Special Report: Criticizing Chen Shui-bian's secessionist activities

                 Iran nuclear crisis

    BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Thursday there is still possibility of resolving the Iran nuclear issue within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    While talking over phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Wen said China supports the international nuclear non-proliferation system and advocates the issue be resolved through diplomatic talks.

    China backs the talks and negotiation between Iran and Britain, France, Germany and Russia and is willing to keep contacts with concerned parties including Germany, he said.

    Wen said China hopes the concerned parties will show restraint, patience and a constructive attitude in a bid to create conditions for peacefully resolving the issue.

    On the Taiwan issue, Wen called on the international community to keep alert to the dangerous move by the Taiwan authorities which on Monday ceased the function of the "National Unification Council" and application of the "National Unification Guidelines".

    The move is a "grave provocation" against the one-China principle universally observed by the international community and will undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, he said.

    The German government firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is worried about the Taiwan authorities' move, said Merkel, hoping the Taiwan issue will be resolved peacefully in line with the one-China policy.

    Wen spoke highly of the close cooperation between China and Germany. He appreciates Germany's new government for continuing its friendly policy on China.

    Merkel said that relations with China are important to the German government and it supports frequent exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and science and technology.

    Germany will maintain high-level contacts and enhance dialogue and cooperation with China, she noted.

    On the Iran nuclear issue, Merkel said that it's very important to solve the issue via diplomacy.

    The EU side will continue talks with Iran in a bid to keep the issue from deteriorating and Germany will maintain contacts and coordination with China, she said. Enditem