CHINA'S RESPONSE

May 9, 1999
		Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao made a televised speech on Saturday further condemning the NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. The following is the full text of Mr. Hu's speech.

Strikes in Yugoslavia coverage May 7, 1999: Secretary Albright May 6, 1999: Assessing the peace proposal May 6, 1999: A Kosovar's perspective May 6, 1999: Full text of the foreign ministers' agreement May 6, 1999: Clinton and Schroeder on the G-8 Deal May 4, 1999: Are NATO strikes against Serb media outlets justified? May 3, 1999: Will diplomatic efforts bring an end to the conflict? Complete NewsHour coverage of Europe   NATO Serbian Ministry of Information. Embassy of China in Washington. DC

Comrades, friends: Early on the morning of May 8 (Beijing time), U.S.-led NATO wantonly used missiles to attack the Chinese embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, causing casualties and leaving the embassy buildings devastated. The criminal act, which is in violation of the international laws and norms of international relations, has aroused the utmost indignation of the Chinese people. The Chinese government on the same morning issued a solemn statement to sternly condemn the brutal act of NATO headed by the United States and demand that NATO bears all responsibilities arising therefrom. Under the CPC Central Committee's decision, the Foreign Ministry urgently summoned U.S. ambassador to China and issued the strongest protest. Also, we called on the U.N. Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to discuss and condemn the barbarous act of U.S.-led NATO. We have taken all possible measures to rescue the wounded and have sent a special plane to Belgrade to take back all our relevant staff. In the statement, our government also solemnly stated to reserve right for taking further actions. All these measures demonstrate the common aspirations of the entire Chinese people to safeguard state sovereignty, uphold justice and oppose aggression. On this occasion, I, on behalf of CPC Central Committee, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, would like to express sincere regards to all staff in our embassy in Yugoslavia, extend the most profound condolences on the death of the martyrs, and convey our cordial sympathy to their relatives and to the wounded personnel. As of yesterday, people across the country have held forums and gatherings, and issued letters or telegrams of protest to voice their support to the solemn statement of the Chinese Government and to condemn the barbaric acts of the U.S.-led NATO. Students and other citizens in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenyang cities have also held demonstrations near the U.S. diplomatic missions in China. All those activities have reflected their strong indignation at U.S.-led NATO's attack on the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia and the keen patriotism of the Chinese people. The Chinese government firmly supports and protects, in accordance with the law, all legal protest activities. We believe that the broad masses will, proceeding from the fundamental interests of the nation and taking the overall situation into account, carry out the activities in good order and in accordance with law. We must prevent overreaction, and ensure social stability by guarding against some people making use of the opportunities to disrupt the normal public order. The Chinese Government unswervingly upholds the independent foreign policy of peace, firmly safeguards state sovereignty and national dignity and resolutely oppose hegemony and power politics. We will uphold the policy of reform and opening to the outside world. We will protect, in accordance with relevant international laws and norms of international relations as well as relevant laws of China, foreign diplomatic organs and personnel, foreign nationals in China and those who have come to China to engage in trade, economic, educational and cultural undertakings, and reflect the civilization and fine traditions of the Chinese nation. The Chinese people are people who uphold justice and love peace. We are willing, together with the people of other countries across the world, to support each other and strengthen cooperation, and work in concerted efforts for mankind's great cause of peace and development. Let us unite closely around the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Jiang Zemin at the core, hold high the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory, be inspired with enthusiasm, and work with concerted efforts to push forward into the 21st century the great cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

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