A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Beijing Thursday that the communication channel between China and the Vatican is "unblocked" and China is sincere about wanting to improve ties with the Vatican.

Reports say that Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen will depart for the Vatican on Friday and may meet with Pope Benedict XVI to discuss Sino-Vatican relations.

Spokesman Liu Jianchao said China hopes the Vatican will respect the Chinese government's religious policies and relevant laws and stop interfering in China's domestic affairs under the pretext of religion.

He said the Chinese government has two principles in dealing with relations with the Vatican. First the Vatican must terminate its so-called diplomatic links with Taiwan, and it should not interfere in China's internal affairs, including any intervention under the pretext of religious affairs.

Source: Xinhua