China asks U.S. to return terrorist suspects, says FM spokesman

China has asked the United States to return Chinese terrorist suspects imprisoned at the Guantanamo Bay, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang on Thursday.

"China has taken notice of the concerns of the international community on the secret prisons of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States," Qin told a regular press conference.

By announcing the transfer of 14 key terror suspects from secret CIA custody to the U.S. naval base at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, U.S. President George W. Bush acknowledged on Wednesday the existence of these secret prisons for the first time.

"China maintains its position of fighting strongly against terrorism," spokesman Qin Gang said, noting that anti-terrorism practices should be conducted in line with the spirit of the UN Charter and the principles of international relations.

When asked to confirm the existence of Chinese suspects in other CIA facilities, Qin said China has still not received this information.

Source: Xinhua