WASHINGTON: In a meeting at the Pentagon, Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan said he hoped the United States would continue adhering to the principles of the three joint communiques and its commitment to opposing "Taiwan independence", and handling the Taiwan issue properly, which includes no arms sales.

He said this when meeting with US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Tuesday (local time) for talks on international and regional security, military ties and other issues of common concern.

Cao noted that Taiwan is the most important and sensitive core issue in Sino-US relations.

Rumsfeld said the US Government abides by the one-China policy and a peaceful solution of the issue.

Particularly, Cao pointed out, the United States should not sell advanced arms to Taiwan, nor should it conduct any military exchanges or acts of co-operation with Taiwan.

In his remarks, Rumsfeld spoke highly of the momentum in the development of relations between the two countries and the two militaries.

He added that China is an important country and the development of bilateral relations in various fields is beneficial to both sides.

Rumsfeld said bilateral relations experienced some difficulties at the beginning of the Bush administration.

But relations returned to normal two years later and military exchanges have increased recently.

Cao and Rumsfeld agreed that their talks were positive, constructive and fruitful.

As large and influential countries, both China and the United States have broad common interests for co-operation on important international and regional security issues.

He said that the development of a healthy and stable relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two countries.

Cao said military ties are an essential part of Sino-US relations and a healthy and stable relationship between the two militaries is in the interests of both sides.

China is glad to see that military relations are being restored and developing thanks to the support of the leaders of the two countries and the efforts of the defence departments of the two sides, Cao said.

Cao, who is also vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission and a state councillor, arrived here on Monday for the first high-level visit by a Chinese defence minister since 1996.

Xinhua

(HK Edition 10/30/2003 page1)