Vanuatu told to keep promise on Taiwan issue
2004/11/19
 BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- China solemnly demanded on Thursday that Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation, abide by its commitments to the Chinese government and its people on the Taiwan issue.

    The commitments were included in the 1982 communique on establishing diplomatic relations between Vanuatu and the People's Republic of China (PRC).

    "In 1982 when the two countries forged diplomatic ties, the Vanuatu government promised very clearly in the communique that the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the whole China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue told a regular news conference.

    The Vanuatu government reiterated that it adheres to the one-China policy and pledges to have no official contacts and political links in any form with Taiwan, Zhang said.

    On Nov. 10, the Vanuatu government said that its Council of Ministers annulled the Vanuatu-Taiwan communique signed in Taipei on Nov. 3, Zhang said.

    Zhang acknowledged that there are flaws in the countries' relationship.

    The Chinese embassy and ambassador in Vanuatu are maintaining contacts with the Vanuatu government, Zhang said. Enditem