The relationship between China and the United States has
demonstrated a trend of stable development in 2005, with frequent
exchanges of high-level visits and contacts, Chinese ambassador to
the United States Zhou Wenzhong said on Saturday.
Chinese President Hu Jintao
and his US counterpart George W. Bush met several times in 2005 and
the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as
major international and regional issues of common concern, Zhou
said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
In particular, the two leaders agreed at their meetings in New
York in September and during Bush's China visit in November to
strengthen mutual understanding, broaden consensus, enhance mutual
trust and push forward the all-round development of the Sino-US
constructive relationship of cooperation in the 21st century, he
said.
Government departments of the two countries are implementing the
consensus reached by the two leaders, and the two sides have had
effective dialogues, consultation and cooperation in a wide range
of issues, such as economy and trade, anti-terrorism, law
enforcement, nuclear non-proliferation, energy, environmental
protection, Iraq and the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, he
said.
Moreover, the two sides held candid, in-depth and constructive
discussions on international situation, bilateral relations and
other issues of common concern during the two rounds of strategic
dialogues between the two countries in 2005, which helped
strengthen mutual understanding and broaden consensus, the
ambassador noted.
Zhou noted that exchanges between legislatures of the two
countries were deepened and bilateral military relations also made
headway in 2005, which contributed to the overall development of
the Sino-US constructive relationship of cooperation.
On the Taiwan issue, Zhou said that handling the Taiwan issue
properly is key to a stable development of the China-US
relationship.
"The Taiwan issue, which concerns China's sovereignty and
territorial integrity, is always the most important and sensitive
core issue in the China-US relations," Zhou said.
Although there are signs of relaxation and positive elements in
the current cross-strait relations, Zhou said, the authorities in
Taiwan have still refused to recognize the one-China principle and
the Taiwan secessionist forces have continued their separatist
activities.
There still exist the root that threatens the cross-strait peace
and stability and impedes the development of the cross-strait
relations, the ambassador added.
"We appreciate the reaffirmation made by President Bush and his
administration that the United States adheres to the one-China
policy, abides by the three Sino-US joint communiques and opposes
'Taiwan independence'," Zhou said.
He also said China hopes that the United States strictly sticks
to the commitments it has made to China and works with China to
oppose and contain the "Taiwan independence" so as to safeguard
peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.
Looking to the year ahead, Zhou saw broad space for the
continuous development of the Sino-US relationship, though he also
cautioned that there will be a few challenges.
Leaders of the two countries will continue to exchange views and
visits and will meet on some very important international
occasions, he said.
President Hu had accepted an invitation from Bush during his
China visit in November to visit the United States as soon as
possible, and a visit by the Chinese leader to the United States is
of great importance and will strengthen bilateral exchanges,
confidence-building and cooperation between the two nations as well
as further the Sino-US constructive relationship of cooperation,
said the ambassador.
Zhou noted that China and the United States, both with great
influence in the world, share ever-growing common interests while
having differences.
Historical and contemporary experiences show that only by
adhering to the three joint communiques, viewing bilateral ties
from strategic and long-term perspectives, and by practicing mutual
respect and equality and addressing each other's concerns, can the
Sino-U.S. relationship develop in a sound and stable way, he
said.
A sound and ever-growing Sino-US relationship is not only in the
fundamental interests of the two countries, but also beneficial to
peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the
world as a whole, he said.
(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2006)