Acknowledgment of the one-China policy is the prerequisite for smooth development of China-Vanuatu relations, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Friday.

Wen made the remark during his talks with visiting Vanuatuan Prime Minister Ham Lini in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Friday afternoon.

Wen praised the new government of Vanuatu for adopting a "serious and just stance firmly opposing the wrong decision that the former government of Vanuatu made on the Taiwan issue."

Wen and Lini agreed that the two countries will "get rid of all interruptions to bilateral relations, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation and continue to push forward the development of bilateral relations."

Wen said since China and Vanuatu set up diplomatic relations, they have developed "significantly." Over the years, China has provided assistance to Vanuatu, "bringing substantial social and economic benefits to the country and the people."

Wen said the one-China principle is the "prerequisite and most important political guarantee of the smooth development of China-Vanuatu relations. The Chinese government appreciates the new government of Vanuatu for its clear statement on adherence to the one-China policy and its stance on not having any form of official contact with Taiwan."

Wen said all countries are equal members of international society, regardless of their size, wealth and strength. "They should treat each other as equals, be friends to each other, conduct mutually beneficial cooperation and seek common development," he said.

Wen said China is ready to continue to reinforce its political relations with Vanuatu and promote exchanges between the governments, parliaments and political parties of the two countries. He said China is willing to actively push forward trade and economic and technological cooperation with Vanuatu, and to enhance Sino-Vanuatuan coordination and cooperation on international and regional affairs.

Wen also explained the Chinese government's policy toward the South Pacific Region. He said China supports all South Pacific nations, including Vanuatu, "to unite and rely on their own efforts to develop economy and safeguard their own rights and interests."

Lini said the Vanuatuan government and people regard China as a "real cooperative partner" and are opposed to any attempt to change the one-China policy that Vanuatu pursues.

Lini said the Vanuatuan government and people are glad about the achievements in bilateral cooperation with China. He thanked China for its economic and technical assistance to Vanuatu.

Lini said the two countries share great potential in trade and economic cooperation. He side the two should "strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation" in agriculture, fishing and tourism.

Lini also expressed the wish that China would continue to play a strong role in pushing forward the development of South Pacific nations.

After the talks, Wen and Lini signed a joint statement between the governments of China and Vanuatu. They also attended the signing ceremony on an agreement on economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.

Source: Xinhua