China stresses importance of Taiwan

"We should properly handle the sensitive issues that may influence the development of relations between the two countries and two armed forces, especially the Taiwan issue," said Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

Guo told Gates the Taiwan issue concerned China's fundamental interests and the sentiments of the 1.3 billion Chinese people.

He said the Chinese government and armed forces' position on the Taiwan issue was consistent. "We will continue to try our best with the utmost sincerity to realize peaceful reunification, but we will by no means tolerate 'Taiwan independence' and allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China in any name or in any form," said Guo.

(Xinhua)