The Vatican should take actions, instead of creating barriers, if it wants to improve ties with China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Saturday.

Qin made the remarks when answering a question about Pope Benedict XVI's open letter to Chinese Catholics.

"China's stance on improving relations with the Vatican is consistent. Namely, Vatican should sever the 'diplomatic ties' with Taiwan and recognize the People's Republic of China is the sole government representing China," said Qin.

He said the Vatican should not intervene in China's internal affairs -- not doing that in the name of religion.

Qin said China has made active efforts to improve relations with the Vatican, and will continue to have frank and constructive dialogues with the Vatican to settle the difference between the two sides.

"We hope the Vatican can take actions (to improve relations) and no longer creates new barriers," Qin said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2007)