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)