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CMC Vice Chairman Meets US Defense Secretary
With so many profound changes taking place globally, Sino-US relations need to advance on a healthy, stable track, Zhang Wannian, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), told visiting US Defense Secretary William Cohen during talks Thursday in Beijing.
Zhang noted that the continuing improvement of Sino-US relations has provided a favorable climate for the development of the military relations of the two countries, and Secretary Cohen's visit is further proof that the ties between the two militaries have developed well.
On the Taiwan issue, Zhang said that the new leader of the Taiwan authorities has adopted an attitude of reconciliation, but has taken an evasive and vague attitude toward the One-China principle.
The Taiwan authorities are not sincere about improving the relations across the straits, he said, adding that the Chinese government will "listen to his words and watch his deeds."
He said that the Chinese government's ground rules for resolving the Taiwan issue are the principles of "peaceful reunification, and one country, two systems."
But China will not renounce the use of force, and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has the determination and capability to smash any attempt to gain independence for Taiwan, he said.
Zhang noted that the proper settlement of the Taiwan issue is at the heart of the healthy, stable development of Sino-US relations.
He voiced the hope that the US side would cautiously deal with the issue of arms sales to Taiwan. He hoped that the US side would extend its vision to gain a clear perspective, and review Sino-US state and military relations from a long-term and strategic point of view.
Cohen said that the US side is ready to improve bilateral state and military relations. On the Taiwan issue, he said that the US side has always adhered to One-China principle, and will not support Taiwan's independence.
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