It should be a conduct of mutual respect. The two nations are once again clashing over the status of Taiwan. Chinese leaders are worried Washington might extend protection to Taiwan. Beijing claims the island, ruled separately since 1949, as its territory and has repeatedly threatened to capture it by force. Last week, Bush heightened those fears when he agreed to the largest weapons sale to Taiwan in a decade.
China says the sale violates U.S. commitments to limit arms sales.
Yesterday, Jiechi said China wants to rejoin with Taiwan peacefully. He also claimed that people could gain a better understanding of the Chinese reaction to Taiwan and other issues by realizing the high priority Chinese citizens place on maintaining national sovereignty, territorial integrity and dignity. Now the Chinese people have regained their dignity and the country has regained its sovereignty. After holding the Americans for 11 days, the crew was allowed to return, although the plane remains in China. Jiechi also said it would be a mistake for U.S. leaders to adopt a Cold War stance toward China.