China appreciates Macedonia's stance on Taiwan issue: defense minister

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, February 17, 2004

China appreciates Macedonia's stance on Taiwan issue: defense minister

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China appreciates the Macedonian government's adherence to the one-China principle and support to China's maintenance of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan Tuesday in Beijing.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a State Councilor, made the remarks during his talks with visiting Macedonian Minister of Defense Vlado Buckovski, saying that he is grateful for Buckovski's efforts to normalize Sino-Macedonian relations.

Only firm opposition to Taiwan independence can safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese defense minister said.

"That we state our willingness and strength to guarantee the reunification of China is aimed at maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he added.

Cao reiterated that China's consistent stance on the Taiwan issue was the basic principle of "one country, two systems". The Chinese government had stated repeatedly that China would do its utmost to realize peaceful reunification as long as it was possible, he said.

The so-called March 20 Taiwan referendum was provocative and aimed at splitting Taiwan from China, he said, accusing the Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian of raising the risks of separatist activity under the guise of "democracy" and "human rights".

Buckovski is the first Macedonian Defense Minister to visit China since the establishment of Sino-Macedonian diplomatic ties.

China and Macedonia first announced the establishment of their diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level in October 1993, and discontinued the relations in 1999 because the Macedonian government decided to forge the so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan. The Sino-Macedonian relations were resumed in June 2001 when Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Macedonian counterpart Ilinka Mitreva signed a joint communique to normalize the bilateral relations.

Buckovski said the Macedonian government respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China and adhered to the one-China policy.

The two sides agreed that on the value of friendly relations between the two armed forces, and exchanged views on military development and other international issues of common concern.

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