The Chinese president told former President George Bush on Tuesday that Chinese people will never recognize anyone promoting "Taiwan independence."
President Jiang Zemin also reiterated offers to resume negotiations and dialogue with Taiwan, which could cover any issue, provided that the Taiwan authorities accept the one-China principle.
"I've said many times, as long as the Taiwan authorities accept the one China principle, the two sides can resume negotiations and dialogue. Furthermore, any issue can be discussed," said Jiang.
Jiang said: "China would try its best to resolve the Taiwan issue by peaceful means through implementing the principle of 'peaceful reunification and one country, two systems.'"
Jiang met the elder Bush in Shanghai. The former president, former first lady Barbara Bush, and his former national security adviser, Brent Scowcroft, were invited by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
President Jiang and Bush's son, the current US President Bush have held two summits in October 2001 and February 2002. Jiang and the younger Bush reached consensus on developing a constructive cooperative relationship between the two countries.
Vice-President Hu Jintao has just wound up a successful visit to the United States, making efforts with the US side to implement the consensus.
Jiang said he was glad to see the incumbent President Bush and his aides reiterating that the US Government would abide by the one-China policy and abide by the principles of the three Sino-US joint communiques.
(China Daily May 8, 2002)
