Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Washington Tuesday that China's fundamental policy on the Taiwan Issue is "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems."  

The mainland of China will not give up its efforts for peaceful reunification as long as there is a glimmer of hope to resolve the issue peacefully, Wen told reporters after talks with US President George W. Bush at the White House.

"We would do our utmost, with utmost sincerity, to bring about national unity and peaceful reunification through peaceful means," He said.

He also said that China respects the desire of people in Taiwan for democracy, but China "can absolutely not accept and tolerate" the attempts of Taiwan authorities, headed by Chen Shui-bian, to use democracy as an excuse and attempt to resort to "defensive referendum" to split China.

Wen said, "We have expressed our will and determination to uphold national unity. This is for the very purpose of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. And such stability can only be maintained through unswerving and firm opposition to pro-independence activity."

He said that only when we oppose "Taiwan independence" firmly, can peace and stability be maintained.

The Chinese premier said that President Bush reiterated in the meeting the US commitment to the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués, the one-China principle, and opposition to Taiwan independence.

"We appreciate that," he added. "In particular, we very much appreciate the position adopted by President Bush towards the latest news and developments in Taiwan -- the attempt to resort to referendum of various kinds as an excuse to pursue Taiwan independence. We appreciate the position of the US government," Wen said.

The Chinese premier arrived here Monday for an official visit to the United States, the first of its kind since he became the premier last spring.

(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2003)