PRESS OFFICE ON RELATIONS BETWEEN HOLY SEE AND CHINA

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 1999 (VIS) - Following reports that China and the Holy See would establish diplomatic relations in the coming year, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a declaration released this afternoon:

"With regard to news reports today on relations between the People's Republic of China and the Holy See, I must make it clear that what was reported contains nothing new with respect to the news which was disseminated last October, which I also had to clarify.

"Since then there have been no new developments except for the Holy Father's Message to the Catholics in China and in the diocese of Macao."

On October 25, 1999 Dr. Navarro-Valls had stated: "We take note of this news that arises from various sources. It is well known that the Holy See wishes to have good relations with all countries. Consequently, this includes China where a Catholic community exists. However, I cannot be any more specific on news that we have not received through bilateral channels."

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