--At a press conference held in Beijing during the 3rd Session of the Ninth National People's Congress (NPC), (March, 10, 2000), Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan answered questions from Chinese and foreign correspondets on the international situation, and China's diplomatic policy and foreign relations.

Foreign Minister Tang: I am very pleased to have this opportunity to meet all of you here once again and now the floor is open for questions.

People's Daily: Foreign Minister Tang, how would you evaluate the accomplishment of China's diplomatic work in 1999 and how do you plan the diplomatic work of this year?

Tang: The year 1999 witnessed the most dramatic changes in the international situation since the end of the Cold War. China's diplomacy also went through a series of severe challenges. Nevertheless, we have achieved a lot of significant accomplishment, which can be highlighted in three aspects.


First, we have resolutely safeguarded China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity. We have waged a forceful and resolute struggle against the acts of infringement on China's sovereignty perpetrated by the US-led NATO. We have thoroughly exposed and refuted Lee Teng-hui's "state-to-state theory" through various means, firmly safeguarding the One-China principle and dealing a heavy blow to the aggressive and arrogant pro-independence and separatist forces in Taiwan.

Second, China has strengthened its friendly relations with the rest of the world. In particular, efforts have been made to maintain a relatively stable surrounding environment.

Third, in the face of the series of major international events in 1999, China has adhered to its principles and upheld justice in dealing with all these issues, and this has won China wide acclaim from the international community. China's international status has continued to rise and influence in the world is on the increase.


The priorities of our diplomatic work in the year 2000 are as follows:

First, we will continue to work for world peace and oppose hegemonism. We will continue to unswervingly safeguard China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Secondly, we will strengthen our good-neighborly and mutual-trust relations with our neighbors in an effort to further stabilize our surrounding environment.

Thirdly, we will effectively strengthen and expand solidarity and cooperation with the vast number of developing countries.

Fourthly, we will make an effort to maintain a relatively stable framework relationship with major powers in the world.

Fifthly, together with the people of all other countries, we will make unremitting efforts to safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as well as other long-standing and universally acknowledged norms governing international relations and to promote the establishment of a fair and just new international political and economic order in the new century.

We have every confidence to usher in a new situation in China's diplomatic work in the new century.

ITAR-TASS,Russia: Not long ago, you paid a visit to Moscow. How would you characterize the current China-Russia relations? Is there any change in such relations in the wake of President Yeltsin's departure from office? Will China and Russia continue to cooperate with each other on international issues?

Tang: During my recent visit to Russia, I held lengthy talks with my Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov. Our discussion was very candid and fruitful. The two of us not only exchanged views on issues of common interest including world situation, major international issues and certain regional issues. We also touched upon how to further advance the existing strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia. We also explored ways to further enhance all-round cooperation in a whole range of areas between the two countries. At the end of my visit, I was received by Acting President Vladimir Putin. The meeting that I had with the Acting President lasted for more than an hour. During that meeting, Acting President Putin confirmed that if he was elected President, he would visit China this year for another important summit in Beijing between Chinese and Russian leaders. In addition, the two sides agreed that the world should move further towards multi-polarity. Russia expressed its strong opposition to a uni-polar world, and believed that only a multi-polar world would be in the best interests of world peace, stability and development.


After I returned to Beijing, a large delegation headed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov visited China and held talks with the Chinese delegation headed by State Councilor Madam Wu Yi. The two sides discussed matters concerning economic cooperation and trade and reached agreement on a number of projects. On this occasion, I wish to underscore once again that China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation is a normal state-to-state relationship, which is neither an alliance nor a confrontational relationship. Still less is it directed against any third country or party. Such a strategic partnership is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples by any standard. It will be sustained and continue to grow for a long time to come. And it will also enable the two countries, China and Russia, to make valuable contribution to world peace and development.


CCTV: The release of the White Paper The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue has aroused strong reaction from the US side. Some people in the US wanted the Congress to adopt the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, while the US Government has decided to increase arms sales to Taiwan. What is your evaluation of such US response? And do you have any latest message that you wish to convey to the US side?
Tang: Yesterday, the Chinese Ambassador to the US made solemn representations with the US side with regard to its decision to sell another two batches of weapons to Taiwan. The Taiwan question is entirely an internal affair of China's. It is an issue left over from the civil war between the Communist Party and the KMT. Had the US not sent its Seventh Fleet to the Taiwan Straits in the beginning of the 1950s, the question of Taiwan would have long been resolved.

