Trade Organization.

Lukashenko was in Beijing for a three-day state visit. On Monday, China and Belarus signed a total of 12 cooperative documents after an hour-long talk between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Lukashenko.

The two countries also announced on Monday that they've granted full market economy status to each other.

Lukashenko told Huang he was convinced that Belarus and China enjoy great potential for further economic cooperation due to China's fast economic growth and financial advantage.

He said Belarus hopes to improve the trade pattern with China and explore more fields for cooperation.

Lukashenko also expressed interests in China's plans of developing its western regions and rejuvenating the country's old industrial base in northeast areas.

During their meeting, Huang and Lukashenko hailed the relations between the two countries and promised to implement the consensus reached between the two heads of state to promote the comprehensive growth of bilateral ties.


CHINA, BELARUS AGREE TO PROMOTE LEGISLATIVE COOPERATION

China and Belarus will promote legislative cooperation, learn from each other, and push forward substantial cooperation in all fields, Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Beijing Thursday.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, told visiting Belarusian President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko that the NPC and the Belarusian parliament have maintained frequent contacts and the special committees have cooperated well in recent years.

"China and Belarus have been committed to reform, economic development, and democratic construction despite their different social systems, thus the two legislative organs should enhance cooperation in all fields," Wu said.

He noted that China values its relations with Belarus and takes it as a "reliable friend", and would like to promote political trust and strategic cooperation.

Wu expressed his appreciation for the support of Belarus on the Taiwan issue.

Lukashenko said the relationship between Belarus and China has been developing smoothly, and bilateral cooperation in all fields has been fruitful. Belarus would like to enhance the existing good relations with China, he added.

He expressed gratitude for the Chinese NPC to the Belarusian parliament in the international arena, reaffirming that Belarus will go on adhering to the one-China policy.