On the afternoon of July 8 2004, Chairman of the Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin met in Zhongnanhai with US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice.

Jiang said we need to stick to the following principles in retrospect of the development process of China-US relations over the years. First, we need to proceed from an overall and long-term perspective. As influential countries in the world, China and the United States should consider their relations within the contexts of Asia and the whole globe. Second, we need to acknowledge and respect our differences and continuously seek and expand common interests. In a colorful and diverse world, all civilizations and social systems should be able to co-exist and develop jointly through seeking common grounds while putting aside differences. Third, we need to strictly adhere to the three Sino-US joint communiqués and resolve the Taiwan issue prudently. As China and the United States enjoy broad exchanges and cooperation, it is natural for the two countries to encounter some conflicts and differences. The key is that we must respect each other and treat each other as equals.

Jiang Zemin stressed that the Taiwan issue is the core issue with the utmost importance and sensitivity in China-US relations. The recent activities of the United States on the Taiwan question, particularly a move to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan, deeply concerned and dissatisfied the Chinese people. The Chinese people long for peace and do not want war. We will uphold the basic principle of "one country, two systems", but will never tolerate Taiwan independence. China's sovereignty and territorial integrity are of paramount significance and the national will of the 1.3 billion people shall never be violated. If the Taiwan authority goes its own way towards Taiwan independence, and if foreign forces step in, we will never sit by and watch.

Rice said President George W. Bush gives high priority to US-China ties and wishes to further expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields. The president understands China's concern on the Taiwan issue and does not want to see conflicts in the Taiwan Straits region. His stance of upholding the one-China policy and not supporting any unilateral actions aimed at changing the status quo of the Taiwan Straits is definite and steadfast.

Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and other officials attended the meeting.