Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan reiterated China's stance
on the Taiwan issue in Beijing Tuesday, saying "Chinese people
themselves are more eager than any other to realize the peaceful
reunification of China."
Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a
State Councilor, made the remarks during his meeting with Douglas
Jay Feith, US under secretary of defense for policy. Feith is here
for the sixth round of consultations on defense at the vice defense
ministerial level.
Cao said that during this positive and constructive
consultation, the two sides exchanged views on issues of common
concern, which promote the mutual understanding and trust between
the two sides.
He pointed out that to hold such defense consultations is an
important consensus reached by heads of state of China and the
United States.
"It is a major sign of the normalization of military exchanges
between China and the United States, as well as its important
content," he added.
Facts proved that the defense consultations are an effective
mechanism to enhance mutual understanding and trust and to promote
bilateral military relations, he said, hoping that this mechanism
will be continued and further contribute to the future development
of bilateral relations.
Cao also emphasized that China always held active attitudes
toward development of bilateral military relations, and would like
to make joint efforts with the US side to push forward its healthy
and stable development.
"This will inject positive elements to the constructive and
cooperative Sino-US relations," he stressed.
Feith agreed with Cao's evaluation of Sino-US relations and the
defense consultation mechanism.
He said: "After our serious discussion on key issues including
the Korean nuclear issue, the Taiwan issue and Military Maritime
Consultative Agreement, we believe that the two sides share common
interests on many important international issues."
On the Taiwan issue, he stressed that to safeguard the peace of
the Taiwan Straits is in the interests of the two sides.
Feith reiterated that the United States adheres to the one-China
policy and opposes any unilateral actions to change the status quo
of Taiwan.
(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2004)