The dual-system arrangement Beijing used for the return of Hong Kong in 1997 and Macao in 1999 did not need changing for the return of Taiwan to take place, Vice Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said.

"About the 'one China, two systems' framework ... I believe there is a reason to argue that 'one-China, two systems' is quite enough," Li said at a conference on international relations in Beijing.

The two systems principle, originally designed with Taiwan in mind, has allowed Hong Kong and Macao a high degree of autonomy except in foreign policy and defense.

Li's remarks came in response to a suggestion by Zbigniew Brzezinski, the national security advisor to former US president Jimmy Carter, that "one China, several systems" was a better way of describing a formula which would eventually bring about reunification with the island.

Vice Premier Qian Qichen on Monday told the same conference the policy Beijing proposed for reunifying with Taiwan would be "broader" than that for Hong Kong and Macao.

Taiwan would be able to maintain its own government structure, military and currency, Qian said.

It would also remain an independent customs zone and Beijing would not levy taxes on Taiwan or send its officials to the island to take office.

"The way of living of the Taiwanese people will remain unchanged," Qian said.

Brzezinski said in Tuesday history would eventually solve the Taiwan problem as the societies on the two sides of the Taiwan Straits would gradually come to resemble each other more.

(people’s daily 09/12/2001)