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China denies selling weapons to Taliban, al-Qaeda
China on Monday slammed a US press report that it recently sold missiles to Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters as `groundless`.
China on Monday slammed a US press report that it recently sold missiles to Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters as "groundless".
"The Washington Times report is a groundless report based on ulterior motives, the Chinese side has already made solemn representations to the US (government)," foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue was quoted by China Central Television as saying "Some individuals in the United States are trying to slander China's image and prevent the improvement of Sino-US relations.
"These attempts are doomed to failure."
The report, published on December 21, quoted senior US officials as saying that China had sold SA-7 missiles to Afghanistan's former ruling Taliban regime and fighters belonging to suspected terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden's al-Qaeda.
According to the report, the sales took place a week after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, blamed on Bin Laden.
The shoulder-fired anti-aircraft weapons are similar to the US Stinger missiles.
The US officials said the shipment raised serious questions about Beijing's pledge to fight terrorism, the Washington Times report said.
"The Chinese government opposes all forms of terrorism, this is a clear and consistent position," spokeswoman Zhang said.
"After the September 11 incident the Chinese government has actively participated in international anti-terrorism cooperation and also provided support and aid to the US side as seen by all." Bureau Report
"The Washington Times report is a groundless report based on ulterior motives, the Chinese side has already made solemn representations to the US (government)," foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue was quoted by China Central Television as saying "Some individuals in the United States are trying to slander China's image and prevent the improvement of Sino-US relations.
"These attempts are doomed to failure."
The report, published on December 21, quoted senior US officials as saying that China had sold SA-7 missiles to Afghanistan's former ruling Taliban regime and fighters belonging to suspected terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden's al-Qaeda.
According to the report, the sales took place a week after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, blamed on Bin Laden.
The shoulder-fired anti-aircraft weapons are similar to the US Stinger missiles.
The US officials said the shipment raised serious questions about Beijing's pledge to fight terrorism, the Washington Times report said.
"The Chinese government opposes all forms of terrorism, this is a clear and consistent position," spokeswoman Zhang said.
"After the September 11 incident the Chinese government has actively participated in international anti-terrorism cooperation and also provided support and aid to the US side as seen by all." Bureau Report