Powell: US observes one-China policy
By Jiang Zhuqing (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-03-24 00:03

China is urging the United States to abide by the one-China policy and to take activities that will benefit peace and stability between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.

The remarks were made by Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing when speaking with US Secretary of State Colin Powell by telephone on Saturday to discuss a regional election in Taiwan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said Tuesday at a regular news conference.

Kong said that Powell had reiterated the United States will strictly stick to its previous commitment to the one-China policy.

"The election in Taiwan is a regional election in China,'' Kong said. "Whatever the result is, it will not change the de facto situation that Taiwan is part of China.''

Kong demanded that US Government and its leaders should take a firm stance on the Taiwan issue to insist on the one-China policy and principles set in the three communiques as well opposing any efforts of seeking "Taiwan independence'' by its leaders.

In another development, Kong told reporters that the Chinese Government is doing its utmost by all possible methods to save the Chinese workers abducted in Sudan.

One of the two kidnapped Chinese hostages escaped from the hands of his Sudanese captors, anti-governmental forces. The man is now in good shape, he noted.

Kong said the Chinese have urged the Sudanese anti-government forces to set free the other hostage as soon as possible.

"Latest close contacts have indicated that the health situation of the other Chinese worker is good,'' said Kong, without disclosing any detailed information.

Iraqi visitor

In news about Iraq, the spokesman said Bahr Ul-Uloum, president of the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), will pay a visit to China from March 25 to 27.

It is the first tour paid by the IGC president to China. Chinese national leaders and foreign ministry leaders will exchange views with Bahr Ul-Uloum on Sino-Iraqi relations and issues of common concern, Kong said.

Through fully discussing topics of interest between one another and gaining a better understanding of the internal situation in Iraq, China hopes to play a positive role in the reconstruction of Iraq, the spokesman said.

Kong also announced that Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Qader Bajammal will pay an official visit to China from March 28 to March 31 at the invitation of the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.