The reason why the question of Taiwan has remained unresolved for such a long time is two-fold. One is the interference by foreign forces; the other is the obstruction posed by the separatist forces in Taiwan.

I wish to make it clear that what the US has done on the question of Taiwan has inflated the arrogance of the separatist forces in Taiwan. Therefore, the United States bears unshirkable responsibility for the tension in the Taiwan Straits. The US has increased its weapons sales to Taiwan both in qualitative and quantitative terms. It is also considering the provision of TMD to Taiwan. As you mentioned, there is also the problem of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. The essence of the bill is to obstruct China's grand cause of peaceful reunification. So all these moves by the United States constitute a serious violation of the three Sino-US Joint Communiqu¨¦s and the explicit commitments that the US has made to the Chinese Government.


I believe that both Sino-US relations and cross-Straits relations are now at a critical juncture. I would advise our American friends to realize and understand that what the US says and does on the question of Taiwan will have a direct bearing on the future direction of Sino-US relationship. It will also directly bear on peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Chinese side strongly demands that the US government take concrete actions to honor its commitments in the three Sino-US Joint Communiqu¨¦s and honor the explicit "three no" commitment that it has made to the Chinese Government. The United States must immediately stop its weapons sales to Taiwan and must also undertake in unambiguous terms not to provide Taiwan with TMD system, or any related technology, equipment and supporting system. The United States must also take effective measures to prevent the so-called Taiwan Security Enhancement Act from being passed and becoming law. It must stop any activities that constitute interference in China's internal affairs and that undermine China's interests.


CNN: Both the US and China seem to be blaming each other for the current tensions in the Taiwan Straits. Many people in Washington, particularly in Congress right now are arguing that the recent White Paper and the threat of use of force against Taiwan in the event that Taiwan does not resume reunification talks is making them more likely to pass the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act and also more likely that more sophisticated weapons will be sold to Taiwan. Do you think they are misinterpreting the signals that China has been sending? Why is it that each side thinks the other is the cause of tensions?

Tang: If one should see it merely as what you call "blaming each other", he might be a bit too superficial. The Chinese side has pointed out on many occasions that the purpose for the release of the White Paper is a positive one. It is to make it clear to the world that under current circumstances there is no change in our major policies and guidelines for the settlement of the Taiwan question, including the eight-point proposal put forward by President Jiang Zemin.


Some people in the media have made it headline news about the "third if" as contained in the White paper. We have made it very clear that this is not something new. Rather, it is China's consistent position. In fact, Mr. Deng Xiaoping made this remark in clear terms in as early as 1984. Our position on the question of Taiwan is consistent, explicit and unwavering.

European Times, France: Thanks to the personal efforts made by the Chinese and French Presidents, Sino-French partnership of all-round cooperation has entered a new stage in the new century. But rumor has it that France is considering sales of military satellite to Taiwan. How would you comment on it?

Tang: On such important questions of principle as the question of Taiwan, there is no room for China to make any diplomatic compromise or concession. In fact, China and France encountered similar problems in the past. So we hope that as mankind is ushering in the new century, relations between China and France will be free from any problem associated with the Taiwan question. I hope my friends in France will handle this matter with great caution and resolve it properly so that the already existing partnership of all-round cooperation between China and France will be able to grow in a sound and normal manner.

TVB,Hong Kong: With the return of Hong Kong and Macao, the question of Taiwan becomes the only issue in China's national reunification. In about a week's time, there will be an election in Taiwan, which will produce the new leaders of Taiwan. Do you think that will be a good time for the two sides to restart negotiations and what will be the conditions for such negotiations?

