Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in Beijing Thursday that China's basic principles in dealing with its relationship with Vatican "remain unchanged".

Qin made the remark at a routine press conference in reply to a reporter's question. He said China hopes Vatican will take " concrete actions to create conditions to improve bilateral relations instead of setting new obstacles for it."

He said China has persistently followed two principles in dealing with relations with Vatican. Vatican should first of all sever its "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan; Secondly, it should promise not to interfere in China's internal affairs, including any intervention on the pretext of religious activities.