On July 31, 2002, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan met with US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Bandar Seri Begawan. The two sides made positive comments on the improvement and development of the recent Sino-US relations, maintaining that there is new progress in the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of anti-terrorism and trade, and the two countries are keeping consultations on UN affairs as well as regional and global issues such as those in South Asia and the Korean Peninsula. All these have promoted common interests.

Tang said that President Jiang Zemin will visit the United States this fall to have his third summit with US President George W. Bush. He believed that this bears great importance to the further strengthening of bilateral ties. He said that both countries should strengthen their dialogue and cooperation while enhancing mutual understanding and trust, so as to keep their constructive and cooperative relationship moving forward continuously. Powell stressed that President Bush attaches great importance to US-China relations and looks forward to President Jiang's visit this fall. He said the US government will work closely with China to solve all existing problems and make good preparations for Jiang's visit.

Tang pointed out that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, both countries have important responsibilities to maintain security in the region and the world. He said that China and United States share many common interests, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Powell said that as major countries of great influence in the world, US and China share more common interests despite certain differences. He said that the US needs cooperation and partner in this world instead of enemy. The US side hopes the two countries will continue their cooperation in all fields.

The two sides reached agreements on the following issues:

First, both sides agreed to enhance bilateral anti-terror cooperation on a two-way and mutual-benefit basis, and decide to hold the second consultation of China-US anti-terror working group in financial areas this October.

Second, the two sides agreed that the two countries will enhance exchanges and cooperation in the field of drug control and open talks for exchanging information in drug control in the near term.

Third, the two sides agreed to exchange opinions on human rights issues on the basis of equality and mutual respect. They decided to facilitate a new round of bilateral dialogue on human rights issues.

On the issue of nonproliferation, Tang reaffirmed that the fight and prevention against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a common task facing the whole international community and a policy which the Chinese government always stick to. He said that China is taking steps to enhance and improve the export control mechanism. Tang said the two countries share the common goal on the issue of nonproliferation and China is willing to cooperate with the United States in the area based on principles of mutual respect, mutual trust and taking care of the concerns of either side. He said China expects the US side to make concrete moves in this regard.

On the Taiwan question, Tang pointed out the Chinese government will solve the question according to the basic policy of "peaceful reunification, and one country, two systems". He said that the acts of Taiwan leaders of rejecting the One China policy and pushing forward the "Forward Taiwan Independence" are the crux of the deadlock of cross-straits relations. Tang said that those who seek Taiwan's independence are top enemies of China's peaceful reunification process and will also seriously hurt US interests. He said that China is concerned about recent US moves of strengthening political and military ties with Taiwan and urges the US side to stop arm sales to Taiwan and cut all its official and military contacts with Taiwan, avoiding sending a wrong signal to "Taiwan Independence" forces. Tang said that China hopes the United States could play a constructive role in China's reunification course, which will further boost China-US relations.

Powell said that he believes dialogue and cooperation in the area of nonproliferation conform to the interests of both sides, toward which the US holds a positive attitude. Powell also pledged that his country will always adhere to the One China policy, which will not be affected by any words or actions from the Taiwan side.

Tang also met with the Canadian foreign minister on the same afternoon.