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SCMP Reporter

China and Russia have vowed to join hands in crushing Muslim separatist movements in Xinjiang and Chechnya, saying there could only be one standard in the war on terrorism.

In an apparent swipe at US President George W. Bush - who said action against terrorism should not be used to persecute minorities - President Jiang Zemin and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed that 'Chechen and separatist East Turkestan [Xinjiang] terrorist forces are part of global terrorism and should be smashed', Xinhua said.

Details of the presidential talks held on Friday emerged yesterday.

They achieved wide consensus on a range of major issues, particularly in co-operation against terrorism, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said.

In a briefing after the Sino-Russian summit, China said Mr Putin shared the view that there should be 'only one standard' in striking all forms of terrorism.

'China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism, whoever it is aimed or wherever it occurs,' Mr Jiang was quoted as telling Mr Putin.

'All Apec members should adopt one standard and one common attitude in striking all forms of terrorism, including East Turkestan and Chechen separatists.'

Mr Bush said on Friday and repeated yesterday that the war on terrorism should not be used to persecute minorities, an apparent reference to China's crackdown on Xinjiang separatists after the September 11 attacks on the United States.

Mr Jiang and Mr Putin agreed that the Shanghai Organisation, of which China and Russia are members, would give priority to fighting terrorists, extremists and separatists.

Mr Putin will meet Mr Bush today. Their talks are expected to focus on the shape of a replacement government in Afghanistan if the US-led military alliance topples the Taleban regime.

In the Sino-Russian talks, the leaders also discussed whether moderate Taleban members should be allowed to stay on in any new government.

'The fundamental solution to the issue should rely on the Afghan people's own decision and should represent the interests of all ethnic groups in Afghanistan,' Mr Zhu said, adding the solution should be internationally recognised.

China has been concerned about the US role in establishing a new Afghan government, fearing similar intervention might occur on Chinese territory where separatist groups are active.

Mr Jiang has tried to cement a strategic pact with Russia to co-ordinate opposition to American dominance of world affairs and boost trade between the two countries.

But Mr Bush and Mr Putin have developed a strong personal relationship.

The Russian President said the world needed stronger legal tools to root out terrorist organisations.

'Legal systems of many countries don't give a clear definition of terrorism,' Mr Putin said. 'We must create instruments that would allow us to respond to such threats quickly and efficiently.'

US missile-shield plans were also discussed at the Sino-Russian leaders' meeting.

The same topic dominated Bush-Putin meetings held in Slovenia in June and at the annual Group of Seven summit in Italy in July.

Mr Putin said on a recent trip to Brussels, however, that a closer partnership with Nato could help ease Moscow's concerns over the alliance's expansion into central and eastern Europe, to include former Soviet satellite countries.

Mr Jiang and Mr Putin struck an accord in September to strengthen ties.

The Good Neighbourly Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation falls short of a military alliance, but provides for swift joint action in case of extraordinary situations or a threat to security.



War on terror must have 'only one standard'