Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/20/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CHINA/TAIWAN/U-S (L-only)

NUMBER=2-273951

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: China's Vice Premier, Qian Qichen, says the United States could play a "significant role" in the peaceful reunification of China and Taiwan. VOA Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from New York.

TEXT: Speaking to the Asia Society, a private American group, Mr. Qian re-stated his government's position that there is only one China and that the mainland and Taiwan must be reunified. Speaking through an English interpreter, Mr. Qian said the United States could be helpful in the process of peaceful reunification.

///INTERPRETER ACT///

The U-S government has stated time and again that it supports the one China policy and also stands for peaceful reunification. If it (the United States) really means what it says, then I am sure the United States will be able to play a significant role.

///END ACT///

The Chinese leader meets Wednesday with U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell and on Thursday with President Bush. It will be Mr. Bush's first meeting with a top-level Chinese leader, since he took office. Certain to be discussed are the prospects for the sale of U-S destroyers and other high tech military equipment to Taiwan. China has warned that serious problems could result in Beijing's relations with Washington if the Bush administration approves Taiwan's request to purchase the military hardware.

Mr. Qian said he is confident China and the new U-S administration will work to move their relationship forward. He said the Sino-American relationship has undergone ups and downs, but added it has always moved forward, through six administrations, both Republican and Democratic.

Noting that China is the largest developing country in the world and the United States is the largest developed nation, Mr. Qian said a stable relationship serves the interests of both countries and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. He also said that when viewed in long term perspective, the outlook for the China-United States relationship is promising. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/FC/PT