Chinese President Meets U.S. National Security Adviser

Chinese President Meets U.S. National Security Adviser

Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Thursday that it is in the fundamental interests of the peoples of China and the United States to maintain and develop healthy and stable bilateral relations.

This is conducive to peace, stability and development of the Asian-Pacific region and the whole world as well, Jiang added.

He made these remarks in a meeting with Samuel Berger, adviser to the U.S. president for national security affairs. Berger first conveyed regards from US President Bill Clinton to Jiang. Jiang welcomed Berger to China and asked him to convey his regards to President Clinton.

Jiang said Sino-U.S. relations are presently facing both opportunities and challenges, adding, "For the fundamental interests of the Chinese and American people and everyone else, we should build healthy Sino-U.S. relations and make concerted efforts to achieve this goal in the new century."

He called on both the Chinese and U.S. governments and leaders to be far-sighted and be aware that there exists important common interest between the two countries.

The President also noted that differences between the two countries should be handled properly on the basis of three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, especially the Taiwan issue, so as to safeguard the foundation of Sino-U.S. relations.

"Only in this way can Sino-U.S. relations enjoy a healthy, steady and sustained development in the new century," Jiang stressed.

On the Taiwan issue, Jiang said that the "one China" principle is the basis and prerequisite for a peaceful solution of the Taiwan issue and that any form of "Taiwan independence" will not be tolerated.

Jiang said that the change of leadership in Taiwan does not change the fact that Taiwan is part of the Chinese territory.

Whoever is in power in Taiwan is welcome to come to the mainland for talks, Jiang said, adding that "we can also go to Taiwan as well."

However, there must be a basis for dialogue, he said, adding that the "one China" principle must be strictly adhered to. "We will not compromise or make any concessions on the fundamental issue concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Jiang said, stressing that issues concerning sovereignty cannot be negotiated.

The Chinese government and people are determined not to allow Taiwan to be separated from the motherland, Jiang said.

"We have the confidence and capabilities to realize the complete reunification of the motherland," Jiang said.

The Taiwan issue is purely an internal issue of China, Jiang stressed.

He noted that the United States has to bear some responsibilities for the fact that the Taiwan issue has not been resolved. The Taiwan issue has become a core issue in Sino-U.S. relations.

The U.S. government has clearly stated that it adheres to the "one China" policy, said Jiang, adding that Mr. Berger told Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan Wednesday that the U.S. government accepts the view that the "one China" principle is the only basis on which the Taiwan question can be resolved.

The Chinese President stressed that the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques clearly set out the correct principles for resolving the Taiwan issue in an appropriate manner.

The U.S. should take practical actions to carry out its "one China" policy and observe the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques.

Jiang also said that "we hope the U.S. government and those politicians who are far-sighted will adopt a very cautious attitude and make a wise choice at the critical moment in both cross-strait and Sino-U.S. relations."

Berger has come to China to promote the establishment of a constructive strategic partnership between the U.S. and China, an objective which has been set by the two presidents.

He said that the U.S. government values its relations with China. The U.S. is committed to improving and developing U.S.-Chinese relations to ensure stability and prosperity in the 21st century.

Berger said that the U.S. will stick to the "one China" policy and observe the three U.S.-China joint communiques, adding that the U.S. does not support "Taiwan independence," "two Chinas," "one China, one Taiwan", or Taiwan's entry into any international organization whose membership requires statehood.

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