A senior Chinese leader said in Beijing Wednesday that China appreciates the Fijian government's adherence to the one-China policy on the issue of Taiwan, and hopes Fiji would continue to support China's endeavor for national reunification.  

"The Taiwan issue concerns China's core interest and the national feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese," said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top advisory body, during a meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

China and Fiji, which are to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, face good opportunities to further development bilateral relations, Jia said, adding that China hopes to work with Fiji for a stable and comprehensive growth of bilateral relations.

The Fijian prime minister, who began his visit to China on Saturday, pledged that his government would not change its one-China policy.

He said Fiji admires China's economic miracle and hopes to expand trade and economic cooperation with China.

(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2005)