China, Vietnam seek closer ties

China and Vietnam have agreed to properly handle the problems in bilateral ties, to ensure the steady and healthy development. They reached the consensus at the second meeting of their steering committee on cooperation.

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem co-chaired Wednesday's meeting.

Tang says China has always regarded relations with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term point of view. He says it's in the interests of both countries to strengthen friendship, deepen cooperation and realize mutual benefits.

Pham says Vietnam has devoted itself to continuously promoting friendship between the two peoples and bilateral cooperation. The Vietnamese Communist Party and government firmly adhere to the one-China policy, consider Taiwan an inalienable part of China's territory, support China's reunification cause, and oppose "Taiwan independence" activities of any form, including the "UN membership referendum". Tang expressed appreciation for Pham's remarks.

The steering committee on cooperation meets annually in principle, alternating between two countries. Hanoi hosted the first meeting in 。