Chinese Defense Minister Meets US Guest

Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian urged the United States to strictly observe the principles of the three joint communiques between China and the US and to stop selling arms equipment to Taiwan.

In a meeting with Henry Shelton, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff here Friday, Chi stressed that the increase in US arms sales to Taiwan does not increase the chances of a peaceful solution to the Taiwan issue, and is not conducive to the stability between both sides of the Taiwan straits.

And it certainly harms the Sino-US relations, Chi stressed.

The new leader in Taiwan has evaded and blurred the "one-China" principle and some forces in Taiwan are trying to separate the island from the motherland, Chi said.

He added "that has seriously destroyed the prerequisite and basis of the peaceful reunification across the Taiwan straits and is the fundamental reason for the tense situation of the straits".

"We will try our best to realize a peaceful reunification of the motherland", the Chinese defense minister said, adding "however, we will never allow Taiwan to be split from the

motherland".

He told the US guest that a good Sino-US relationship is not only in line with the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries, but also helpful to the peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large.

China and the US are both influential countries in the world, and they bear significant responsibilities for the peace and development in the world, Chi noted.

Chi, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said that he hopes the relations between China and the US and their armed forces will grow further in the new century.

Shelton said that the military ties are an important part of the relations between the two countries, stating that he hopes the two sides will further the mutual understanding and trust.

The US military leader said that his country will continue to adhere to the "one-China" position.



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