No timetable for Sino-Vatican diplomatic ties
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-04-13 08:58 China has no timetable for
establishing Sino-Vatican diplomatic relations, said a senior Chinese official
in charge of religious culture communication on Wednesday, refuting rumors that
the two sides plan to enter such relations before 2008.
Qi Xiaofei, vice president of China's Religious Culture Communication
Association made the remarks when answering the question at a press conference
on the First World Buddhist Forum, which is scheduled to be held between April
13-16 in Hangzhou and Zhoushan of East China's Zhejiang Province.
The official, also deputy director of the State Administration of Religious
Affairs of China, said that China has definite principles on promoting normal
relations with Vatican that no one is allowed to interfere in China's internal
affairs or try to create "two Chinas".
During an interview with Xinhua, he urged Vatican to take concrete action by
showing sincerity to improve Sino-Vatican relations
"We have two clear and consistent principles on handling Sino-Vatican
relations. Vatican must sever the so-called 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan
and recognize the Chinese government as the sole legitimate government of China
and not interfere in our internal affairs in the name of religion," he
reiterated.
|