Li Changchun, a senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official, said Tuesday that China will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with various Vanuatuan political parties, including the National United Party of Vanuatu (NUPV), to further bilateral ties on a very important basis of one- China policy.

Li made the remark in his meeting with a visiting Vanuatuan National United Party delegation headed by its Secretary-General James Bule.

Li, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Political Bureau, said that China-Vanuatu relations have scored generally smooth growth despite going through some difficult times since the two nations forged diplomatic relations 23 years ago.

Li said the bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the fields of politics and economy continue to be strengthened and high- ranking officials of the two nations visit each other frequently, expressing his appreciation for NUPV's clear recognition and adherence to the one-China policy.

Li reiterated China's position on the Taiwan issue, saying that the issue concerns the core interests of the Chinese nation.

"The one-China principle is the most important political basis for China and CPC's foreign policy," Li said, pledging that China will stick to the principles of "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems," and make utmost efforts to realize peaceful reunification.

China firmly opposes Taiwan's Independence and secessionist activities in any form, and will never allow any one to use any means to separate Taiwan from China, Li stressed.

Saying the purpose of the delegation's visit is to further its understanding of China, Bule, who also serves as Vanuatu's Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industries, expressed his admiration of the achievement made by Chinese people under the CPC leadership.

He also thanked China for its support and aid to Vanuatu.

Bule said the NUPV will continue to stick to the one-China policy and firmly backs the reunification process of Chinese nation.

"We will work together with China to boost relations between the two parties and the two countries," Bule said.

China-Vanuatu relations encountered a short period of difficulty in November 2004, when former Prime Minister Serge Vohor signed a formal diplomatic recognition agreement with Taiwan in Taipei on Nov. 3 during a secret visit seeking funds there.

In December Ham Lini, former deputy prime minister of Vanuatu, was appointed new prime minister of the country, after a vote of no confidence in Vohor, who had been criticized for his erratic rule and recognition of Taiwan despite the country's one-China policy.