BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Grenada, a Caribbean country who recognized the Taiwan regime for 15 years, resumed diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China here Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (R) shakes hands with his Grenadian counterpart Elvin Nimrod after signing a joint communique to resume diplomatic ties between the two countries, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 20, 2005. (Xinhua Photo)

The event climaxed with the signing of a joint communique Thursday afternoon by Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his visiting Grenadian counterpart Elvin Nimrod in Beijing.

    "Today's resumption of ties reaffirmed to the whole world thatthe one-China policy is commonly acknowledged by the international community, and that any separatist attempt of 'Taiwan independence' forces are doomed to be defeated," Li said at an ensuing joint press conference.

    In response, Nimrod said the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada is of historic significance. Grenada is willing to develop long-term and cooperative ties with China.

    Nimrod also stressed in both of his meetings with Li Zhaoxing and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan that the Grenadian government recognizes there is only one China in the world. The government ofthe People's Republic of China is the sole legal government to represent the whole China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, he said.

    So far, China has established diplomatic links with a total of 166 countries.

    Grenada first established diplomatic relations with China in October 1985. China decided to suspended its ties with Grenada in August 1989, about two months after the latter openly recognized the Taiwan authority.

    Last December Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell visited Beijing. During his five-day stay in Beijing, Mitchell held talks with Li Zhaoxing and exchanged views with Chinese leaders on issues of common concern. Although no other details were disclosed,his visit has caused severe concern of Taiwan authority.

    Li Zhaoxing said that the Chinese government "is willing to cooperate with Grenada, in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, in such fields as politics, economy, trade, culture and education."

    He also hoped the two sides would increase personnel exchanges,strengthen mutual understanding and political trust, and exchange ambassadors and set up embassies at an early date.

    Given both countries are developing nations and face a common task of developing their economies and improving people's life, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said China cherishes its relationship with Grenada and would like to strengthen bilateral cooperation inan all-round way.

    Looking to the future of the Sino-Grenadian relationship, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan told a regular press conference Thursday that the Chinese central government will not object the non-governmental trade exchanges between Taiwan and Grenada.

    On the same breath, he stressed that the one China policy mustbe fully and seriously implemented. "That is the foundation of our diplomatic relations," Kong said. Enditem