Tang: The election that is going to take place in Taiwan is a local election in China. Whatever the outcome of the election and no matter who will emerge as the new leader, it cannot and will not change one fact, i.e., Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. This is an objective reality. The outcome of the election in Taiwan should not in any way lead to the independence of Taiwan or the separation of Taiwan from the motherland. Rather, it should contribute to the promotion of cross-Straits relations and to the realization of peaceful reunification of China. If the new leader in Taiwan indeed has no inclination for Taiwan independence and is willing to resume dialogue and negotiations with us under the One-China principle, then we will consider their resumption. But if things turn out to be the opposite, I am afraid the result will be quite the contrary.

Correspondent from the Republic of Korea: My question relates to relations between China and the DPRK. On the very day when the NPC started its current session, General Secretary Kim Jong Il of North Korea made an unusual visit to the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang. How would you comment on his visit to your Embassy? Moreover, on the 18th of this month, Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun of North Korea will visit Beijing. Would you discuss with him the possible visit to China by General Secretary Kim Jong Il? And if there is a request from the ROK, would China be willing to help arrange a meeting between President Kim Dae-Jung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il?

Tang: Mr. Wan Yongxiang, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK, will soon return to China upon completion of his tenure of office. So recently he has been making farewell calls to the relevant departments in the DPRK. General Secretary Kim Jong Il learned of this. He had in fact expressed his desire to visit the Chinese Embassy in the past, but had never done so. Therefore, on the 5th of this month, he made a visit.

As for the upcoming visit to China by DPRK Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun, his will be a return visit to my visit to the DPRK not long ago. This is a normal exchange in state-to-state relations.

With regard to your last question, that is, whether or not China would help arrange in Beijing a summit between the North and South of Korea. I think, first of all, this is a matter for direct discussion between the two parties concerned. As for the venue of such a meeting, whether it would be in Beijing or not, this is a hypothetical question. I usually don't make hypothetical response to a hypothetical question.

Akahata, Japan: In Japan, some politicians, including certain prominent political figures from the ruling party, are planning a visit to Japan by Lee Teng-hui and are organizing a so-called preparatory committee for this purpose. Given the situation, what do you think Japan should do to promote stability in the Asia-Pacific region and to bring about a healthy development of Sino-Japanese relations?

Tang: I have taken note of related reports. My impression is that some politicians in Japan have been plotting a visit to Japan by Lee Teng-hui and they have set up a so-called preparatory committee for such a visit. The separatist nature of Lee Teng-hui as an advocate for the independence of Taiwan and for the separation of Taiwan from the motherland has long been completely exposed. Lee Teng-hui has long intended to visit Japan. In view of this, if Lee Teng-hui does make a visit to Japan, it will fundamentally undermine the friendly relations and cooperation between China and Japan that have been developed over the years.


The question of Taiwan bears on the political foundation of the relations between China and Japan. There is a clear common understanding between China and Japan on this question. Should Lee Teng-hui visit Japan, in whatever name or whatever capacity, it would seriously undermine China-Japan relations and would do Japan no good. So I do hope that the Japanese Government will see clearly Lee Teng-hui's ulterior motives and fully realize the seriousness and political danger of such a visit. We also hope that the Japanese Government will truly act in accordance with the spirit and principles enshrined in the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship as well as the China-Japan Joint Declaration signed during President Jiang Zemin's visit to Japan, and adopt a highly responsible attitude towards this issue and properly handle it with great caution so as to safeguard China-Japan friendship, which is in the overall interest of the two countries.

TVBS, Taiwan: Just now you emphasized that the US is one of the biggest obstacles to China's peaceful reunification. Yesterday, US President Clinton made some positive comments on the recently-released White Paper. He cited three positive elements in the White Paper that were not duly noticed by the public. For instance, he says that the White Paper refers to the idea of equality between the two sides five times and, secondly, the White Paper does not ask Taipei to withdraw the "two-state" theory. Thirdly, the White Paper is also very flexible in that it makes possibe for a lot of issues to be discussed in the talks between the two sides. May I ask what has brought about such a change in the attitude on the part of the US? Do you think this has come as a result of exchange of views on the White Paper between the Chinese and US Presidents through the hotline or has there been any high-level contact? And what is your comment on the possible role of the US in urging the two sides to resume negotiations?

Tang: I have not read the statement by President Clinton that you have mentioned in your question. Therefore, it is quite difficult for me to make any comment at this stage.

