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BEIJING, JULY 1, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Chinese government expressed a desire to promote "constructive dialogue" with the Vatican in a statement released after the publication of Benedict XVI's letter to Catholics in that country.

In an official declaration issued Saturday, the same day the Vatican published the Pope's letter, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang said that China had "taken note of the letter released by the Pope."

The statement said: "China has always stood for the improvement of the China-Vatican relationship, and made positive efforts for that. China is willing to continue candid and constructive dialogue with the Vatican so as to resolve our differences.

"China's stance on improving China-Vatican ties is consistent, that is, the Vatican must sever its so-called diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognize the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China."

Vatican representatives have explained in the past that there are no problems in principle with accepting this condition in view of diplomatic relations with Beijing.

The Chinese government, the declaration continues, asks that the Vatican "never interfere in China's internal affairs, including in the name of religion."

Qin added: "We hope the Vatican side takes concrete actions and does not create new barriers."

ZE07070104 - 2007-07-01