CHUAN ASKS BEIJING TO BACK WAR ON DRUGS ALONG BORDER

Hu Says Trafficking A Regional Threat

Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai asked for China's support yesterday to
end widespread drug trafficking along the border with Burma.

Mr Chuan raised the issue during an hour of talks with Chinese
Vice-President Hu Jintao and asked for collaboration from Beijing,
which maintains strong relations with Rangoon.

Government spokesman Akapol Sorasuchart said Mr Hu told the premier
China regarded drug trafficking as a grave threat to regional
security. He had earlier discussed the issue with Burmese leaders and
pledged financial support for crop substitution projects among ethnic
minorities in border areas as a long-lasting solution.

The Burmese government asked Beijing to support sugar cane planting in
border areas and to buy sugar from Burma, Mr Hu was quoted as saying.
China was willing to help despite a domestic sugar surplus.

The Chinese vice-president is in Thailand to celebrate the 25th
anniversary of diplomatic relations. Burma was his first stop on a
trip which also takes him to Indonesia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Mr Akapol said border drug problems would be discussed during the
meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations next week in Bangkok.

On other matters, the two leaders agreed to encourage more bilateral
investment. Thai investments in China already total US$4.5 billion
(180 billion baht).

Mr Hu told Mr Chuan that preparations are being made for the royal
visit by Her Majesty the Queen to China in October, taking in Beijing,
Xi-an, Zhengzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou and Guilin. In a luncheon speech,
the prime minister looked forward to closer and active co-operation
between the two countries.

Collaboration would be expanded to cover development schemes in the
Mekong sub-region.

The Chinese vice-president met separately with New Aspiration Party
leader Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Chart Thai Party leader Banharn
Silpa-archa yesterday before leaving for Government House.

Gen Chavalit reiterated the NAP's one-China policy, and explained
about the Pak Moon dam protest in front of Government House and
assured him that the rally would not affect his visit.

Mr Banharn said he expected closer co-operation between the two
countries in international forums, including Asia-Pacific Economic
Co-operation and the World Trade Organisation, of which China will
probably be granted membership this year.

Mr Hu was granted an audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen
at Klai Kangwol Palace in Hua Hin yesterday, and will wrap up his
visit with a trip to Chiang Mai tomorrow.