Steady relations between China and the United States are a contribution to world peace. China hopes the Bush administration will deal with Sino-US relations from a strategic viewpoint

These remarks were made by Shen Guofang, deputy permanent representative of China to the United Nations, during a recent press interview in Beijing.

When asked what will happen to Sino-US relations after Bush takes presidency, Shen said that steady relations between China and the United States are in the best interests of both countries. To develop Sino-US relations smoothly and steadily is the consensus of the two main political parties in the US. Therefore, he noted, Sino-US relations will not change fundamentally no matter who becomes president. Of course, there will be some differences in policy.

As a matter of fact, Shen said, many issues on Sino-US relations can be settled by negotiation on the basis of mutual respect. But he stressed that issues related to Taiwan cannot be solved through negotiating. The Taiwan issue can only be settled on the basis of the three Sino-US Joint Communiques. The emphasis must be on non-interference in China’s internal affairs by the US, and non-interference in the Taiwan issue. If this issue can be settled, there will be no troubles in Sino-US relations.

Entering the 21st century, US and China need to cooperate to solve international problems, such as various local conflicts in Africa, drug trafficking, terrorism, etc. The two countries can cooperate in many fields.

Talking about the influences that the situation on the Korean Peninsula will exert on China, Shen said that China always welcome all countries to establish diplomatic relations with DPRK. “We hope relations between DPRK and US will normalize as soon as possible. We are glad to see relations between north and south Korea further relaxed. We also favor normalization of relations between DPRK and Japan. Relaxation of relations between DPRK and these countries will benefit China.”

“We expect stability on the peninsula,” he continued, “The primary task of China is to develop its economy, and our diplomacy is geared to that end.”

(CIIC 01/08/2001)