Liang Guanglie, chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), met in Beijing Tuesday with Zbigniew Brzezinski, former national security assistant to the US president. 

Liang, also a member of the Central Military Commission, said China was ready to work with the United States to promote military relations so as to contribute to constructive and cooperative relations.

Liang said the Chinese government adhered to the policy of "peaceful reunification, and one country, two systems" in dealing with the Taiwan issue, and hoped the United States would observe its commitments, oppose Taiwan's independence and help to settle the Taiwan issue properly and cautiously.

Brzezinski said the maintenance of strategic and cooperative relations between the United States and China was crucial to global stability.

The United States did not support Taiwan's independence, and had been consistent in this policy, he said, adding that any attempt to change Taiwan's status would not win support from the United States or the international community.

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2004)