Beijing, July 12, SPA -- China called on the United States on Tuesday to respect a demand that it set a deadline towithdraw troops from Central Asia. Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Central Asiannations took part in anti-terrorist activity after theSept. 11, 2001, attacks, but "now the situation haschanged." China, Russia and four Central Asian nations last weekjointly called on the United States to set a date towithdraw forces from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. "The Chinese side understands the wish of the CentralAsian countries and we believe their wish should meritattention and respect," Liu was quoted as saying at a regular newsbriefing.--SPA1246 Local Time 0946 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/276284