"The past half century, since the founding of New China, has witnessed the formation and development of China's independent and peace foreign policy," said Li at the International Forum on China and the World in the 21st Century.

China has, so far, established diplomatic relations with more than 160 countries, and developed broad and friendly exchanges in fields of politics, economy, education, culture, science and technology with more than 200 countries and regions.

Since the end of the Cold War, multipolarization and economic globalization has accelerated.

"Peace and development have become the trend of the times but both problems remain unaddressed," Li said.

China has long observed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, as well as the United Nations' charter and principles.

On the Taiwan question - one of the most sensitive issues in the country's foreign policy - Li made three important points clear to all participants of the forum.

"Firstly, as a tradition of China, definition is important, both linguistically and politically," he stressed. "It is very certain and clear-cut that there is but one China in this world and that Taiwan is part of it. Taiwan is not a state, nor a country."

He explained that, to embrace this principle, Chinese people place much importance on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China.

Li said: "It also has a bearing on the century-old dream of realizing the country's reunification. And this is the most important point."

"Secondly, if a country recognizes that Taiwan is part of China, that country, of course, should do well to refrain from selling offensive weapons to that part of China and refrain from having any official ties or contacts with Taiwan," insisted the vice-foreign minister.

Otherwise, it would be indeed less than fair, less than democratic and it would be constituting an interference in the internal affairs of China, a sovereign country, Li insisted, adding that these sort of deals go against the basic principles and purpose of the UN Charter.

"Thirdly, if there is any opportunity for me to send a message to all the people of compatriots on Taiwan island, it would be for the leaders there to embrace in clear terms the one-China principle on which talks can be immediately restored and anything can be put on the table," said Li.

And Li believes the "one-country, two-systems" framework is good enough for the reunification to work.

At the forum, Wang Guangya, also vice-foreign minister, said: "A country pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace will not bring about any instability or insecurity. Rather, it will only promote peace and security in the region and the world at large."

After the founding of New China in 1949, the country has long adhered to the solemn "three no" commitments: China will never seek hegemony; nor will it take part in any military group, nor seek any sphere of influence.

"A responsible major developing country will not make what is bad worse. Rather, it will only make what is good better," added Wang.

(chinadaily.com.cn09/13/2001)