Chinese premier urges US to handle Taiwan issue properly
( 2003-12-10 14:25) (Xinhua)
Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on the US government on Tuesday to
handle the Taiwan issue properly and support China's peaceful reunification to
ensure the healthy and smooth development of the Sino-US relations.
Speaking at a dinner hosted by nine American organizations, Wen said
safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the paramount
national interest and an unshakable principle for any country.
"Our fundamental policy on the settlement of the Taiwan question is 'peaceful
reunification' and 'one country, two systems '," Wen said. "We have all along
been doing our utmost to achieve the ultimate reunification in a peaceful
manner."
"We sincerely hope to see a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question. So
long as there is the slightest hope, we will not give up our endeavor for
peace," he said. "However, our endeavor for peace has time and again been
challenged by the separatist forces in Taiwan."
He said the Chinese government and people respect the legitimate democratic
rights exercised by Taiwan compatriots, but will absolutely not tolerate the
"Taiwan independence" forces' attempt to separate Taiwan from China under the
pretext of democracy.
"The separatist activities aimed at 'Taiwan independence' carried out by the
Taiwan authorities are seriously undermining the political basis of Sino-US
cooperation and our common interests, and putting peace and stability in the
Asia-Pacific region in jeopardy," he said.
"We hope that the US government will handle the Taiwan question properly and
support China's peaceful reunification," Wen added. Enditem nnnn
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