Chinese FM Meets US Secretary of State

Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright held a meeting on November 15 in Bandar Seri Begawan, during which they exchanged views on Sino-US relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest.

At the turn of the century, Tang said, the China-US relations are in its pivotal period. "Even though with certain differences, the two countries share extensive common interests on issues related to the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world," the Chinese Foreign Minister said.

He said that both sides, on the basis of the three China-US joint communiques, should strengthen dialogue and cooperation and expand consensus ground so as to push forward the continuous, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

The upcoming meeting between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and US President Bill Clinton here "will be very important" for the two heads of state "will review the past and foresee the future" of bilateral ties at this turning point of the century, Tang stressed, adding that the meeting will "definitely have an important impact" for the further growth of China-US ties.

Albright in the meeting also made positive remarks on bilateral ties. The recent frank and constructive discussions between the two countries on a number of major issues enhanced the mutual understanding, she said.

Even as the result of the 2000 US presidential election remained unclear, it could be believed that the new president will have a thorough comprehension on the importance of US-China relations, she told Tang.

The development of a friendly and stable relationship between US and China is in the fundamental interests of both, she said.

Reiterating China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue, Tang emphasized that the Taiwan issue is always the most important and sensitive one in China-US relations.

Tang voiced China's concern over certain acts taken by the US side on the Taiwan issue and urged the US to properly handle the issue by earnestly implementing the One-China policy and observing the three China-US joint communiques and the commitments they made.

Albright promised that the US government will continue its adoption of One-China policy and observe the three US-China joint communiques.

She also reiterated that the US government will not support " the independence of Taiwan," not support "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," and not support Taiwan's entry in any international organization with membership of statehood, usually known as the "three nos."

Tang expressed appreciation of the efforts made by Albright for the growth of Sino-US ties in her tenure as the US secretary of state.



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