On July 8 2004, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with the visiting US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, Condoleezza Rice.

Li Zhaoxing expressed that the China-US relations in recent years have witnessed a good momentum of development. The two sides has carried out fruitful cooperation and coordination in economy and trade, anti-terrorism, the Nuclear Issue on the Korean Peninsula as well as the reconstruction of Iraq, which not only enhanced the common interest, but is also in line with world peace and development. The Chinese side is ready to further expand cooperation with the US side on the basis of equality and reciprocity so as to promote the sustained development of the China-US constructive and cooperative relationship.

Li noted that the Taiwan Question is of the core interest of China and is also the key element which may affect the stable development of China-US relations. The two sides can not develop a sound constructive and cooperative relationship unless the Taiwan Question can be handled properly. No matter how the political situation on the Taiwan island changes,the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is a part of China can not be changed. Nothing could be settled without the One China principle as the foundation. We appreciate the fact that President Bush has reaffirmed for many times to stick to the One China policy, abide by the three joint communiqués and oppose Taiwan independence. We strongly urge the US side to fully recognize the sensitivity of the Taiwan Question and the seriousness of the current situation, carefully treat the solemn stand of the Chinese side, stop selling advanced weaponry to Taiwan and cut the military links between the US and Taiwan, stop official exchanges with Taiwan authorities, stop supporting Taiwan to enter the international organizations that only sovereign states are allowed to join. Only in this way can the stable development of the China-US relations as well as the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits be guaranteed.

Rice expressed the belief of the US Government that to keep a strong US-China relationship contributes to world peace and stability. President Bush clearly stated that the US sees China as a cooperative partner. The US side is willing to keep high level dialogues with the Chinese side and deepen substantial cooperation in economy and trade, nonproliferation and the DPRK Nuclear Issue. As to the Taiwan Question, Rice noted that President Bush has reaffirmed for many times to stick to the One China policy, abide by the three joint communiqués and do not support any action that would lead to Taiwan independence. The US side doesn't want to see any turbulence across the Taiwan Straits and will not tolerate the actions by the Taiwan authorities to create obstacles in US-China relations.