Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Washington Tuesday
that China's fundamental policy on the Taiwan Issue is "peaceful
reunification" and "one country, two systems."?
The mainland of China will not give up its efforts for peaceful
reunification as long as there is a glimmer of hope to resolve the
issue peacefully, Wen told reporters after talks with US President
George W. Bush at the White House.
"We would do our utmost, with utmost sincerity, to bring about
national unity and peaceful reunification through peaceful means,"
He said.
He also said that China respects the desire of people in Taiwan
for democracy, but China "can absolutely not accept and tolerate"
the attempts of Taiwan authorities, headed by Chen Shui-bian, to
use democracy as an excuse and attempt to resort to "defensive
referendum" to split China.
Wen said, "We have expressed our will and determination to
uphold national unity. This is for the very purpose of maintaining
peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. And such stability can
only be maintained through unswerving and firm opposition to
pro-independence activity."
He said that only when we oppose "Taiwan independence" firmly,
can peace and stability be maintained.
The Chinese premier said that President Bush reiterated in the
meeting the US commitment to the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués,
the one-China principle, and opposition to Taiwan independence.
"We appreciate that," he added. "In particular, we very much
appreciate the position adopted by President Bush towards the
latest news and developments in Taiwan -- the attempt to resort to
referendum of various kinds as an excuse to pursue Taiwan
independence. We appreciate the position of the US government," Wen
said.
The Chinese premier arrived here Monday for an official visit to
the United States, the first of its kind since he became the
premier last spring.
(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2003)