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Vice-Premier Qian Qichen Meets Holbrooke, US Permanent Representative to the UN

On March 21, 2000, Vice-Premier Qian Qichen of the State Council met with Holbrooke, US permanent representative to the UN, and exchanged views with him on China-US relations, the current international situation and the role of the UN.

Qian has noted that in recent years, the Heads of State of China and the US have exchanged visits and Sino-US relations have gradually embarked on a track of improvement and development. The two countries reached a "win-win" agreement on China's entry to the World Trade Organization at the end of last year. In general, bilateral relations are facing both opportunities for development and serious challenges at the turn of the century. The biggest challenge to those relations is the Taiwan question and how to properly handle the question is of crucial importance for the direction of the development of Sino-US relations.

Qian remarked ,the one China principle is the basis and prerequisite for a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question. Whoever comes to power should not pursue "Taiwan independence" and any form of "Taiwan independence" is absolutely not allowed. We maintain that under the prerequisite of the one China principle, any issue can be discussed between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. The US government has always claimed that it adheres to the one China policy, which is also the stand of almost all countries in the world.

Qian noted that peace and development remain the two main themes of the times and the establishment of a just and reasonable new international political and economic order is an important task facing people all over the world. Under the new circumstances, the UN will continue to play a role in international affairs that cannot be replaced by any other organizations. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter, as widely recognized norms governing international relations, are effective and of realistic importance.

Holbrooke agreed with Qian on his assessment of the international situation and the role of the UN. He expressed that the United States places importance on its relations with China and reiterated that the United States adheres to the one China stance. He has also praised China's important role in the UN Security Council, and said that the United States places importance on Sino-US cooperation in the UN, underlining the importance of maintaining their cooperation in safeguarding international peace and security.