China has said that the focus should be on pursuing weapons inspections and not on military action against Saddam Hussein's regime. China has argued that there is no justification for military action and that inspections should continue.

Responding to Washington's presentation of evidence on Iraqi non-compliance, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said: "UN weapons inspectors are not in a position to draw conclusions and they have suggested continuing the inspections. We should respect their views and support the continuation of their work."