24. Recognises China's leading role with the G77 countries and calls on the Chinese Government to fulfil this role within the WTO whilst respecting the legitimate economic concerns of neighbouring countries; 25. Is seriously concerned about the high levels of pollution caused by China's industries and expects China to take serious measures to protect the environment; emphasises that Trade and the Environment is an essential component of the WTO agreement and urges the Chinese Government to play a full and positive role in promoting sustainable development, as required by the WTO agreement, both within China itself and globally; welcomes the general willingness of the Chinese Government to cooperate on environmental protection, and also the wide range of activities by the existing NGO community in this area; therefore calls on the Commission to ensure that sufficient support and know-how relating to environmental protection are channelled in China's direction; calls on the Chinese Government to continue and reinforce its dialogue and cooperation with the EU on global environmental issues, e.g. climate change; Taiwan 26. Is convinced that the EU's adherence to the one-China policy is directly linked to its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the dispute through negotiation, dialogue and confidence-building measures without any threat of force, and therefore cannot accept that China reserves the right to use military force in its disputes with Taiwan; 27. Draws to the attention of both parties the indisputable fact that a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan question is crucial if political and economic stability in the region is to be reinforced and maintained in the medium- to long-term; 28. Believes, in this regard, that the participation of Taiwan in ASEM could be a step forward as to the resumption of a genuine dialogue between Beijing and Taipei with a view to developing cross-Straits relations; 29. Recognises the importance of the democratic process in Taiwan and takes note of the results of the December 2001 parliamentary elections; urges the two parties to engage in talks as soon as possible; 30. Emphasises that any arrangement between China and Taiwan can only be achieved on a mutually acceptable basis; expresses the view that the future of cross-Straits relations will depend on both sides' willingness to demonstrate flexibility, and on their capacity to be imaginative in proposing steps to resume dialogue; takes the view that, given Taiwan's achievements as regards the establishment of a fully-fledged democratic system, social pluralism and the rule of law, the will and approval of the 23 million people in Taiwan must be respected and accounted for in the light of a hopefully peaceful solution between the parties; 31. Deplores the fact that, in November 2001, the Member States did not grant visas for President Chen Shui-Bian to visit Europe; urges the Council and the Member States to honour their commitment to the fundamental rights of freedom to travel and issue visas to the President and all high-ranking officials of Taiwan for private visits to the European Union;