Resolution of the Taiwan question and China's peaceful reunification would further benefit development of Sino-US relations as well as peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, President Jiang said yesterday.
Jiang made the remarks when he met former US President George Bush and his wife.
China would try its best to resolve the Taiwan question by peaceful means through implementing the principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems," Jiang told the visiting former First Couple.
Provided that the Taiwan authorities accept the one-China principle, Jiang said the two sides of the Taiwan Straits could resume negotiations and dialogue, which could cover any issue.
However, Jiang underlined that the Chinese people will never recognize anyone promoting "Taiwan independence."
Since the junior Bush's swearing in, Sino-US relations as a whole had advanced, Jiang said.
During their two summits in October 2001 and February 2002, Jiang and the younger Bush reached consensus on developing a constructive co-operative relationship between the two countries.
Vice-President Hu Jintao has just wound up a successful visit to the United States, making efforts with the US side to implement the consensus.
Jiang said he was glad to see the incumbent President Bush and his aides reiterating that the US Government would abide by the one-China policy and abide by the principles of the three Sino-US joint communiqués.
(China Daily May 8, 2002)
