On October 23, 2002, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan gave a speech on anti-terrorism issues at the Informal Meeting of the Ministerial Meeting of APEC. Foreign Minister Tang fully explained in his speech China's position and views on strengthening international cooperation against terrorism and APEC's work in the anti-terrorism field.

He pointed out that a peaceful and stable environment is a necessary precondition for economic development and prosperity. The recent terrorist attacks in Bali and other places again show that terrorism remain a direct threat to peace in the region. The international community should work hard to strengthen cooperation and resolutely fight all forms of terrorism. At the same time, it should also take into account the economic development levels of different members, their actual situations and affordibility. The international community should take concrete measures to help developing members to enhance capacity building.

He said that as an important economic cooperation forum in the region, APEC should take further measures and deepen cooperation on the basis of last years leaders' statement against terrrorism in Shanghai to strenghten inspection and the customs, choke off terrorism financing and ensure security in communications.

He emphasized that China also suffers from the scourge of terrorism, resolutely condemns and opposes all forms of terrorism. China supports and conscientiously implements revelant resolutions of the UN Security Council and will actively participate in all the anti-terrorism cooperation of APEC.