Tang made these remarks during a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Lee Armitage, who was here to hold political consultations with Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

He said China welcomed the decision made by the US to put "East Turkistan" separatists on the list of terrorist organizations.

The Chinese government consistently opposed the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, he said.

Tang said China had recently issued regulations on export control of missiles, missile-related items and technologies, demonstrating that the Chinese government was serious on non-proliferation.

China hoped to strengthen non-proliferation cooperation with the US on the basis of equality and mutual trust, he said.

Armitage said that the US appreciated China's stance on terrorism and was satisfied with bilateral cooperation, adding that the US was willing to have mutual support in the fight against terrorism.

He described the regulations as "positive steps" taken by China on non-proliferation and hoped to enhance communication for common progress.

During the talks on Monday morning, Vice-Foreign Minister Li and Armitage had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on preparations for Chinese President Jiang Zemin's US visit in Autumn, the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation, economy and trade, situation in South Asia, Central Asia, the Korean Peninsular, the Middle East, and other issues of common concern.

Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, also met with Armitage.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2002)