US Must Build Trust on Taiwan, Tibet Issues: China - the China Post
China’s foreign minister said Tuesday that often fractious ties between Beijing and Washington are steadily improving, but that more trust is needed and the onus is on the U.S. to respect Chinese interests on issues such as Taiwan and Tibet.
Yang Jiechi’s comments on China’s most important bilateral relationship reflect the positive gloss given to ties by the successful getting-to-know-you visit to the U.S. last month by Vice President Xi Jinping, the heir-apparent to President Hu Jintao.
With its economy slowing and a delicate leadership transition looming, Beijing is looking to keep relations with Washington on an even keel, barring any major affronts to Chinese dignity or security.
Addressing reporters at an annual news conference, Yang said the key to sustaining momentum is for each to heed the other’s core concerns, although he mentioned only issues important to Beijing.
“In particular, the U.S. side needs to honor its commitments and carefully and properly handle Taiwan- and Tibet-related issues that concern China’s core interests,” Yang said at the packed conference, held on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature.
Beijing has long pressured Washington to end arms sales to Taiwan — a territory China claims — and withdraw support for Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, whom China accuses of fomenting separatism in Chinese-ruled Tibet.