In a speech entitled "China and Asia in the New Century," delivered at a luncheon hosted in his honor by Asia Society in New York, Qian said the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations, and that it must be taken seriously and handled properly.

Qian said: "There is only one China in the world. Both the mainland and Taiwan are part of China. China's sovereignty and territorial integrity brook no division."

He said the Chinese government stands for peaceful reunification. "That is to say, we will try to resolve the Taiwan question through peaceful means. This conforms to the interests of the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits and the interests of all people, including Americans," Qian said.

"It is fair to say that nobody is more eager to see a peaceful resolution than we are. But we alone cannot achieve it," he said.

Qian went on to say that "the Chinese government is ready to work together with the US government for a healthy, stable and steady development of our relations on the basis of the three China-US Joint communiques."

"We appreciate the consistent US statement on its support of the one-China policy. We have reasons to expect the US to support China's peaceful reunification," he said.

He also said China and the United States have no reason to become rivals or enemies. "We have plenty of reasons to become friends and partners," he noted.

The Chinese vice-premier also answered questions from participants at the luncheon, hosted by Asia Society in association with China Institute, Committee of 100 and the National Committee on American Foreign Policy.

On China's foreign policy, Qian said China will continue to follow an independent foreign policy of peace and develop friendly relations and cooperation with all countries in the world.

He said that China advocates a new security concept.

"We should try to build up mutual trust through consultations and dialogue on an equal footing. We should seek common security. This is the only way to ensure peace and stability. We believe that to seek absolute security for oneself through stronger military alliance and intensified arms race is out of tune with the trend of the times. It won't lead to an effective security at all."

He said China stands for democracy in international relations. "We believe that all countries are equal members of the international community, regardless of their size, strength and wealth. National affairs of a country should be decided by its people while international affairs should be handled by all countries together through consultations on an equal footing."

Qian also said that China, which will take an active part in the process of economic globalization, will offer the world a larger and more open market, an improved legal system and a better investment climate in its 10th Five-Year Plan period ending 2005.

The Chinese vice-premier also said that as host for the 9th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting scheduled to be held in Shanghai this fall, China will try its best to ensure the success of the meeting.

The luncheon was presided over by Nicholas Platt, president of Asia Society, America's leading institution dedicated to fostering understanding of Asia and communication between Americans and the peoples of Asia and the Pacific.

(Xinhua 03/21/2001)