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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, February 06, 2002

Proper Handling of Taiwan Issue Key to Sino-US Relations: Chinese Official

Visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Monday in Washington that proper handling of the Taiwan issue is the key to developing a constructive relationship of cooperation between China and the United States.
In two weeks' time, the two countries will mark the 30th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's visit to China and President Bush is also to pay a working visit to China at the time.


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Taiwan, Mainland Belong to Same China

"The Taiwan question remains the most important and most sensitive issue at the heart of China-U.S. relations, and it concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Li said at a luncheon hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council, a private, nonpartisan U.S. organization engaged in business relations with China.

"There is but one China in the world. Both Taiwan and the Mainland belong to the one and same China," he added.

One-China Policy Reiterated

The former ambassador to the U.S. said successive U.S. administrations, both Republican and Democratic, have pledged to pursue the One-China policy and abide by the three joint communiques.

"It is our hope that the U.S. side will handle the Taiwan question from a strategic and long-term perspective, honor its relevant commitments and support China's efforts at peaceful reunification," he said. "This will serve the interests of the two countries as well as those of the international community."

Jiang-Bush Talk in Shanghai Successful

Li pointed out that the successful meeting in Shanghai between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. President George W. Bush last October marked a return to normality in the relationship which has begun showing a positive momentum for further growth.

The two presidents reached a common understanding on working towards a constructive, cooperative relationship between the two countries and set the direction for such a relationship to develop in the future, he added.

Bush's Coming Visit Important: Li

  • 30th Anniversary of Nixon's Visit to China


    • Describing the year 2002 as "a year full of hope" for China-U.S. relations, Li said that in two weeks' time, the two countries will mark the 30th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's visit to China and issuance of the Shanghai Communique, and President Bush is also to pay a working visit to China at the time.

    Li said President Bush's visit will "provide us with an important opportunity to review the past, look into the future and move our constructive, cooperative relationship forward with concrete actions."

  • Close Work Expected


    • He said the Chinese government and people attach great importance to President Bush's upcoming visit to China and the Chinese side wishes to work closely with the U.S. side on the preparations, help create a positive atmosphere for the visit and make the Beijing summit a success.

    Li Zhaoxing arrived here on Saturday for a working visit to the U.S. He is expected to discuss with U.S. government officials bilateral relations and preparations for President's Bush's upcoming visit to China this month.



    FM Spokesman Confirms Jiang, Bush Talks

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan confirmed that Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. President George W. Bush will hold talks during Bush's upcoming tour of China on January 31, 2002. The two leaders will exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations as well as on regional and international issues of common concern.

    He noted that Vice Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will visit the U.S. from February 1 to 6 for a vice ministerial-level consultation, as well for the preparations for Bush's China tour.

    Sino-US Relations can Continuously Improve and Expand: Jiang

    Chinese President Jiang Zemin said that Sino-US relations can continuously improve and expand as long as the two sides respect each other, treat each other on an equal footing, seek common ground while reserving differences and properly handle such the Taiwan issue and other issues.

    Jiang made the remarks in a meeting with Visiting San Francisco (SF) Mayor Willie Brown of the United States on October 29 and expressed his appreciation for Brown's efforts in past years for strengthening exchanges and cooperation between SF and China and his support for the development of Sino-US relations.




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