Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian held talks with the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands Frank De Grave in Beijing Monday.
Noting that Grave is the first Dutch defense minister to visit China since the two countries established diplomatic relations in the 1950, Chi said his visit is of important significance and will make positive contribution to advancing and deepening the friendly cooperative relations between the two armed forces.
Chi, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said the Chinese government values the Sino- Dutch relations and China is ready to work for the healthy and steady development of military relations between the two countries at all levels, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
Chi also briefed Grave on China's view on the international and regional situation, China's foreign policy, domestic situation and national defense.
He reaffirmed China's stance on the Taiwan issue, saying that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principles of " peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems" in dealing with this issue.
"China has the utmost sincerity in settling the issue of peaceful reunification through peaceful means and is also fully prepared to take decisive measures to solve the Taiwan issue under necessary circumstances," Chi stated.
Grave said the Netherlands appreciates the exchanges between the armed forces of the two countries. He believes that further expanding such exchanges and cooperation between the two armed forces will benefit both.
He noted that the Netherlands highly appreciates the positive role China has been playing in the international community's fight against terrorism. He said in the second phase of the international anti-terrorism activities, including the reconstruction of Afghanistan, the role of the United Nations and its Security Council should be given full play.
Grave and his entourage arrived in Beijing Sunday for a week- long official visit to China.
(China Daily December 11, 2001)
