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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, February 18, 2004

Macedonia's stance on Taiwan commended

China indicated the Macedonian Government's adherence to the one-China principle and support of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is appreciated, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Tuesday.


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China indicated the Macedonian Government's adherence to the one-China principle and support of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is appreciated, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Tuesday.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a State Councilor, made his remarks during talks with visiting Macedonian Minister of Defense Vlado Buckovski.

Cao said he is grateful for Buckovski's efforts to normalize Sino-Macedonian relations, noting that only firm opposition to Taiwan independence can safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

"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 has stated repeatedly that China will 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 so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.

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 bilateral relations.

Buckovski said the Macedonian Government respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China and adheres to the one-China policy.


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



 


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