FM: China ready to improve ties with Vatican on two conditions

BEIJING, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to explore ways to improve bilateral relations with the Vatican on the basis of two principles, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said here on Tuesday.

Namely, the Vatican should cut off its "diplomatic relationship" with Taiwan and stop interfering in China's internal affairs under the excuse of religion, said spokesman Liu Jianchao.

China is always "sincere" about improving ties with the Vatican while insisting on two principles, he said.

The two sides have maintained contact, the spokesman said, adding that China was ready to continue constructive dialogue with the Vatican.