However, there is one point I wish to emphasize. The One-China principle is the basis and prerequisite for the achievement of the grand cause of peaceful reunification of China. We will never allow any separatist forces to split Taiwan from China in whatever form. The settlement of the question of Taiwan is purely China's internal affair. So far as the US is concerned, the first thing it should do is to genuinely honor the series of solemn commitments it has made to the Chinese side on the question of Taiwan. The US must also stop all its remarks and acts that constitute an infringement upon China's sovereignty and interference in China's internal affairs. The US should do more that are in the interests of peace and stablity in the Taiwan Straits rather than the opposite.

Correspondent from Slovenia: A couple of days ago, acting Russian President Mr. Putin said that Russia would consider joining NATO if Russia can be treated as an equal partner. Can China accept such an eastward expansion of NATO? Secondly, when you were in Moscow recently, you had a meeting with Mr. Putin. Did he discuss this issue with you?

Tang: I have taken note of the related reports. Of course, I have also taken note of the Russian side's explanations, interpretations or clarifications in the wake of the reported remarks by the Acting Russian President. I think this is a matter between Russia and NATO. But there is one thing I firmly believe in, that is, Russia would base its final judgement on its state and national interests. By the way, in my meeting with Mr. Putin, he did not mention this matter.

Press Trush of India: India and China are going to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in April. How significant is this event?

Tang: April 1 this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. We have learned via the diplomatic channels that His Excellency the President of India will pay a state visit to China within this year.

China and India are both major countries in Asia with significant influence. China and India are also close neighbours. In the past, we used to enjoy very good relations. Of course, for a certain period of time, there was a quite difficult episode in our relations. But since last year, the bilateral ties have entered a new phase of gradual improvement and development. China attaches importance to India and to the good-neighbourly relations and friendly cooperation with India. We hope that the joint celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations would provide us with a good opportunity to move our bilateral relations forward on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence which, after all, were jointly initiated by the leaders of China and India in the 1950s.

Of course there are some disagreements and even some outstanding issues between China and India. But generally speaking, China and India do not pose threat to each other. Our agreements far outweigh our disagreements.

The development of normal state-to-state relationship between China and India is not only in the interests of our two countries, but also conducive to peace and stability in South Asia.

Wen Wei Po, Hong Kong: Among the many international events that took place last year, I think none had bigger impact than the military strike against Yugoslavia by the US-led NATO. Now nearly a year has passed since the end of the war in Kosovo, many people are reflecting on it. Could you share with us your observations? Do you have anything to add to your assessment of the current situation in Kosovo? and I've got another question related to the US bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. Not long ago, China and the United States resumed military-to-military contact and security dialogue. With regard to the remaining two conditions that you raised in the wake of the US-led NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy, does that imply that you no longer press the United States to probe into the truth of the incident and ask for the findings of the investigation?

Tang: It has been nearly a year since the outbreak of the Kosovo incident. The UN peace-keeping forces and civilian administration have long since established their presence in Kosovo. Regrettably, however, the relevant UN resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1244, have not been implemented to the letter.

The situation in Kosovo remains tense with incessant conflicts. In my view, this is a most telling evidence that the military invasion against a sovereign state in the name of the new interventionism which alleges that "human rights override sovereignty and everything else" has not led to the realization of human rights for people in Kosovo. Nor have the age-old ethnic strives, religious conflicts and related disputes been resolved.

It also proves that the principles of non-interference in other country's internal affairs as enshrined in the UN Charter is not outdated but still bears immediate significance.

You mentioned that people are reflecting on it. It is my hope that the countries concerned, particularly the member states of NATO, will deeply reflect on it and draw lessons from it, so that such problems which completely run counter to the trend of the time, i.e., peace and development, will not recur as mankind is about to enter a new century.

As for the negotiations on US compensation in the wake of its bombing of the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia, the two sides have already reached agreement on the compensation for the casualties and property damage and losses. I don't think I should go into any details here. But the compensation agreements do not mean that the four conditions I raised to the US side have been fully met and could be put behind us once and for all. We still demand that the US side report to the Chinese side on the results of the investigation and that the perpetrators be brought to justice.