Chinese Military Leader Meets Finnish DelegationZhang Wannian, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with Ilkka Holo, chief of General Staff of the Finnish National Defense Forces, and his entourage on November 14 in Beijing.Zhang said that Sino-Finnish relations have been developing smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1950, and cooperation in various fields has expanded, adding that the two countries do not have any conflict of fundamental interests. He said that the continued growth of Sino-Finnish friendship and cooperation conforms to the interests of the two peoples, and will serve to promote regional and global peace, stability and development. Relations between the two armed forces have been good over the past years, Zhang said, expressing the belief that Holo's visit to China will help push forward bilateral military ties. On the Taiwan issue, Zhang said the Chinese government pursues the policy of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems", and will not commit itself to renouncing the use of force. An early reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of the entire Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots. "The Chinese People's Liberation Army is determined, confident and capable of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Zhang, who also expressed thanks for the Finnish government's adherence to the one-China policy. Holo said that he was happy to visit China on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Sino-Finnish diplomatic relations, adding that Finland pays close attention to China's development and believes that China plays a constructive role in international affairs. |
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