Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Tuesday 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 at a press conference.

Peaceful means and political negotiation are the correct road to the settlement of the Middle East issue. It is China's hope that Palestine and Israel could continue to observe the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the principle of "land for peace," and resolve their differences through dialogue, the Chinese foreign minister said.

"China firmly support the Middle East peace process and has been mediating among the parties concerned in its own ways," Li told the press conference held on the sideline of the ongoing annual full session of China's national legislature.

"We will continue to cooperate with the parties concerned and play a constructive role for an early realization of peace and stability in the Middle East," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2006)