Q: The Washington Times carried a story by reporter Bill Gertz on December 21, which claimed that a senior US official disclosed that China continued to provide weapons to al-Qaida after September 11 Incident. What is your comment?

A: The Chinese Government opposes all sorts of terrorism. Its stance is clear-cut and consistent. It is widely acknowledged that, since the September 11 Incident, China has actively participated in international cooperation against terrorism and rendered support and assistance to the US side.

The Washington Times' report is groundless and out of ulterior motives. The Chinese side has made solemn representations with the US side. The vicious attempts by some individuals in the United States to use the rumour to defame China and impede the improvement of Sino-US relations are doomed to failure.