Premier Zhu Rongji and Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Barak Tame Sope held talks at the Great Hall of the People Monday afternoon, where both pledged to increase bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Prior to the talks, Zhu presided over a welcoming ceremony in honor of Sope, who arrived in Beijing earlier Monday for an official visit as Zhu's guest.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Zhu extended a warm welcome to Sope and expressed the conviction that his current visit will unveil a new chapter in Sino-Vanuatu Ties.

Zhu spoke highly of the smooth progress of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and trade, and other sectors as well as the frequent exchange of visits at various levels, saying there is still room for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Premier stressed that it is an important part of China's foreign policy to strengthen solidarity and expand cooperation with developing countries like Vanuatu. China and Vanuatu are both concerned with the stability and development in the region and it is conducive not only to the economic growth of both countries but also to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region for them to consistently reinforce relations, he said.

China places great importance on its relations with Vanuatu and is willing to join efforts with Vanuatu to strive for steady and healthy ties, he said.

Sope expressed thanks for China's assistance to Vanuatu's struggle for independence and reiterated his government's pursuit of the one-China policy, saying his government maintains that Taiwan is an integral part of China. He expressed the hope that bilateral cooperation in the economic and social fields would be increased.

Zhu highly appreciated Vanuatu's pursuit of the one-China policy, stressing that the Taiwan issue is a sensitive issue concerned with national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the national reunification of China.

The Chinese government has always insisted that "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems" should be the guideline for resolving the Taiwan issue. However, he pointed out, the basis for peaceful reunification should be the one-China principle, that is to recognize that there's only one China in the world, the Chinese government is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

China will make no recession in this regard and will never allow Taiwan independence in any form, he said, stressing there's is only one way out for Taiwan, that is to reunite with the mainland.

After the talks, the two prime ministers attended a signing ceremony of an agreement on bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

(People's Daily 11/07/2000)