Vanuatu maintains one-China policy
By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-02-26 10:59

The visiting prime minister of Vanuatu, who took office after his predecessor was dismissed for recognizing Taiwan, reaffirmed his nation's commitment to the one-China policy in Beijing on Friday.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (right) shakes hands with visiting Vanuatuan PM Ham Lini after signing a joint statement in Beijing February 25, 2005. Vanuatu reaffirms its one-China policy during Ham Lini's visit to China. [newsphoto]

Ham Lini told his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao that the Vanuatuan Government and people will remain staunch supporters of the one-China policy.

He said his nine-day China tour was his first formal overseas visit after his appointment.

Vanuatu's parliament last December removed the then prime minister Serge Vohor from office a month after he signed a deal recognizing Taiwan. Deputy Prime Minister Ham Lini, who then claimed that the country would revoke all agreements signed with Taiwan, was named to replace Vohor.

Wen appreciated the clear-cut position of Vanuatu on the question of Taiwan, saying Beijing was firmly against the policies of the former Vanuatuan Government.

The two leaders signed a joint statement and oversaw the signing ceremony of an agreement on economic and technological co-operation.

The Vanuatuan side expressed its appreciation for Chinese support in developing the country's economy and improving living standards, and hoped to see more mutually-beneficial co-operation in the fields of agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

Wen also elaborated on the Chinese Government's policy towards the South Pacific region, saying China backs all South Pacific nations, including Vanuatu, "to unite and rely on their own efforts to develop their economies and safeguard their rights and interests."

Lini also met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other high-ranking officials in Beijing on Friday before travelling on to the central city of Zhengzhou and South China's Hainan Province.

Hu said China will work with Vanuatu to strengthen exchanges and further co-operation, according to Xinhua.

The Chinese president said the Chinese Government and people value Sino-Vanuatuan relations and will make joint efforts with Vanuatu to ensure sound, steady and lasting progress of bilateral relations in the new century.

Reviewing the development of bilateral relations, Hu spoke highly of the important contributions made by Vanuatuan leaders including Lini.

The Chinese president pointed to the current bilateral relations with deepened political trust, the continuous development of economic and trade co-operation and active party-to-party exchanges.

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