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              January 24, 2002, Thursday 6:44 AM Eastern Time

   HEADLINE: Sino-Vietnam Border Treaties Equal to Both Countries:
   Spokesperson
   DATELINE: HANOI, January 24

   The land border treaty between Vietnam and China and the agreement on
   the delimitation of the Beibu Bay territorial sea are equal and
   mutual-beneficial to both countries, a Vietnamese spokeswoman
   reaffirmed here Thursday.
   Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh made the
   reaffirmation when answering a relevant question at a regular press
   conference here Thursday. Thanh said "with regards to the treaties
   between Vietnam and China, we would like to add that the conclusion of
   a land border treaty between Vietnam and China and an agreement on the
   demarcation of the Beibu Bay resulted from tremendous concerted
   efforts made by both sides over many years in the spirit of frankness,
   mutual understanding and respect for each other's interests."
   The treaty and agreement were drafted on the basis of respect for
   independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-invasion,
   non-interference into each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual
   benefits, peaceful coexistence and conformity with international laws
   and practices, the spokeswoman stressed.
   The signing the Treaty on Vietnam-China Land Border and Agreement on
   Demarcation of the Beibu Bay marked a new important step forward in
   building a peaceful and stable environment in the region, creating
   favorable conditions for the two countries to focus on national
   construction and development, she added.
   China and Vietnam signed the land border treaty and agreement on the
   delimitation of the Beibu Bay territorial sea between the two
   countries in December 1999 and December 2000, respectively.