China is willing to actively expand its cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and its members, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi has said in Tarawa, capital of Kiribati.

Yang, at the 12th Post Forum Dialogue of the 31st PIF meeting, said last Tuesday that China will deepen the cooperation from many aspects by the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, mutual openness, common prosperity and consensus.

Congratulating the success of the 31st PIF meeting, Yang said China, PIF and its members have enjoyed growth of bilateral ties since the last Post Forum Dialogue.

With the increasingly frequent bilateral visits at high levels and deepened mutual understanding and friendship, the fields of bilateral cooperation are broadened, Yang said.

During the dialogue, Yang reiterated the Chinese government's principle position on the Taiwan issue and appreciated the One China policy pursued by nations which establish diplomatic relations with China.

Yang and W. Noel Levi, secretary general of the PIF Secretariat, also signed agreements on the establishment of PIF's trade office in China and China-PIF Cooperation Fund.

Representatives with the PIF members commended China's position of placing emphasis on its ties with PIF and its members, of supporting the members' requirements on their sovereignty and the preservation of environment and natural resources.

The representatives also appreciated China's assistance to the PIF and its members and expressed their willingness of further enhancing the cooperation with China.

(Xinhua 11/01/2000)