During talks with Nigerien Defense Minister Hassane Souley, said military-to-military relations between China and Niger had had satisfactory progress in recent years, and the Chinese side was willing to work with the Nigerien side to boost military ties in the new century.

China and Niger had supported and closely cooperated with each other in international affairs, and the Chinese side was grateful to the Nigerien side for its support in issues like human rights, said Chi, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China and a state councilor.

He explained the Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue and briefed the guests on China's domestic situation and military building.

Souley expressed admiration for China's rapid economic growth, saying that China had chosen a right road for development. He thanked China for its help to the Nigerien army.

He reiterated the Nigerien government's one-China policy. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations between Niger and China in August 1996, the Nigerien government has had a firm belief that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan would return to the motherland before long, Souley said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 27, 2002)