BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said here Tuesday that the Taiwan authorities have taken a "dangerous step" toward "Taiwan independence" by ceasing the function of "National Unification Council" and the application of its guidelines.

"This is a serious provocation to the one-China principle universally observed by the international community and to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," Li told a press conference held on the sideline of the ongoing annual full session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

East China Sea consultation between China, Japan "pragmatic and constructive"

The fourth round of East China Sea consultation which concluded in Beijing Tuesday between Chinese and Japanese diplomatic officials was "pragmatic and constructive."

"China and Japan have agreed to launch the next round of consultation as early as possible," Li said.

Don't politicize Sino-US trade relations

The United States should not politicize its trade relations with China. The two countries should solve trade problems under the framework of the World Trade Organization, Li said.

Japanese leaders should stop hurting feelings of wartime victims

Japanese leaders should stop worshipping war criminals and stop hurting the feelings of the people of China and other nations suffering from the Japanese invasions during the World War II, Li said.

China to press ahead Sino-Arabic relations

The Sino-Arabic relations are developing smoothly. China has always attached importance to the Middle East affairs and is devoted to the realization of peace and stability in the region, Li said.

Putin's visit to boost China-Russia relations

At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russia's President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit China later this month, said Li. "The visit is expected to boost the all-round development of the Sino-Russian Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, and facilitate world peace, stability and development," he said.

China maintains friendly relations with Palestine

Li said that China is willing to continue the traditional friendly relations with Palestine and seriously consider its requests for further assistance.

"China and Palestine enjoy a profound traditional friendship, and China has been providing support and assistance to Palestine within its capacity," Li said.

China's defense budget much smaller than that of US

China's defense budget is much smaller than that of the United States despite the expected rise of 14.7 percent this year. The per capita defense budget of China is only one-seventy-seventh that of the United States, Li said.

China to build strategic partnership with African countries

China and African countries will build a politically supportive, economically win-win and cultural closely-related strategic partnership, Li said.

Vatican should not intervene with China's internal affairs

China hopes the Vatican will not intervene in its internal affairs in any form, said Li in response to a question that the Vatican appointed a Hong Kong person as the cardinal-bishop recently.

China makes great efforts in IPR protection

China has taken measures in legislative, judicial, law-enforcement and education fields to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). Li said that in 2005 alone, China's industrial and commercial authorities dealt with more than 39,000 trade mark infringement cases. And Chinese courts heard more than 3,500 IPR-related cases.

Iran nuclear issue should be resolved through diplomacy, negotiation

The Iran nuclear issue should be resolved through diplomatic channels and negotiation, Li told the press conference. He called on all parties concerned to remain calm, patient and flexible to seek a diplomatic solution.

President Hu to visit US soon

President Hu Jintao is going to visit the United States shortly, Li told the press conference. It is the first time that Hu visits the United States as Chinese president. Both sides are busy preparing for the visit, Li said.

China calls for early resumption of six-party talks

China will continue to work for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in East Asia and to facilitate the talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Li said.

FM pledges good protection of citizens abroad

Foreign Minister Li said the government will do its best to protect its citizens abroad, and he advised them to better protect themselves in the meantime.

(2006-03-07 02:45:55 Xinhua English)