Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said that Taiwan leader may take the second highest-ranking position in China’s central government, the Beijing-based Huasheng Pao reported on July 7.

       When asked of the Taiwan issue by Italian journalists, Premier Zhu , who was visiting in Italy, expounded concepts of the One-China Principle and the conception of “One China, Two Systems”, which was masterminded by late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping to solve Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan problems. The scenario has been proved to be a success in bringing Hong Kong and Macao back to China in 1997 and 1999 respectively.

       “One China, Two Systems”  could be applied to Taiwan with more flexibility, as compared to Hong Kong and Macao, said the Chinese premier.

       For example, Taiwan could be allowed to keep its own troops, and Taiwan top leader could be promoted to the second highest position in the central government, Zhu said.
      Zhu criticized Taiwan’s top leader for refusing the One-China Principle, and not admitting he is a Chinese, which has led to the current stalemate of relations across the Taiwan Straits.