BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government hopes to destroy abandoned wartime Japanese chemical weapons very soon, said Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Tuesday.

    Wang made the remarks while meeting with Rogelio Pfirter, director-general of the Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

    Wang said considering the risk to lives, property and the environment, the Chinese government was greatly concerned about chemical weapons left by Japanese troops in World War II.

    Wang hoped the OPCW would continue playing its positive role.

    Wang praised the important contribution made by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to safeguarding world peace and security, and reiterated China's support for the CWC.

    Pfirter expressed appreciation for China's efforts in promoting the comprehensive and effective fulfillment of the CWC, saying the OPCW Technical Secretariat would continue taking an active part indisposing of abandoned wartime chemical weapons in China.

    Pfirter, on behalf of the OPCW, extended sincere condolences for the Chinese people in the earthquake-hit region.

    The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale, rocked southwest China Monday afternoon, killing at least 11,921 people.

    Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei hold talks with Pfirter on the same day.