US not to Form Free Trade Zone with Taiwan: Official

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, November 13, 2002

US not to Form Free Trade Zone with Taiwan: Official

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Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng said Wednesday that the US side has confirmed that it has not sought, and will not seek, to negotiate with Taiwan on forming a free trade zone.

Shi said that US Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick told him during a recent APEC meeting of trade ministers in Mexico that the United States has not been engaged in such negotiations with Taiwan and will not do so in the future.

Shi made the remarks in response to a question on media reports that such negotiations have been going on.

He said that the Taiwan authorities are making use of forming official pacts with foreign countries on free trade arrangements for the purpose of realizing de facto "Taiwan Independence". This represents a "sensitive political issue," he said.

China is opposed to all countries that have established diplomatic relations with China forming official ties of any form with Taiwan, he said.

"Action" in three direct links

Shi called for "action" in promoting the three direct links across the Taiwan Straits.

The minister said at the press conference that there should be no more talks but concrete action now for the three direct links.

As to direct charter flight by Taiwan air companies, Shi said relevant mainland civil aviation authorities would respond actively if Taiwan air companies applied for such flight.

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