China says it values NTC's status in Libya

(Shanghai Daily)

08:09, September 07, 2011

China will recognize Libya's National Transitional Council as the legitimate government "when conditions are ripe," the Foreign Ministry said yesterday. 

It did not say what those conditions would be.

China has not joined Western powers in formally recognizing the council as the legitimate authority in Libya, but has acknowledged its "important role."

At a regular news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said: "Our lines of communication with the NTC are smooth.

"I would like to point out that the instability in Libya is temporary, but that China-Libyan friendship is long-term."

"We value the National Transitional Council's status and role and are willing to stay in close contact with them to promote the steady development of bilateral relations," she said.

Meanwhile, Jiang said China would step up controls over arms exports after it was revealed Chinese arms firms held talks with representatives of Moammar Gadhafi's forces in July over weapons sales.

China says it exported no arms to Libya. 

"China will strictly implement the UN resolution and further strengthen management of military exports," Jiang said.

Libya's interim council has promised rewards for those who took a leading role in backing the revolt against Gadhafi, and that has raised concerns that China could be at a disadvantage.

"The National Transitional Council has said it will respect China's core interests and keep its promise of effectively protecting the interests of Chinese businesses," Jiang said.

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Nick Moncrief at 2011-09-08207.158.4.*

Winners and Losers in Libya: Western Companies Win, Chinese LoseLosing out on Libya’s post-Gathafi reconstruction is likely to constitute more than just a commercial loss for China, says James M. Dorsey.

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