Zhu Rongji Meets U.S. National Security Adviser Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji March 29 told Samuel Berger, adviser to the U.S. President for National Security Affairs, that whoever comes to power in Taiwan, must not advocate "Taiwan independence." "Any form of Taiwan independence will not be allowed," Zhu stressed. Zhu urged the U.S. side to fully understand the "importance and sensitivity" of the Taiwan issue after elaborating China's stance on the Taiwan issue. On Sino-U.S. relations, Zhu said that the Chinese government highly values its ties with the U.S. and will continue to make efforts to improve and develop Sino-U.S. relations. However, "We have our principles," Zhu said, adding that the growth of Sino-U.S. relations must be firmly grounded on the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and basic norms in international relations, especially, mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. President Bill Clinton have already set forth the direction and framework for the Sino-U.S. relations in the 21st century and both sides should continue to maintain these relations, Zhu said. Berger described U.S.-China relations reaching a "critical moment." He reaffirmed that the U.S. government adheres to the " one China" policy and observes the three U.S.-China joint communiques. He also said that the U.S. will keep its commitment on the " three no's", namely no support to the independence of Taiwan, no support to the "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," and no support to Taiwan's entry into any international organization whose membership requires statehood. The U.S. government continues to engage itself in promoting the U.S.-China Constructive Strategic Partnership, said Berger. He added that the U.S. government hopes that China will soon become a World Trade Organization member and that the U.S. side is resolutely committed to realizing permanent normal trade relations with China. Economic and trade relations between China and the U.S. are mutually beneficial, Zhu said, adding that the bilateral agreement between the two countries on China's entry into the WTO is a "win-win" deal and that China hopes the U.S. side will honor its commitments. Chinese vice-foreign minister Yang Jiechi, vice minister for trade and economic cooperation Sun Zhenyu, and U.S. ambassador to China Joseph Prueher were among those attending the meeting.
