During Wednesday's meeting with a delegation from the Armed
Services Committee of the US House of Representatives, Minister of
National Defense Cao
Gangchuan said that military links constitute an important part
of bilateral relations.
"It is in the interest of both nations to develop military
ties," said Cao. "It also promotes peace and stability of the
region and the world."
Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military
Commission and a state councilor, said that only through exchange
and communication can the two militaries deepen understanding and
build trust.
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Noting that the Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and
territorial integrity, Cao said the people of China will "show the
greatest sincerity and do their utmost" to accomplish peaceful
reunification.
"We are in firm opposition to all secessionist activities," said
Cao. "We will never allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China
through whatever means."
Co-heading the delegation, Randy Forbes and Ike Skelton both
voiced their hope to step up military exchanges and reaffirmed the
US' stance on resolving the Taiwan issue by peaceful means.
The delegation arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a five-day
visit as guests of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National
People's Congress (NPC).
The same day, William Cohen, US secretary of defense between
1997 and 2001, called for the two militaries to have an open
attitude towards each other so as to increase transparency in an
exclusive interview with China Daily in Beijing.
"We are going to compete in a variety of areas ... We should try
to look for areas in which we can cooperate," he said, citing
terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and the spread of nuclear
technology as examples.
Cohen disclosed that the US military has proposed setting up a
hotline to allow senior military officials from the two countries
to contact each other directly to avoid or avert crises.
Cohen visited China in January 1998 and signed an agreement
establishing a consultation mechanism to strengthen maritime
military safety.
China has great intellectual capital, is undergoing a dynamic
economic revival and is going to be a major player in the world, he
said. With increasing economic power, it will inevitably shoulder
social responsibilities as well.
Turning to relations between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan,
Cohen said the situation is improving. "I think economic
integration will bring about peaceful reconciliation. That has
always been the hope," he said.
The total trade volume across the Taiwan Straits reached
US$58.37 billion in 2004, up 30 percent on the previous year.
Cohen said the Bush Administration wants to maintain the
status quo, meaning no unilateral action.
"'Taiwan independence' is not in the interests of Taiwan, and not
in the interests of China and the US," he said.
He also endorsed the idea of direct cross-Straits flights, which
are currently being discussed to ease travel during the
Spring Festival (the Chinese new year).
(Xinhua News Agency, China Daily January 13, 2005)