BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia signed a joint statement in Beijing on Tuesday, with Russia reiterating its adherence to the one-China policy.

"The Russian side will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and recognize the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of the whole of China," the statement says.

"Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory," it says.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the statement. Putin started his two-day state visit to China on Tuesday.

Russia will not establish official relations with Taiwan or conduct official exchanges, the statement says. Russia will oppose"Taiwan Independence" of any form, including "de jure independence", and will not accept "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," it adds.

Russia is in opposition to Taiwan joining the United Nations or other international organizations that only sovereign nations could join, and will not sell weapons to Taiwan, says the statement.

Russia understands China's efforts for peaceful reunification of the country according to the Anti-secession Law, and recognises that the Taiwan question falls within China's internal affairs, in which external forces have no right to interfere.

"The two sides support each other's policies to safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," the statement says.

Russia also recognizes Tibet Autonomous Region as an inalienable part of China, says the statement. Enditem