Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi discussed bilateral ties and the Taiwan question with his US counterpart Condoleezza Rice in New York on Sunday, when they met on the sidelines of the 62nd session of United Nations General Assembly.

They agreed to expand cooperation through the Strategic Economic Dialogue and the Strategic Dialogue, as well as into new areas like energy and climate change.

"Both sides should respect each other and refrain from doing things that harm the other side's core interests, so as to ensure a sound and stable development of bilateral relations," Yang said.

China appreciates the US' reiteration of adherence to the one-China policy, its abiding by the three Sino-US joint communiqus and its opposition to the Taiwan authorities' proposed referendum on application for UN membership under the name "Taiwan", said Yang, voicing hope that the US will work with China to curb "Taiwan independence" separatist activities in a bid to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and protect the US and China's common interests.

Rice said the US holds a responsible position on the question of Taiwan, adheres to the one-China policy, abides by the three joint communiqus and opposes comments and actions aimed at unilaterally changing Taiwan's status.

Yang and Rice also exchanged views on major international and regional issues including Iran's nuclear program and nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, as well as agreeing to maintain close consultation and coordination on related matters.

In a round of meetings on Sunday, Yang also met with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Sino-French cooperation has witnessed sound and steady development in various fields, Yang said, calling for stronger cooperation in issues such as the environment, climate change, energy and African development.

Noting China's constructive role in addressing regional and international issues such as Darfur, Kouchner said Paris wishes to work with China in ensuring the world develops toward peace.

At his meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Mukherjee, Yang expressed the hope that the two countries would maintain high-level exchanges, conduct strategic, defense and security dialogues, properly handle border issues, and strengthen coordination in the UN.

Mukherjee stressed that there is enough room for the two countries to develop and cooperate and that the development of India and China will have a lasting influence on world peace and development.

Mukherjee said India's tourism office, due to be opened in Beijing this year, would further boost cooperation in various fields.

China Daily-Xinhua

(China Daily 09/25/2007 page2)