China still won't rule out force

OTTAWA — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, on a three-day visit to Canada, said his government wants a peaceful reunification with Taiwan but won't rule out the use of force against separatists on the island it sees as part of its territory.

Wen, who signed a package of trade deals aimed at doubling commerce between China and Canada by 2010, made the Taiwan comments two days after President Bush issued his strongest statement yet opposing any unilateral moves by the island toward independence.

"The reason why we do not undertake to renounce the use of force is by no means targeted at our compatriots, rather it targets those separatist forces on Taiwan," Wen said at a joint news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

Wen added that, "as long as the slightest hope exists, we will never give up the efforts of peace."

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has faced increased pressure from the United States in recent days since he announced a March 20 election that asks voters to demand that China stop pointing hundreds of missiles at Taiwan. China fears such a referendum might eventually lead to a vote on formal independence.

Wen, in the news conference, reaffirmed his government's position on Taiwan:

"The basic policy of China on the resolution of the Taiwan question is peaceful reunification and one country two systems," Wen said. "To that end we will exert our utmost efforts in utmost sincerity to realize the peaceful reunification of the motherland."

The Chinese premier met privately with Chretien and separately with Paul Martin, who will assume the post of prime minister on Friday.

Trade topped the agenda of the three-day visit, with Chretien and Wen signing nine agreements, including provisions for increasing wheat and livestock exports to China.

Wen said he also hoped to increase imports in atomic energy technology, aluminum production and telecommunications.

"If we have closer cooperation we can complement each others' strengths and weak points," he said.