Vanuatu has reiterated its commitment to the one-China policy, according to a joint statement signed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Vanuatuan Prime Minister Ham Lini.
   
The statement says "Vanuatu recognizes that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.
   
"Vanuatu reaffirms its opposition to any attempt to create 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan,' 'Taiwanese independence' or Taiwan's membership in international and regional organizations where statehood is required. Vanuatu will not establish official relations or engage in any official exchanges with Taiwan," says the statement.
   
"The Chinese side highly appreciates the clear-cut position of Vanuatu on the question of Taiwan. The Chinese side reaffirms its respect and support to Vanuatu in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also expresses the hope to see Vanuatu enjoying social stability, national harmony and economic development and its readiness to play an active part in maintaining and promoting stability and prosperity in South Pacific."
   
Both sides stress the need to expand economic cooperation and trade, the statement says.
   
"The two sides agree that under market economy terms, both sides would provide facilities to encourage and support closer ties and deeper understanding between enterprises from both countries, which would enable them to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation in various forms so as to advance bilateral economic and trade links."
   
The statement says both sides are satisfied with the agreement on economic and technological cooperation signed during Lini's visit. "China reaffirms its support to the government of Vanuatu in developing the economy and improving people's living standard and stands ready to provide economic and technological assistance to the best of its ability.
   
"Both sides agree to continue to take active measures to promote exchanges and cooperation in such fields as culture, education, tourism, health and human resource development," it says.
   
Both sides express their satisfaction over the current frequent exchange of visits between leaders and officials of the two countries and their readiness "to continue to expand exchanges and cooperation between governments, political parties, legislatures and peoples of the two countries in all fields and at all levels with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and trust."
   
The two sides will continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional organizations, so as to safeguard regional stability and promote common development, it says.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2005)