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President Jiang Zemin Meeting with US National Security Adviser Samuel Berger

(March 30, 2000)

On the afternoon of March 30, President Jiang Zemin met with Samuel Berger, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs of the US at Zhongnanhai, Beijing. Berger first conveyed US President Clinton's greetings to President Jiang. President Jiang extended welcome to Berger and asked him to forward his greetings to President Clinton. Jiang said that facts have proved that it is in the fundamental interests of the Chinese and American peoples and conducive to peace, stability and development of the Asia Pacific region and the world as a whole for our two countries to maintain and develop sound and stable relations. At present, China-US relations face important opportunities and serious challenges. Out of the fundamental interests of the Chinese and American peoples and the people of the world at large, we should maintain good China-US relations and work together for achieving the goal of cross-century development. To that end, the Governments and leaders of China and the US should stand on eminence and become farsighted, recognizing that there are important interests shared by the two countries and firmly grasping the general direction of China-US relationship and proceeding from the basis of the three China-US joint communiqués, handle properly the differences between the two sides, the Taiwan question in particular, so as to maintain the basis of China-US relations in a down-to-earth manner. Only in this way can China-US relations develop forward in a sound, stable and sustained manner in the new century.

On the Taiwan question, President Jiang remarked that the change of leaders in the Taiwan region cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China's territory. The one China principle is the basis and prerequisite for the peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question. "Taiwan independence" in any form is absolutely not allowed. No matter who is in power in Taiwan, we welcome him to come to the mainland for talks. Meanwhile, we may go to Taiwan, too. However, there must be a basis for dialogue and negotiations, namely, the recognition of the one China principle. Under that precondition, anything can be discussed. On fundamental questions concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will make no concessions or compromises. The question of sovereignty is not negotiable. The Chinese Government and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China. We have the determination, will and ability to realize China's complete reunification.

President Jiang pointed out that the Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affairs. Up till now the Taiwan question still remains unresolved and has become the focus in China-US relations for which the US should bear responsibilities. The US Government has explicitly stated its adherence to the one China policy. Jiang remarked that he has noticed that the US Government accepts the view that the one China principle is the only basis on which the Taiwan question can be resolved. President Jiang emphasized that the three China-US joint communiqués have set correct principles for the proper settlement of the Taiwan question. The US side should earnestly and thoroughly carry out the one China principle and abide by the three China-US joint communiqués and the relevant commitments.

President Jiang, at the conclusion expressed the hope that at this critical juncture in cross-Straits relations and China-US relationship, the US Government and American statesmen with wide vision should take a very circumspect attitude and make a wise decision.

Berger noted that the purpose for President Clinton to sent him on this mission to China is to promote the joint efforts by the US and China in the establishment of the constructive strategic partnership, which is the goal set by the two heads of state of the US and China. The US Government attaches great importance to its relations with China and is committed to constantly improving and developing US-China relationship and regards it as an important pillar of world stability and prosperity in the 21st century. The US will adhere to the one China policy, abide by the three US-China joint communiqués and refrain from supporting "Taiwan independence", "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" or Taiwan's membership in any international organization where only sovereign states qualify.