China Resists U.S. Push On Zimbabwe

BEIJING — An American-led push to punish Zimbabwe ran into resistance yesterday from China, which can veto U.N. penalties sought against its African ally over President Mugabe's claim to re-election.

After talks with Secretary of State Rice that also covered Taiwan, Tibet, and North Korea, China's foreign minister said Beijing favors negotiations between Mr. Mugabe, who was sworn in for a new term yesterday, and the opposition.

"The most pressing path is to stabilize the situation in Zimbabwe," Yang Jiechi told reporters at a news conference with Ms. Rice. "We hope the parties concerned can engage in serious dialogue to find a proper solution."

"China hopes the international community, African countries in particular, can a play a more constructive role in this regard," he said. "China as a responsible country will also play a constructive role in this process." After his swearing-in, Mr. Mugabe promised talks with the opposition.

Mr. Yang stuck to a position that China, one of Zimbabwe's chief friends and trading partners, long has held. But his comments came just after Ms. Rice had spent a significant amount of time making the case for the Bush administration's new push to pressure Mr. Mugabe, officials said.

Not much later, in Zimbabwe's capital, Mugabe was sworn in for a sixth term. Hours before, electoral officials said he had won a discredited runoff. Leaders in Africa and elsewhere had condemned Friday's runoff, in which Mr. Mugabe was the sole candidate.