China-U.S. relationship

China-U.S. links are one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. In recent years, relations between the two countries maintained overall stability and continued to make new progress.

President Hu Jintao and President George W. Bush had three meetings, made several telephone calls and exchanged many letters last year. They had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral ties and important international and regional issues of shared interests. President Hu's successful visit to the United States last April deserves special mentioning. During the visit, President Hu reached new and important agreements with President Bush on advancing, in an all-round way, constructive and cooperative China-U.S. relations in the 21st century, and defined the two countries as both stakeholders and constructive partners. This has charted the course for and provided strong impetus to the long-term development of China-U.S. relations.

At the inaugural China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue held at the end of last year, Vice Premier Wu Yi and Secretary Henry Paulson, together with 21 other cabinet-level ministers from the two countries, had an in-depth discussion and reached an important common understanding about macro, strategic and long-term economic issues. We also held the third round of the Strategic Dialogue. These exchanges and dialogues have gone a long way in enhancing strategic mutual trust between our two countries.

The Chinese and U.S. economies are highly complementary, promising vast prospects for further cooperation. Last year, our two-way trade reached a new high, exceeding $260 billion. The trade volume was more than 100 times the figure when we established diplomatic ties. China and the United States have become the second biggest trading partners for each other. According to U.S. statistics, U.S. exports to China grew by more than 30 percent last year and tripled in the last five years. China has been the fastest growing export market for the United States for three years in a row, and the trade between China and the United States has helped to create 4-8 million job opportunities in America. U.S. investment in China has kept growing and more than 80 percent of American companies in China have seen their profit level rise. At the same time, more than 1,100 strong Chinese companies have also vigorously explored the U.S. market, making contributions to local development and job creation. China and the United States have also further enhanced exchanges and cooperation in science, technology, education, culture and other fields.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, the importance of the China-U.S. relationship is also reflected in the cooperation between the two sides on major international and regional issues of common or similar interests.

As a result of the joint efforts of China, the United States and other parties concerned, the third session of the fifth round of the six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue held in February officially issued a document entitled "Initial Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement," marking fresh progress in the multilateral talks and the denuclearization process on the peninsula. China and the United States maintain close consultation and coordination on the Iranian nuclear issue, the Middle East issue, the Darfur issue of Sudan and the United Nations issues. We are also expanding our cooperation on energy, environmental protection and disease control issues that are of vital importance to the peace and well being of mankind. Such coordination and cooperation between China and the United States have had a far-reaching impact on world peace and prosperity.

President Hu and President Bush will have opportunities to meet alongside the G8 plus 5 in Germany in June and APEC Informal Economic Leaders' Meeting in Australia in September. The second round of China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue will be held in Washington, D.C. in May and the fourth round of the Strategic Dialogue will also be held this year. The Chinese side will join hands with the U.S. side to get ready for these meetings and dialogues, and make them positive and fruitful. While further expanding the scope and exploring new growth areas for economic cooperation and trade, China is also ready to have candid dialogues and equal consultations with the U.S. side in a spirit of mutual benefit and common development in order to appropriately resolve the problems existing in our economic and trade ties.

The Taiwan issue is always the most important and most sensitive issue at the core of China-U.S. relationship. The appropriate approach to the issue is crucial to the stability and development of the China-U.S. relationship and smooth cooperation between the two countries in important areas.

The latest development within the island shows that the Chen Shui-bian authorities have become more reckless and dangerous in pursuing "de jure Taiwan independence" through the so-called "constitutional reform." Chen made further separatist remarks on March 4, the so-called "four wants and one without," while attending a function by a pro-independence organization. He openly claimed that "Taiwan wants independence," "Taiwan wants name rectification," and "Taiwan wants a new constitution," and sent out a dangerous message that he may completely abandon his "Four no's" commitment. This marked a further escalation of his separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence."

The Taiwan issue bears on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, involves China's core national interests and touches upon the national sentiments of the Chinese people. We will continue to promote peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait with utmost sincerity and maximum efforts. However, we will never tolerate "Taiwan independence," or allow anyone to separate Taiwan from the motherland in any name or through any means.

It is important that the United States honors and adheres to the one-China policy, the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques and its opposition to "Taiwan independence," stops selling advanced weapons to Taiwan, and stops sending any wrong messages to "Taiwan independence" forces. We hope that the U.S. side will work with China to unequivocally oppose and repulse any form of "Taiwan independence" activities by the Chen Shui-bian authorities so as to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and safeguard the shared strategic interests of both countries.

By building a harmonious society, adhering to the road of peaceful development, and promoting a harmonious world, China will make greater contribution to world peace and common development and offer important opportunities for the stability and growth of the constructive and cooperative China-U.S. relationship in the new century.

Note: "Four no's" commitment of Chen Shui-bian refers to "no declaring 'Taiwan independence,' no inclusion of the so-called 'state-to-state' description in the constitution, no altering the national title, and no referendum on the question of independence."