Chile China Communique Establishing Diplomatic Relations

1. At the invitation of president Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China, President Michelle Bachelet Jeria of the Republic of Chile paid a state visit to the People's Republic of China from 11 to 15 April 2008 and attended Boao Forum for Asia 2008. It is the first time for a head of state from Latin America to attend Boao Forum for Asia.

2. During the visit, President Hu Jintao held talks with President Michelle Bachelet Jeria, and Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Premier Wen Jiabao respectively met with her. The leaders of the two countries had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, and found their views converge on a wide range of issues.

3. The two heads of state reviewed the steady growth of China-Chile relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations and the good cooperation between the two sides in multilateral organizations. They expressed satisfaction at the fast growth of the all-round partnership between the two countries in recent years. The two sides agreed to put China-Chile relations in a strategic perspective, and believed that China-Chile relations play an important role in promoting China-Latin America relations, APEC and Asia-Latin America trans-regional cooperation. The two sides reiterated their support for multilateralism in international affairs and readiness to work together for progress in the Doha round negotiation in the interest of common development of mankind.

4. President Michelle Bachelet Jeria reiterated Chile's firm commitment to the one-China policy and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China. Chile recognizes Taiwan and Tibet as part of China. The Chinese side appreciates this position of the Chilean side.

5. The two leaders noted with pleasure the dynamic business relations between the two sides since the signing and smooth implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between China and Chile. China has become a major export market of Chilean products. They spoke highly of the signing of the Supplementary Agreement on Services to China-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The two sides pledged to further promote two-way trade and encourage more mutual investment. They will provide facilitation measures for those engaged in investment cooperation, support investment cooperation of their enterprises in a third market, intensify exchange and cooperation in mineral products and quality inspection, and establish a long-term cooperation mechanism for quality inspection. Both sides applauded the extension of the term of the agreement on China-Chile demonstration farm project, and expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation on the processing of agricultural products and exchanges in agro-technology and to explore the possibility of conducting a demonstration farm project in Chile.

6. The two sides pledged to strengthen exchange and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, sports, health, tourism, judicial field, social security and environmental protection. The Chilean side announced its provision of scholarships for Chinese university graduates and plan to host the exhibition of "Mapuche: Seeds of Chile" in Beijing to enhance mutual understanding. Both sides agreed to share experience in public administration and social policies to promote harmonious development and solidarity in their respective countries, and for this purpose, will step up existing cooperation mechanisms across the board. The two sides were pleased to note that the exchange and dialogue between the two legislative bodies helped increase the Chinese-Chilean people's friendship.

7. President Michelle Bachelet Jeria wished the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo every success, and extended an invitation to the Chinese side to attend the bicentenary of Chile's independence in 2010. The Chinese side expressed thanks for the invitation.

8. During the visit, a number of important cooperation documents were signed, including the Supplementary Agreement on Services to China-Chile Free Trade Agreement, the Implementation Plan of Cultural Exchanges for 2008-2011, the Protocol on Quarantine for the Export of Cherry and Plum from Chile to China, the Protocol on Quarantine for the Export of Citrus and Shallot from China to Chile, the Protocol on Inspection and Quarantine for the Import and Export of Pork, Milk and Dairy Products Between China and Chile, the Agreement on the Prevention of Stealing, Illicit Excavation and Illegal Import and Export of Cultural Relics, the Agreement on Exchange and Cooperation in the Field of Cultural Heritage, the MOU on Cooperation Between SMEs, and the Contract on Chile's Participation in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. The 3rd meeting of the Business Council and Forum on China-Chile Trade and Economic Cooperation were successfully held in Beijing and the Chinese and Chilean Business Forum: Chile, a Strategic Partner from Latin America was successfully held in Shanghai.

9. President Michelle Bachelet Jeria of the Republic of Chile expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the government and people of the People's Republic of China for the warm hospitality extended to her and the Chilean delegation and invited President Hu Jintao to visit Chile again at a time convenient to him. President Hu Jintao thanked President Michelle Bachelet Jeria for her invitation.

Beijing, 14 April 2008