Wu Guanzheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met in Beijing Sunday with Fausto Gilmar Gutierrez, chairman of the Patriotic Society 21 of January of Ecuador.

Since the forging of their diplomatic ties 24 years ago, Wu said, China and Ecuador have increasingly developed their bilateral relations and strengthened exchange and cooperation in various areas.

On international affairs, Wu said, China and Ecuador support and are well cooperated with each other.

Developing friendly relations between the two countries conform to basic interest of the people of both countries, Wu acknowledged.

China highly evaluates Sino-Ecuadorian friendship, said Wu, and the country is willing to its enhance cooperative ties with Ecuador on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

The CPC wishes to develop its friendly ties with Ecuadorian parties including the Patriotic Society 21 of January on the basis of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference of internal affairs, Wu added.

Wu also expressed his gratitude for the Ecuadorian government and the Patriotic Society 21 of January for their understanding and support to China's position on the Taiwan issue.

Gilmar said his party greatly admired the tremendous economic and social achievements made by the CPC and the Chinese government.

As the ruling party in Ecuador, the Patriotic Society 21 of January is ready to enhance its close exchanges and cooperative relations with the CPC, he said.

He reiterated that Ecuador and his party would, as always, adhere to the one-China policy and be in opposition to Taiwan independence.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2004)