Premier Zhu Rongji Thursday stressed that sovereign equality and non-interference in other country's internal affairs are still the cornerstones for the new world political and economic order.
Zhu made the remarks while meeting visiting President of the 55th United Nations (UN) General Assembly Harri Holkeri.
According to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhu also called attention to the negative effects of economic globalization, saying that the trend, while promoting economic development, may also widen the gap between the rich and the poor in the world.
He told Holkeri that strengthening the role of the UN is in the interests of all countries.
Holkeri echoed Zhu by stressing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, adding that the UN should be reformed so that it can play a stronger role in world affairs.
Zhu yesterday also held separate talks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson and Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Lydie Polfer.
When meeting Anderson, Zhu said that China, as a developing country, has followed the principle of balancing rights and duties and has all along taken an active approach in its quest for full membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Zhu asked Australia, a strong supporter of China's WTO entry, to continue pushing for China's early acceptance by the world trade club.
Anderson reiterated his government's adherence to the one-China policy, pledging that it will not develop official ties with Taiwan and said that Australia will support China's early entry into the WTO.
Both Zhu and Polfer, during their meeting, expressed the wish to push their bilateral relations to a higher level.
(China Daily 04/13/2001)
