Interview of Qian Qichen on Sino-US Ties and Taiwan Issue

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, October 31, 2002

Interview of Qian Qichen on Sino-US Ties and Taiwan Issue

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Qian Qichen, Vice-Premier of the State Council, entourage of President Jiang Zemin during his visit to the United States, accepted an exclusive interview by Phoenix reporter Lvqiu Luwei recently. Mr. Qian made a clear-cut exposition on such issues as the Sino-US relationship and the Taiwan issue.

Qian said, this is the third summit meeting between the two presidents. The first two took place in China, Shanghai and Beijing respectively. And during his US visit this time, President Jiang was invited to Bush's private ranch, indicating that both leaders had a most agreeable and cordial talk.

Over the past 30 years' development, Sino-US ties have witnessed ups and downs with problems occurring from time to time yet with continuous advancement. On the whole, the ties are on the rise steadily. And this time, two sides are scheduled to discuss some important problems, and likely to reach a wide range of common understanding on issues of mutual concern, such as trade issues. The Sino-US trade has reached the highest level, whereas some problems still exist. For instance, the US side hopes that we can purchase more soybeans, and American capital can flow into China after China's WTO membership. The two leaders may not go into the details about these problems, but they both strike an attitude to promote the settlement.

With respect to some hot international issues such as control of weapons of mass destruction and non-proliferation, both sides have established contacts and China has issued some specific regulations in force. As for issues concerning Iraq and DPRK nuclear test, two leaders would have dealt upon them too. All these talks are bound to enhance mutual exchanges and boost cooperation. Hence, I believe this visit is a success, considering that the two sides share some common goals.

Q: In the past 30 years' development, great changes have taken place in China and in the US. What are your personal views towards the development of the relation?

A: We've seen a lot of changes in the relations between China and the US. Contacts help promote the development of the Sino-US relations as I mentioned above. An important factor is whether China's economic development is conducive to the US or not. There are two kinds of views in the United States. Some Americans hold "China Threat" that China will pose threat to the world once becoming strong. However, whether a country, once becoming powerful constitutes threats to other countries, depends on its policies. China will never threaten other countries, neither peripheral nor other countries in the world. Of course, there's another kind of view, i.e. "China Collapse". Whether China will be able to develop at such a growth rate as at present? I think China won't collapse. Through china will be confronted with many problems, drawing on the experience and learning from the past, we have already opened up a path for development. Therefore, it is an inevitable tendency for China to grow more powerful and stronger. So I won't say China will face crisis now. I think China, for the world, will continue to exit. For the world China is a vast market with huge potentials. And so China, so to speak, is at once a good market for the investment and for the world economy.

Q: We've noticed that the US media is not so interested in the core issue----Taiwan issue. Would the Chinese side ask the US counterpart to make more promises on the Taiwan issue, as differences have come out?

A: As for the Taiwan question, we stick to the consistent policy, "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems". The root cause lies in some Taiwan forces attempt to split the motherland, which gave rise to "Taiwan Independence". Nevertheless, followers of "Taiwan Independence" make up a petty lot rather than the majority of the people in Taiwan. And from an international perspective, no country advocates the independence of Taiwan, including those who have established diplomatic ties with Taiwan. No, Taiwan has never been an independent country and will remain part of China. The US side has reaffirmed its adherence to the "One China" policy, even though they have their own understanding and something attached to it. Therefore, my advice is that forces of "Taiwan Independence" have a sober understanding of the issue. "Taiwan Independence" is doomed to failure and it is a blind alley.

Q: As noticed, you put forward the speech of "three links", comments said it seems to serve as goodwill particularly expressed by the Chinese mainland before the meeting of Sino-US leaders. Meanwhile, they believed the speech will do some help to Sino-US relations. What is your point of view?

A: Actually, we proposed "three links" long ago, and the Taiwan side also agreed at that time. But now, "three links" turned out a luxury topic, why? They are no more than a kind of trade relationship, normal exchanges of personnel and goods. However, some Taiwan authorities try to separate China by taking advantage of the problem, which is definitely unacceptable. Majority of the Taiwan people is in favor of the proposal. It is the general trend and popular desire. So, we feel quite optimistic about the future development.

Q: Though many Taiwan people welcome the "three links", they feel uncertain about the mainland's stance and technical problems. Would you like to make an elaboration?

A: In fact, Taiwan authorities are well aware of our stand. Since they couldn't find out excuses to oppose the proposal, they had to reply that they needed time to study, while the true intention is to play for time. But Taiwan people can't afford to wait any longer, for the "three links" are conducive to Taiwan's economic development. Why do these consortiums aim at China? Nothing more than China offers favorable conditions, which give free rein to their talents. To conclude, foreign investors make decisions in light of actual circumstances.

Translated by People's Daily Online

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