Senior government officials of China and Vanuatu on Tuesday reiterated the common stance of the two countries that there is only one China.

Visiting Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister Ham Lini said the Vanuatu government and the National United Party of Vanuatu would adhere to the one-China policy and firmly support the Chinese government's stance and position on the Taiwan issue.

He made the remarks during his meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Huang expounded China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue, and thanked the National United Party of Vanuatu for its firm adherence to the one-China policy.

Before the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also met with the National United Party delegation headed by Lini.

Representatives of the two governments also signed an agreement on economic and technological cooperation.

China was ready to deepen bilateral relations with Vanuatu, Huang said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2004 )