On March 9, 2003, President Jiang Zemin held a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Tony Blair upon request.

Blair briefed Jiang about the British government's current stance on the Iraq issue. Blair said it has been nearly four months since the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1441, and there is not sufficient evidence of Iraq's willingness to fully cooperate with the United Nations. Iraq has missed the last chance and the United Nations should take further measures.

Jiang said the UN Security Council heard new reports on the weapons inspection from the two inspection organs on March 7, which showed the inspection process has made progress. It is possible to solve the Iraq issue politically within the framework of the United Nations, provided the weapons inspection is continued and strengthened.

Jiang stressed that the world is facing many problems, and they can not be solved simply by force. War is of no good to any side. To solve the problem by political means may take more time, but it would cost less and accord with the best interests of all parties.

Last but not least, Jiang said he would welcome Blair on his planned visit to China in April.