RAWALPINDI: The Chinese Vice-Premier Mr Li Hsien-nien, has declared that the Chinese people will always remain reliable friends of the people of Pakistan. Speaking at a banquet given in his honour by the Prime Minister, Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, here tonight [April 20] he said the Chinese people will always resolutely support the Pakistan Government and people in their just struggle in defending national independence and state sovereignty against foreign aggression, interference and subversion.

Earlier ... [Mr Bhutto] said that the steadfast support rendered by China has helped in the normalisation of the situation in South Asia. `We have no doubt that the firm stand taken by China on the basis of principles will continue to serve the cause of peace and stability in this area. ...

The Chinese Vice-Premier said Pakistan is a great country and its people have glorious traditions in combating colonialism and imperialism. ... Pakistan has expressed its solidarity ... with the Third World countries and made positive contribution in combating colonialism, imperialism and hegemonism. The Chinese people ... rejoice at every success won by Pakistan and its people. News agencies