Switzerland supports the one-China policy and regrets for the current situation across Taiwan Straits, visiting Swiss Defense Minister Samuel Schmid said in Beijing Tuesday.

 

"I hope the two sides across the Straits can conduct dialogues and resolve the Taiwan question through political means," Schmid told reporters at a news briefing in the Swiss embassy to China.

 

Schmid also briefed reporters on talks with Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held on Monday afternoon.

 

He said the two countries intended to carry out a military strategic dialogue including regular exchange of visits and contacts, and that some preparatory work is going on.

 

Schmid will visit South Korea after concluding his China tour. When talking about the nuclear issue in the Korean Peninsula, he said China has played a vital role in pushing forward the nuclear talks.

 

"I hope the six-party talks can resume at an early date with efforts from China," Schmid added.

 

"China has a bright prospect of development in the future. Switzerland will further promote the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in various fields," Schmid said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2006)