TEHRAN The year 2001 coincides with the thirtieth anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Iran and the People's Republic of China. Over the past three decades the relationship between the two countries has enjoyed an excellent state and today the bilateral ties in economic fields and trade is at a high. Both countries enjoy same or similar outlook in international affairs and world political situation.

TEHRAN TIMES editor has conducted an open and candid interview with Mr. Sun Bigan, the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the interview, a wide range of questions was put to the ambassador and he answered them fully, comprehensively and with great patience. Due to the importance of the interview and the subjects discussed, TEHRAN TIMES is printing the full questions and answers.

T.T: How do you see the outlook for continued future cooperation between Iran and China in various fields of politics, economics and culture?

S.B: We have very good relationship today and I am certain that with mutual efforts the present relationship will be even better in the future. I have several reasons for being very optimistic. Firstly, China and Iran are two very old cultured civilizations. The Silk Road between our two countries was established more than 2000 years ago. During this long period of time both countries have learnt from and influenced each other. When Mr. Khatami first proposed the dialogue among civilizations, China was the first country to endorse his proposal because our two civilizations have been having a dialogue for more than two millenniums.

****** Iran is a very important country with a great deal of influence over the region and China has much respect for Iran. Our two countries have similar views on most international matters and we both reject completely American bullishness and hegemony in the world *********. Iran and China both support multipolarization in the world and our two countries are complimentary to each other on economic matters as we are both in the process of development. Iran has vast supplies of oil and China needs to import its energy. Our policy of open doors and the existing good relationship between our two countries heralds a bright future between us.

T.T: The year 2001 is the thirtieth anniversary of establishment of ties between our two countries. In order to celebrate this event what proposals do you suggest in order to further strengthen the already excellent relationship?

S.B: These thirty years are not a very long period but they have been very important years. We are now at a very important juncture in our relationship and both countries should celebrate this anniversary. Mr. Khatami's visit to China was very successful and the two leaders of our countries foresaw the basis of our mutual relationship for this century. The deputy president of the People's Republic of China has also visited Iran at the invitation of you Vice President Mr. Habibi and reached various points of mutual interest. We should jointly celebrate the past thirty years in political, economic and people to people fields. TEHRAN TIMES can play its due parts in these activities.

T.T: During the past few years the economic relationship between our two countries especially in project financing has been very good. In view of the suitable atmosphere prevailing today for direct financing, what action would China be taking toward direct financing in Iran?

S.B: We have very good relationship in diverse economic fields such as energy, roads and transport, steel and shipbuilding. In some projects China has already arranged financing such as the Tehran Metro system.

***** With improvement in conditions for financing in Iran, more Chinese companies would be encouraged to come to Iran with financing proposals ***** as we already have some small Chinese companies who are active in this field. In future I think more joint venture cooperation will be established between Iranian and Chinese companies.

T.T: As you have mentioned, China has supported Mr. Khatami's proposal on dialogue among civilizations. In order to fully implement this proposal what action has China taken or shall take in the future?

S.B: As I have mentioned not only China has supported this proposal but many other countries have also done so and the UN has designated 2001 as year for dialogue between civilizations. China has already participated in the Conference of Dialogue among Asian Civilizations which was held in Tehran. Our deputy foreign minister attended the conference and a number of university professors and academicians from China delivered speeches at the conference. In addition we have already taken part in many other activities. The Chinese traditional opera company performed in Tehran with a cast of more than 40. The Chinese traditional opera has a history of more than 2000 years and its performance in Tehran was so successful that an extra show had to be arranged in order to satisfy the demand. China also participated in the Fajr Film Festival and two Chinese films actually were awarded festival prizes. Of course as you know our sports teams regularly meet and we have very good relationship in all fields of sport.

T.T: What is the position of China regarding the indiscriminate killings of innocent Palestinians by the Israeli military? Also what is the Chinese view on the Middle East peace process?

S.B: Peace in the Middle East is the region's longest running problem. China's position has always been very clear. We believe that the future of the Palestinians should be determined by themselves and we support their struggle for independence. We believe real peace can be achieved only through adherence to the UN resolutions and on the basis of land for peace program.

**** We are extremely saddened at the plight of the Palestinians and condemn Israelis armed suppression against the Palestinians. ****

T.T: Due to the present instability in Afghanistan, it is very probable that China's western borders will be adversely affected. What is China's policy in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan?

S.B: Afghanistan is our neighbor and we attach great importance to what goes on in that country. We genuinely hope for peace to be established between various political factions and believe that it is only through this that real and lasting peace will be established. All political factions must reach a consensus and a government acceptable to all groups should be established. We welcome all other countries and especially the Iranian government's efforts toward this.

T.T: What is China's position regarding the expansion of NATO eastward?

S.B: We are following events very thoroughly. ***** NATO is both a political and a military organization. This policy will give rise to another Cold War *****. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Warsaw Pact was dismantled. Irrespective of this NATO wants to move eastward. We cannot understand this.

T.T: America has recently accused China in helping Iraq rebuild its air defenses. How do you evaluate this American attitude?

S.B: I have to mention three points here. Firstly, China has always implemented fully all UN resolutions. Secondly, China never takes action against any UN resolution or engages in activities which could endanger regional stability. Thirdly, it has been America that has bombed Iraq. This action was illegal and quite unnecessary. America talks on irrelevant subjects because it pursues secret aims. This is a typical example of American hegemony. No international organization had given it such permission.

**** China's position regarding Iraq is very clear. Iraq must abide by all UN resolutions and at the same time its territorial integrity must be safeguarded by all other countries. *****

T.T: What is China's position on the American defense shield for missile attack program and how do you see the future of this plan? Will there be a joint China-Russia plan against the American intention?

S.B: China is against this program. It is not conducive to world peace and stability and it will start a new arms race. With this regard China and Russia and even some European countries are against the American plan and we hope that by taking a joint position world peace and security will be enhanced.

T.T: China has always supported a multipolar system for the world. What specific action has China taken toward its fulfillment?

S.B: All China's foreign policy and diplomatic activities are based on the concept of multipolarization.

T.T: What ways and actions have China undertaken to facilitate economic progress in the central and western regions of the country? Will China be facilitating special conditions for foreign financing in these regions?

S.B: After implementation of our open-door policy, many regions in China have benefited and developed. But unfortunately, economic progress has not been overall and central and western regions have not developed as much as we would like to see. Our government is adamant toward economic progress of these regions. Although they enjoy abundance of mines and minerals, they have not been fully developed and utilized. The government has established special plans in particular in the fields of roads and transport, energy and human resources. Special incentive programs have also been worked out in order to attract foreign capital to the regions. A publicity program to portray these regions to potential investors have also been launched. Many exhibitions have been organized in different countries and there is at present very good relationship with the countries of Central Asia. The governor of your Khorasan Province has recently visited Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and has had useful and constructive talks with the officials of the regions.

T.T.: Mr. Ambassador, thank you for your candid and cordial answers.