On July 9, 2004, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Zhongnanhai with US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice.

Tang said despite occasional twists and turns, the overall China-US relations have been progressing forward since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 25 years ago. With continuously enhanced exchanges and cooperation as well as constantly expanding common interests, China and the United States are bearing increasing responsibilities for the international community. As two countries with different history, culture and social system, it is natural for them to have difference opinions over some questions. The key is that we have to uphold the three Sino-US joint communiqués and deal with China-US relations from a long-term and strategic perspective.

Tang noted that Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times. It is our basic stance and consistent proposition to solve the Taiwan question through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of the one-China policy. The situation on the island has changed significantly, but our basic stance has not. Currently, the biggest threat to the stability of relations across the Taiwan Straits is that the Taiwan authorities insist on pushing the separatist policy aimed at "Taiwan independence" and attempt to change the status quo that the two sides between the Taiwan Straits belong to the same country.

Tang stressed that the Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is where the Chinese side's core interest lies and the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations. If we can handle the Taiwan issue appropriately, bilateral relations will be able to witness sound development. Otherwise, the development of China-US relations will be seriously affected. We have noticed that all the administrations of the United States since the Nixon administration have been committed to adhering to the one-China policy and we appreciate President Bush's reiteration on a number of occasions of sticking to the one-China policy, abiding by the three Sino-US joint communiqués and opposing "Taiwan independence". The US side should keep its promise and honor its commitment to properly handle the Taiwan question.

Rice indicated the stable development of US-China relations is an important element for the peace of Asia Pacific and the world at large. The United States would like to continuously enhance relations with China and support China to play a bigger role in international affairs. The US side is willing to face the difficulties and differences in bilateral relations together with China through dialogues in an atmosphere of mutual respect. She also reiterated the stance of the US government on upholding the one-China policy and abiding by the three Sino-US joint communiqués.