FM urges Japanese PM to stop shrine visit
(chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)
Updated: 2006-03-07 16:35

Taiwan question 'biggest factor' in China-US ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao is going to visit the United States shortly, confirmed the Chinese FM.

Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing speaks at the press conference in Beijing March 7, 2006. [Xinhua]

It is the first time that Hu visits the United States as Chinese president. Both sides are busy preparing for the visit, Li said.

"We are ready to work with the US side to strengthen mutual understanding, expand common ground, deepen mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly settle our differences with a view of promoting the sound development of bilateral relations," Li pointed out.

Meanwhile, Li stressed that the Taiwan question is the "biggest" factor affecting Sino-US relations, adding that the US side "should not give wrong messages to Taiwan". 

"We hope the US side adhere to the one-China policy and observe the three Sino-US joint communiques, has a clear understanding of the dangerous nature of Taiwan secessionist forces and activities", Li said while responding to a question on Sino-US relations.

The minister called for joint efforts by the two countries to maintain the development of the China-US relations and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

Trade friction should not be politicized

China will make efforts to reduce its trade surplus with the United States, and the US side should not politicize the bilateral trade frictions, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told the press conference.

"China is not pursuing a trade surplus. We are willing, and will continue, to take active measures to gradually resolve the issue of imbalanced trade," Li said.

China put its trade surplus with the US last year at $114.2 billion. The United States, which also counts goods shipped through Hong Kong, put the surplus at US$201.6 billion.

The two countries should solve trade problems under the framework of the World Trade Organization, Li said.

Putin to visit China this month

At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russia's President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit China later this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing revealed to reporters on Tuesday.

"The visit is expected to boost the all-round development of the Sino-Russian Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, and facilitate world peace, stability and development," he said.

Li said during Putin's visit, the two presidents would jointly attend the opening ceremony of "the Year of Russia" in China and a Sino-Russia high-level business forum.

The two sides would also issue political documents and sign a series of mutual cooperative treaties.

Li made the remarks at a press conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing annual full session of the Tenth National People's Congress, China's top legislature.