Taipei, Jan. 2 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian on Tuesday received U.S. Congressman Van Hilleary and his wife and stated that he believes relations between the two countries will be further strengthened in the new century.
Chen extended his appreciation to Hilleary for his long-standing support for the ROC, including his support for the passage of bills in favor of Taiwan.
He asserted that cooperation between the two countries will be fruitful because both share the universal values of freedom and democracy and both want to see peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific region.
He added that both sides are making efforts to promote bilateral economic and trade ties. Chen said that the inauguration of the new U.S. president later this month is certain to bring about a new hope for the United States.
He noted that military power is not the only way to maintain peace, adding that Taiwan hopes to employ a "non-military method" to attain the goal of upholding peace in the Taiwan Strait and security across the Asia-Pacific region.
The president further said that it is not necessary for the United States to act as a mediator between Taiwan and mainland China, but added that the U.S. could play a more positive role to stabilize the cross-strait situation.
Chen expressed the hope that Hilleary will take advantage of the visit to gain a better understanding of Taiwan.
Hilleary called on Chen at the Presidential Office, accompanied by ROC Vice Foreign Minister David Lee and a ranking official of the American Institute in Taiwan.