Cross-Strait, Sino-U.S. ties to develop side by side: mainland's Taiwan affairs chief

The visiting Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs chief said Thursday he hoped for positive cross-Strait and Sino-U.S. ties so that both relations could advance together.

Wang Yi, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks during meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and National Security Council's Senior Director of Asian Affairs Jeff Bader.

Wang briefed them on the recent developments and future prospects of cross-Strait relations, expatiating on the mainland's active Taiwan policy.

He emphasized the Taiwan question is part of China's internal affairs, and should be solved through cross-Strait negotiation and consultation.

He hoped the United States would continue to stand firm on its one China policy, faithfully abide by the principles of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and support the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties with practical actions.

During the meetings, Wang also expressed China's solemn position on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

The United States said it understands and respects China's core interests, and will stick to the one China policy. It appreciated China's recent efforts to improve and develop cross-Strait relations, and was willing to see a positive cross-Strait situation. It also supported a peaceful solution to cross-Strait issues through negotiation.

Source:Xinhua