China and the United States exchanged views on bilateral relations, the Taiwan issue, anti-terrorism and other matters of common concern during a two-day visit here by US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly.

During the October 9-10 trip, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Xiong Guangkai, and Assistant Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong met with Kelly respectively.

Reviewing the recent history of Sino-US ties, both sides agreed that important progress has been made in many areas of bilateral relations.

They stressed that the upcoming meeting between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and US President George W. Bush in Shanghai will help further advance bilateral ties.

They noted that they will do everything possible to promote cooperation so as to make the meeting a success.

The Chinese side reiterated its principled stance on the Taiwan issue and its concerns in that regard, and pointed out that this matter has always been the most important and sensitive issue in bilateral relations.

China hopes that the US side will strictly abide by a One-China Policy and all principles enshrined in the three Sino-US joint communiques and handle the issue with caution.

Kelly noted that the US has come to know the Taiwan issue is the central issue in bilateral ties and he reiterated that the US government will continue to follow a one-China policy.

The two sides also exchanged views on anti-terrorism.

The Chinese side said that the Chinese government has consistently opposed terrorism of any form, backed relevant resolutions passed by the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Security Council, and supported actions against terrorism.

The Chinese side holds that military action by the US in response to the September 11 attacks in America should aim at specific targets and avoid hurting innocent people. China also hopes that all actions are conducive to the peaceful and fair solution of the Afghan issue, and to the early resumption of peace and stability in the region.

Kelly said the US military actions in Afghanistan are limited in scale and have specific targets, and they are not directed against the Afghan people and Islam.

The US thanked China for its sympathy and support after the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington D.C.

Both sides agreed that they will continue to negotiate and cooperate closely with each other on the anti-terrorism issue.

They also exchanged views on issues of common concern including situations in south Asia and the Korean Peninsula, and the missile defense system.

(Xinhua News Agency 10/11/2001)