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CMC Vice-Chairman Meets US Military Leader
No matter who the next president of the United States is, China hopes that Sino-US relations will develop steadily based on the principles of three Sino-US Joint Communiques.
Zhang Wannian, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks at a meeting Friday with Henry Shelton, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff.
Zhang mentioned US Defense Secretary William Cohen's visit to China and the successful tour by the Chinese military delegation to the US not long ago, saying that the improvement and development of Sino-U.S. relations has promoted mutual understanding and trust between the two militaries.
The CMC vice-chairman hoped that military contacts between China and the US would be further promoted in the new century.
On the Taiwan issue, Zhang said there is only one China in the world, both the mainland and Taiwan belong to China, and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity are inalienable.
Peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems" has been the consistent stance of the Chinese government on resolving the Taiwan issue, Zhang said, adding that the Chinese government will not undertake to renounce the use of force.
The Taiwan authorities should recognize that any move toward "Taiwan independence" will have no good result, he said, stressing that "Taiwan independence" means war and any activities to split the motherland will not result in peace.
Zhang pointed out that settling the Taiwan issue in a proper way is the key to the healthy and stable development in Sino-US relations.
China expects the US to treat state and military relations with China from a long-term and strategic point of view, and to make positive efforts for the peaceful settlement of the Taiwan issue and the improvement of the relations between the two countries and militaries.
Shelton said that developing relations between the US and China conforms to the common interests of the two peoples, and benefits the world and regional peace, stability and development.
Military contacts are an important component of Sino-US relations, and expanding the friendly relations between the two armed forces will promote mutual understanding and trust, he said.
He expressed the belief that his current visit will further state and military relations between the two countries.
Shelton reaffirmed that the US government will continue to adhere to the one-China principle, the three Sino-US Joint Communiques, and the "three no's" commitment.
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