FM Spokesman: Foreign Minister Tang on Sino-U.S. RelationsForeign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said Thursday afternoon that although Sino-U.S.relations went through twists and turns last year, they have been greatly improved with the efforts of both China and the U.S., and good results have been achieved, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao.Tang said this while holding talks with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Sino-U.S. relations, Zhu Bangzao said at a regular press conference here this afternoon. Both sides should value the present relations between the two countries, Tang added. Tang said that China and the U.S. are two important countries in the world, and the development of stable and healthy Sino-U.S. relations conforms to the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries. Such relations are also important in safeguarding world peace and improving the global economy, Tang said. At the turn of the century, Tang said, the two countries should adhere to the objectives that leaders of both countries have set out and consider the relations between China and the U.S. in a long-term point of view. Tang said that the two sides should follow the principles enshrined in the three Sino-U.S. joint communique, especially the fundamental norms of international relations such as respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, equality and mutual benefit, and not interfering in each other's internal affairs. If these principles are strictly followed, they will secure Sino-U.S. relations and lay a solid foundation for Sino-U.S. relations in the new century. Tang stressed that the Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive issue in the Sino-U.S. relations. China urges the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle, the three Sino-U.S. joint comuniques and other commitments of U.S. leaders, stop any official contacts with Taiwan, and prevent the sale of advanced arms to Taiwan and include this region into the Theater Missile Defense of the U.S. in any capacity. Tang also demanded the U.S. honor its commitment to realize China's PNTR status as soon as possible. |
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