China is ready to improve ties with the Vatican as long as it severs the so-called "diplomatic relations" with the Taiwan authorities and stop interfering in China's internal affairs in the name of religion, a top official in charge of religious affairs said on Wednesday.

"The Vatican, as a country, must recognize the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing China, and Taiwan as an inalienable part, if it wishes to establish ties with China," said Ye Xiaowen, director ofthe State Administration of Religious Affairs.

"Their press said there was no problem for that. But no action has been taken," said Ye, a delegate to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, during the five-yearly event.

China's Constitution rules that the country's religious affairsare not to be interfered by any foreign forces, he said. "The Vatican has to promise not to interfere in China's internal affairs in order to improve ties."

Ye called on the Vatican side to join China's efforts to seek common points while allowing differences to exist.

He compared China's two principles to a river to cross. "We canbuild a bridge, or find a boat. It doesn't help if you just stand on the other side yelling and crying."

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2007)