"The talk (of three direct links) has been going on for too long. Now, it is time for concrete action,'' said the minister of foreign trade and economic c-operation at Wednesday's Party congress press conference.

"The mainland's stance on the direct links has been consistent over the years,'' said Shi. "As long as the direct links are recognized as matters inside China, and across the Taiwan Straits, the issue can be solved by business communities through non-governmental means.

"I hope that immediate action can be taken along these lines and that we can stay away from political interference,'' said Shi, in the presence of over 100 journalists.

The ban on direct links between Taiwan and the mainland has lasted decades due to the refusal of the Taiwan authorities to cooperate. Cargo and passengers have to travel via a third place, usually Hong Kong or Macao, causing great inconvenience.

Calling the direct links the "shared hope of the two sides,'' Shi said they could boost trade, communications and exchange across the Straits.

Indirect trade between the two sides reaches around US$30 billion per year, which has resulted in a trade surplus of over US$20 billion in favor of Taiwan.

"Without the surplus, the overall foreign trade in Taiwan would be in deficit,'' Shi said.

Shi also denied reports that the United States is talking with Taiwan authorities about a free trade agreement.

"US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick told me explicitly that the United States had not discussed such an agreement, and is not preparing to do so,'' said Shi.

China does not object to nations with diplomatic relations with China developing non-governmental trade with Taiwan. But China is "firmly against countries with diplomatic relations with China having official trade relations with Taiwan in any form,'' said Shi.

About 10 journalists from Hong Kong, Taiwan and foreign countries asked questions of the minister Wednesday, while two questions were reserved for mainland reporters.

Shi told reporters China's foreign trade has stayed in good shape this year, partly because China's entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO) last December has broadened the markets.

Foreign trade is expected to exceed US$600 billion this year, as compared with last year's US$509.8 billion, said Shi.

When asked about China's fulfillment of its commitments to the WTO, Shi said China is working hard to meet them in an earnest and responsible manner.

"A special WTO group has been reviewing 16 topics of concern regarding China's commitments since September. They are satisfied with all 10 areas they have examined thus far,'' said Shi.

To ease concerns that China's development may squeeze the markets for neighboring countries, Shi said the worry is unnecessary.

"The faster China develops, the larger the business room for other nations,'' said the minister.

According to Shi, China's imports are expected to increase by US$150 billion to US$200 billion in the next five years, which will provide tremendous opportunities for other countries.

Also, more domestic enterprises are being encouraged to invest abroad, and neighboring countries are the first priorities.

"I believe the development of China is not a threat, but a business opportunity for other nations,'' said Shi.

(China Daily November 14, 2002)