Chinese Premier on Canada visit

cctv.com 12-12-2003 09:21

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and the outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien discussed the Taiwan issue during their meeting in the Canadian capital Ottawa on Thursday. Premier Wen proposed that contacts and exchange at all levels be continued and a ministerial coordinating mechanism be set up to discuss strategic issues -- including political and economic relations. Wen Jiabao has just finished his four-day visit to the United States.

At a joint news conference after Thursday's meeting, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien reiterated that his country believed in the One China policy.

Chretien said, "We discussed that question, the premier and I. And the position of Canada in that situation is that we have been for a one China policy and we hope that as the premier explained that there will be a solution that will be negotiated solution, as it was the case in the case of Hong Kong."

The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said China will exert its utmost efforts and sincerity to realize the peaceful re-unification of the country. Wen said China would not renounce the use of force towards Taiwanese separatists, but that his assertion was not targeted at the Taiwan compatriots. He said China will retain force as an option against separatist forces on Taiwan, but that as long as the slightest chance exists for a peaceful resolution of the issue, China will pursue it.

Trade is at the top of Wen's agenda on this tour. He signed nine agreements with Chretien, including provisions for wheat and livestock sales. Wen is also scheduled to meet with Chretien's successor, Paul Martin, who takes office on Friday.

Editor:Xiao  Source:CCTV.com