Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a telephone
conference on Thursday to discuss a variety of issues including
recent developments in Taiwan and the Iran nuclear issue.?
Wen said that China supports the international nuclear
non-proliferation system and advocates the issue be resolved
through diplomatic talks, within the framework of the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a view echoed by Merkel.
China backs talks and negotiations between Iran and Britain,
France, Germany and Russia, he added.
On the Taiwan issue, Wen called on the international community
to give due consideration to the dangerous move made recently by
the Taiwan authorities. Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian on Monday
ceased the functions of the "National Unification Council" and the
application of the "National Unification Guidelines".
The move is a "grave provocation" against the one-China
principle observed by the international community and will
undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, he
said.
Merkel said that Germany firmly adheres to the one-China policy
and hopes that the Taiwan issue is resolved peacefully in line with
this policy.
Wen also praised
China and Germany's close cooperation and expressed his
appreciation to Germany's new government for continuing its
friendly policies towards China.
Merkel said that relations with China are important to the
German government and it supports frequent exchanges and
cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and science and
technology.
Germany will maintain high-level contact and enhance dialogue
and cooperation with China, she said.
(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2006)