On December 10, 2001, Mr. Chi Haotian, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission, State Councilor and Defense Minister, held talks with Mr. Frank de Grave, the visiting Dutch Defense Minister in Beijing.

　　Mr. Chi said, Mr. de Grave is the first Dutch Defense Minister to visit China since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.  The current visit by Mr. de Grave is of great importance, and will make positive contributions to the further development of the friendly relations and cooperation between the two military forces.  The Chinese government attaches great importance to its relations with the Netherlands and is ready to work with the Dutch side to ensure the sound and healthy development of the bilateral military relations at different levels and in various fields on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

　　Mr. Chi briefed Mr. de Grave on Chinese views on current international and Asia-Pacific situations, Chinese foreign policy, China’s domestic situation and its national defense development.  Mr. Chi also reiterated Chinese position on the Taiwan question.  He pointed out that the Chinese Government has always adhered the policy of “peaceful reunification and one country, two systems” on resolving the Taiwan question.  The mainland has the greatest sincerity in peaceful reunification of the motherland, as well as sufficient preparation for taking resolute measures in certain situations.

　　Mr. de Grave felt it a great pleasure to be the first Dutch Defense Minister to visit China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.  In recent years, there have been constant visits and exchanges between the two military forces.  The Dutch side values the smooth development of the friendly relations and cooperation between the two military forces.  He believed that further development of bilateral military cooperation and exchanges will be beneficial to both sides.  On the issue of anti-terrorism, he appreciated the active role played by China in the international fight against terrorism as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.  He pointed out that in the next stage of fighting terrorism, including the rebuilding of Afghanistan, the UN and its Security Council should play a major role.  He also reaffirmed that the Dutch government adheres to the One China policy, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.  

　　Mr. Wu Quanxu, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, and Mr. De Heer, the Dutch Ambassador to China were also present at the talks.

　　Mr. De Grave arrived in Beijing on December 9 for a one-week official visit to China.  Before the talks, Mr. Chi Haotian hosted a welcoming ceremony for Mr. de Grave and accompanied him to inspect the honor guard of the three services of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.